Specialty dishes, dinners and drinks are very alive at Aqimero (10 Avenue of the Arts) in celebration of the Day of the Dead.
The holiday, also known as Día de los Muertos, originated thousands of years ago with pre-Hispanic Indigenous cultures honoring death as a natural part of life rather than a time for mourning. Although the official date for the tradition is set for early November, Chef Richard Sandoval’s locale will be commemorating the occasion now through Nov. 3 with a special limited-time menu.
As a release notes, the fresh food and drink options added are inspired by the moon’s guiding presence—a nod to Mesoamerican lore where lunar deities symbolize fertility, healing, and the crossing between worlds. The specialties were all designed to “nourish both body and spirit”, with flavors and presentations that take notes from tradition and the “meditative glow of night.”
What that looks like are an eclectic assortment of cocktails like the Living Spirit (tequila, ancho reyes, nixta tamarind, agave, black salt, a blue corn tortilla and a chipotle tuile), the Moon’s Embrace (bourbon, abasolo, cacao liqueur, abasolo cocoa, café de olla orange bitters, rose and obleas) and the Moonlit Waters (hibiscus, balsamic vinegar, cinnamon, beetroot, agave, guava and soda.)
Food-wise, the occasion puts dishes like Calabaza en Tacha (pumpkin natilla brulée with piloncillo pepita compote and cinnamon ice cream) and Ofrenda de Cempasúchil (lamb tenderloin with creamy purple potato mash, roasted heirloom carrots, charred ashes, and smoky chipotle hibiscus sauce) on the menu. All dishes will be served family-style at communal tables to keep up with the collaborative theme.
Those who want to explore Aqimero’s Day of the Dead offerings even more so can book a spot for Chef Sandoval’s one-night-only Día de los Muertos Dinner (set for Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.) The three-course tasting menu will be paired with four moon phase inspired cocktails that evening, each of which take note from a different aspect of the moon’s celestial journey from the New Moon’s Seeds of Intention to the Waning Crescent’s Release & Renewal.
“Día de los Muertos is a special time for me, as it’s a celebration of life, family, and heritage,” says Chef Sandoval. “I’m thrilled to invite guests to experience an evening filled with the bold, vibrant flavors that reflect the beauty and essence of this holiday. I look forward to personally sharing these dishes and stories with everyone.”
Note, there is limited seating for the dinner experience, and it’s recommended to book your spot online through Aqimero’s site, aqimero.com
