As part of their ongoing quest to educate and illuminate through gastronomy, Reserva de la Familia by José Cuervo has created the Pairing Chefs, Pairing Tequila dinner series. From Californios to Camphor to Valle, Reserva de la Familia shines a light on the faces and places that are redefining Mexican gastronomy for today. The dinners embrace the heritage and legacy of the cuisine through the flavors, while also presenting a modern interpretation with elevated cues and directional plating. For Reserva de la Familia's latest outing, they selected One MICHELIN Star Corima in New York City's East Village. Chef Fidel Caballero has made waves in Manhattan and beyond for his precise approach to gastronomy where diners can see the action with an open kitchen. Chef Elena Reygadas of One MICHELIN Star Rosetta in Mexico City was the ideal complement to Caballero for this dinner. The menu devised by these two powerhouses was a masterful moment of collaboration and creativity.
Manhattan's most discerning food creators were in attendance, savoring everything from the welcome cocktail, Reserva de la Familia's take on a Paloma (recipe below), to the delectable takeaway bonbons. After a rousing demonstration and explanation of Reserva's expressions from Ambassador Lea Logan, it was time for guests to take their seats for dinner.
The first course, scallop with soursop, cucumber, and avocado leaf transported guests to sunnier vibes with its fresh, lively, and crisp flavors. Punctuating this was 'The Martini', a unique drink highlighting Reserva de la Familia's Añejo Cristalino, coupled with sherry. After the initial cheers, everyone tucked into the next course, a refreshed take on a classic tetela.
Using king crab, quelites, hazelnut nogada, and perilla leaf, Chefs Elena and Fidel melded the worlds of art and gastronomy together with a colorful presentation and savory flavors. Enhancing the experience was the Reserva martini providing smooth contrast.
As guests took in the ambiance sprinkled with florals amplifying the vibrancy of the Reserva de la Familia Artist Box Collection (this year’s limited-edition features the distinctive work of Mexican artist Ana Segovia), it was time for Chefs Elena and Fidel to present their final savory courses. The eggplant served with nori (edible seaweed) and encacahuatado, provided Chef Elena the opportunity to make seasonality and fresh produce the star, while Chef Fidel's Texas wagyu sirloin cured in sake lees, black bean jus, alaches (Mexican wild greens), and bitter almond mole de nova satiated diners with a bold finish. Both were accompanied by Reserva de la Familia Reposado (served neat) amping up the richness of each dish.
And while typically the best is saved for last, the entire dinner was a celebration of the nuance of Mexican gastronomy which was summed up with the tamarind, piloncillo, and Chile deco nicutole dessert. Paired with the dessert, guests savored the deep flavor profile of Reserva de la Familia Extra Añejo, rooted in rich oak, toasted almonds, vanilla and cinnamon.
As the last sips drunk and final nibbles taken, guests departed but not before they were treated to an elegant, personalized bottle of Reserva de la Familia featuring hand-engraving coupled with a hand-painted motif ideal for snapping and sharing with friends.
Enter the world of Mexican gastronomy with Reserva de la Familia and discover the flavors, faces, and recipes that's lasted for centuries.
Watch above and step inside Reserva de la Familia's Pairing Chefs, Pairing Tequila Dinner with Chefs Fidel Caballero of Corima and Elena Reygadas of Rosetta
The Paloma featuring Reserva de la Familia by José Cuervo Organic Platino
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Reserva de la Familia Organic Platino
- 2 oz clarified oro blanco
- 0.25 oz clarified oro blanco super juice
- 0.5 oz timut peppercorn syrup
- Top with soda
Recipe
- Build ingredients in a Collins glass over ice, stir, and and add long oro blanco twist
Reserva de la Familia is committed to championing fine Mexican gastronomy, bringing together the best chefs to drive innovative collaboration. Stay tuned for upcoming Pairing Chefs, Pairing Tequila dinners, and click here to learn more.
All images courtesy of Jason Lowrie / BFA.com
