The festival will begin with a kick-off party on Monday, October 19th, and continue through November 1st. Last night, I attended the media preview for this festival. Above are some images of the event’s highlights. Yes, the face painter was a highlight!

My favorite drink of the evening was the “Funeral at Yucatán” ($12), which is made with Milagro blanco tequila, Ancho Reyes liqueur, espresso, egg white, and lemon juice, topped with cava, garnished with basil leaf and grated coriander seeds. The Tacos de Castacan (which contain pork bell, kidney, and liver), Sunfish Tamarind Ceviche, Lechon en Recado Blanco Tacos, and Guacamole were favorites of mine.

I also tried the two cocktails that are in one of the images in the above gallery, Ultimo Suspiro (El Silencio Espadin, Yellow Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, lime) & Xochitl Mezcali (El Silencio Espadin, Yellow Chartreuse, Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth, lime, pomegranate).

I was unable to try the striped bass dish since the stock they use for it contains an ingredient I’m allergic to, mushrooms. It did look good though.

-JAY