‘A Taste of Yucatán’ provides a multi-course culinary adventure

Chefs Juan Carlos Aparicio and Jason Peabody have partnered to bring Philadelphia an authentic and contemporary take on Mexican gastronomy. The 2024 James Beard award semifinalist and chef of El Chingon, Aparicio, will join Peabody for a collaborative experience at the latter’s premier Spanish tapas restaurant, Oloroso’s, for a one-night event titled ‘A Taste of Yucatán.’

The Mexican state of Yucatán is well-regarded for its culinary contributions. Influenced by Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean traditions, Yucatán cuisine goes far beyond what many think when they consider traditional Mexican cooking. For those unaware of what Yucatán-food has to offer or for those simply looking to enjoy samplings of the food scene, A Taste of Yucatán is here to provide a delicious journey into the state’s diverse and delicious delights.

The multi-course experience will provide guests with a wide range of authentic dishes, featuring five courses led entirely by Aparicio and Peabody. Highlights from the menu include Sopa Fria de Maíz (a sweet corn soup with ginger, coconut milk, and chipilín),  Tomate à la Parrilla (burnt eggplant romesco, queso de bola yucateco, and fig leaf oil), Cochinita Pibil Negra (pork shank, black adobo, chiles curtidos, and corn tortillas), Pescado Tikin Xik (wood-fired white fish en adobo, topped with charred chiles gueros, olives, and onion curtidos), and Marquisita Yucateca (queso de bola, cajeta, and Xtabentún).

Those in attendance will also have the opportunity to pair their experience with expertly curated wines courtesy of Oloroso’s in-house sommelier, Gordana Kostovski. Additionally, Townsend Wentz Restaurant Group’s Beverage Director, Andrew Hicks, will be offering a bevy of mezcal-centric cocktails. Guests can also partake in Oloroso’s full bar options including sangria, cider, sherry, and more.

“Our goal with this series of chef-driven pop-up dinners is to engage talent that we admire and greatly respect such as Chef Juan Carlos Aparicio, and to create a truly collaborative experience that will only be available for one-night-only,” expressed Peabody. “Juan Carlos is doing really incredible work at El Chingon and it’s truly an honor to create this dinner with him and our team right here in the Oloroso kitchen.”

A Taste of Yucatán will take place on Monday, Aug. 12. There will be two seatings: 5:30 and 8 p.m. Reservations to A Taste of Yucatán are encouraged and can be made at resy.com.