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The Crab Cioppino Night, which has been around for 40 years, was held on Mar. 14 at SDES Hollister Portuguese Hall. Over 325 guests—200 of them hall members—attended.
Hall President James Dotson said the historic Portuguese-style crab dinner is pretty popular at most Portuguese Halls.
“We use the money here for the festival, Dotson said. “And it pays the bills, keeps the doors open at the hall, as insurance is $10,000.”
Makayla Hernandez, who cooked the meal, said crab takes about three to four hours to cook. “First step is crab, second step shrimp, third step sauce’” she said.
The kitchen team cut onions, garlic and added wine and spices. Then they mixed in the crab, tomato and other ingredients.
Hernandez said cioppino is a family tradition and she started cooking for the event 15 years ago.
Crab Cioppino being poured into the bowl for dinner. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Diners waiting for their Crab Cioppino dinner at SDES Hollister Portuguese Hall. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Crab Cioppino being chopped inside the bowl. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Diners enjoying their Crab Cioppino. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Shannon Mansmich set to eat her meal. Photo by Adam Bell.
“So it started off with Uncle Frank Zora and then it passed down to my dad, Roger Dutra,” she said. “I do it all by myself and my younger brother, Nathan Dutra.”
“I get to hang out with my family all night,” she said. “I hope to spread the word about the event so that we can maybe get some new guests to try it all out.”
Hollister resident Denise Black said she heard about Cioppino Night from Roger Dutroux. “He lets me know every time they’re doing it, and asks me if I want a ticket.”
“I love the crab and the cooks do a fantastic job at making it so delicious,” Black said. “Not too spicy, just right and just really amazing.”
She said she enjoys the camaraderie of being amid people having a great time, breaking bread, eating together and visiting with friends.
“I think it brings people together,” she said. “So, it’s nice, I always meet new people when I come, whether it’s standing in line or sitting down at the table eating cioppino.”
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