6627 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
USA
Day of the Dead Dinner
On November 1 in Los Angeles, the Pacific Food & Beverage Museum (PacFAB) and The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC) bring together the agave spirits expertise of author Chantal Martineau and the south-of-the-border culinary magic of Lotería Grill Founder & Executive Chef Jimmy Shaw for a singular evening of engaging storytelling and fine food and drink from Jalisco and Oaxaca. The topic is tequila, and author Martineau will present a rarely-told tale of “How the Gringos Stole Tequila.”
On our side of the border, tequila used to be best known as party fuel, partly because the best stuff never made it here. Meanwhile in Mexico, it was recognized as a spirit of character, with the best varietals reserved for savoring. Tequila and its smokier cousin mezcal now have graduated to the status of fine sipping spirit, and “How the Gringos Stole Tequila” traces the spirit’s evolution in America from frat-house firewater to luxury good.
So join us for a multi-course meal featuring authentic Day of the Dead-themed Mexican specialties and an expert-led agave spirits tasting, during which we weave a tale that offers a glimpse into the social history and ongoing impact of Mexico’s most iconic liquid export. The sustainability of the limited resource that is agave, the preservation of traditional production methods, and the agave advocacy movement that has grown up alongside the spirit’s swelling popularity are all part of the intriguing story.
The evening begins at 7:00 PM and, in a tribute to the season, features traditional sugar skull face painting courtesy Los Angeles artist Vienna To.