Stories of Life

The Pastel de Choclo Wars

Santiago, Chile – a city rich in history, culture, and the undeniable taste of pastel de choclo, a beloved dish that had become more than just food; it was a symbol of rivalry and redemption for three men who had once shared a cell in one of the city’s notorious prisons. José, Luis, and Ricardo had been sworn brothers during their time behind bars, but as freedom set them on separate paths, their brotherhood twisted into a fierce competition.

**The Birth of Rivalries**

José, the eldest, was a man of sharp instincts and shrewd business acumen. After his release, he saw potential in the prison market, realizing that the pastel de choclo could be more than just comfort food—it could be a profitable venture. He leveraged his connections within the prison to secure exclusive rights to supply pastel de choclo, not only to the inmates but also to the prison staff. His pastel de choclo, hearty and rich with ground beef, onions, and olives under a golden corn topping, became the staple meal for the prison community.

Luis, a meticulous planner with a flair for innovation, was not far behind. He took his business to the nearby city of Valparaíso, where he established his own pastel de choclo empire. Luis’s version was a refined twist on the traditional recipe, boasting fresh ingredients sourced directly from local farms. His pastel de choclo was smoother, lighter, and marketed as a gourmet experience. It quickly became a favorite among the city’s elite and middle-class families alike.

Ricardo, the youngest and most daring of the trio, ventured into Viña del Mar. He was quick to learn from both his brothers, blending José’s business acumen with Luis’s innovative spirit. Ricardo’s pastel de choclo was a fusion of bold flavors—he added spices that no one expected, making his dish unique and unforgettable. His strategy was aggressive: he undercut prices, outsmarted competition, and swiftly built a loyal customer base.

**The Prison Convention: A Chance to Prove Themselves**

Years of competition reached a boiling point when the Chilean Penitentiary Administration announced a convention and retreat, gathering staff from the three major city prisons—Santiago, Valparaíso, and Viña del Mar. This event, designed to foster collaboration and showcase rehabilitation efforts, included a culinary exhibition. It was a perfect opportunity for the three rivals to compete for recognition and influence.

The penology department allocated a significant budget to cater the event, and, in a twist of fate, all three brothers were contracted to supply pastel de choclo for the attendees. The contract was simple: each brother would receive equal space to showcase their dish and an equal share of the budget. It was not just about the food; it was about reputation and pride.

**The Preparation: Tensions Rise**

As the day of the convention approached, the tension between the brothers intensified. The event space was set up in a large courtyard surrounded by towering prison walls—an ironic setting for three men who had once been inmates. Each brother arrived with his team, tables, cases of ingredients, and enough pastel de choclo to feed a small army.

José, with his seasoned crew, arrived first. His setup was military in precision: tables lined with immaculate tablecloths, servers dressed in crisp uniforms, and trays of pastel de choclo steaming under polished silver lids. He oversaw every detail, making sure his presentation reflected the discipline he had cultivated since his days in prison.

Luis’s team was next, bringing with them an air of sophistication. His tables were adorned with elegant decorations—fresh flowers and intricate wooden boards displaying perfectly portioned samples. Luis supervised with an air of calm confidence, instructing his team on the precise temperature at which the corn topping should be served to achieve the ideal texture.