When you walk in to a party greeted by a server with a skull painted on her face, live music with the sounds of Mexico, and a whole pig being portioned into tacos – you know it is going to be a good night.
What is going on? The “Dia de los Muertos” (day of the dead) festival is a celebration of life and homage to the dead, and is widely celebrated in Mexico. If you want to experience the festivities though and cannot get in a trip to Mexico, head down to Oyamel instead.
Oyamel chooses a different theme every year and this year they honor Pedro Infante, a legendary Mexican actor and singer. He has appeared in over 60 films, and although he died in 1957, is still a popular icon in Mexico.
Oyamel’s culinary team and head chef Colin King have created refined Mexican dishes to celebrate the life of Pedro Infante, with flavors that showcase the “flavors of where he lived and where he passed” for the 2 week festival that starts with a kick-off party on Monday, October 19th. At a recent preview event, I got to experience a taste of what to expect, and of course, Oyamel does not disappoint.
The menu created includes a variety of creative dishes including raw sea urchins, rabbit, duck, pork belly, and of course, the essential chips, salsa and guacamole. The food is authentic and super flavorful, as expected. My favorites were the “Cordoniz el pipian” – quail with sausage, and the sea urchin with quail egg.
As a special homage to Infante, the cocktail specials include “The Soldier”, named after Infante’s first recorded song. The combination of tequila, aperol and grapefruit is enhanced by a kick of onion-infused honey! Yes, onion infused honey – oneof Infante’s favorite seasonings. The “Funeral at Yucatan” is served as a tribute to Pedro’s joyful spirit and character, and is made with tequila, Ancho Reyes liquer, espresso, egg whites, toped with cava and garnished with basil and grated coriander seeds!
The special menu will be available for 2 weeks, but if you want to experience the full food and beverage menu for the festival, attend the kickoff party on Monday, October 19th. Tickets to the kick-off are $49 and the party runs from 6-9pm. In addition to the delectable food and drink, there will be live music and face painting. For a chance to win dinner for 2 at Oyamel, come dressed in your best Pedro Infante inspired clothing.
Click here to buy tickets, and use code aparnadc for $5 off!
