If you like Mexican food, José Andrés restaurants, or celebrations for any reason, then you’re in the right place. Check out this trifecta… Take part in Rosa Mexicano’s 30th anniversary, celebrate Mexican Independence Day at Oyamel, and for more from Andrés, and another celebration, check out Jaleo’s 10th anniversary celebration the week after that!

Rosa Mexicano Celebrating its 30th Anniversary

Rosa Mexicano guacamole

Rosa Mexicano, now with three DC-area locations amongst their 14 overall, is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a special “Desde 1984” menu with some of the restaurant’s original, tried and true classics. The menu will be available for a $30 prix fixe, and will include appetizers such as Tamale con Huitlacoche en Cazuela  , Taquitos de Tinga Poblana and Empanadas de Jaiba, entrees such as Crepas con Camarones, Enchiladas de Mole Poblano, Filete con Hongos, several deserts. The special cocktail, not included with the prixe fix, is the Margarita Rosa, made with pomegranate and prickly pear-infused tequila.

All of the Desde 1984 menu offerings will be available for a month, and you can also order them a la carte.

The official shindig will be held in the original Rosa Mexicano in Midtown Manhattan on October 6th. Tickets will cost $75 including beverages, and will offer the diners a chance to meet the well known chefs who are collaborating for the event, including DC-standout Richard Sandoval, along with Mario Hernandez, Roberto Santibanez  and Sue Torres.

Proceeds from the event will go to The Orphaned Starfish Foundation, providing education and vocational training as a key to escaping the poverty trap. Rosa Mexicano will be working with this foundation to develop a program for aspiring chefs and restaurateurs.

Visit Rosa Mexicano’s website for more information.

Jaleo Celebrating 10th Anniversary for Crystal City Location

Jaleo Crystal City 10th

Jaleo Crystal City is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a celebration on September 24th. The festivities will feature an interactive Spanish market with specialty dishes and offerings from different Spanish cities, along with Flamenco dances and live guitar music. Here are the cities and their food and drink pairings

  • Barcelona: A make-your-own Montadito station will feature a whole jamón iberico leg, a selection of Spanish cheeses, and an interactive Tomate Fresca Bar, as well as the proper form for how to drink wine, a porrón
  • Cádiz: A Fritura station will offer the coastal treasures of the port city with Cucuruchos filled with fresh Puntillitas fritas (baby squid), Ortiguillas Fritas (nettles) and Camarones (shrimp), alongside Fino sherry
  • Madrid: A selection of Gambas al Ajillo, Huevos con Caviar, and Chistorra sausage, plus assorted beverages including Classic Red Sangria, Cava, Estrella Damm Inedit and offerings from local Legend Brewery, central VA’s oldest microbrewery
  • Valencia: Live preparations of Paella con Pollo y Setas and Arroz Meditteranea, along with the region’s specialty drink—Agua de Valencia, a sparkling orange juice
  • Sevilla: Celebrate Andalucía’s sunny capital with Liquid Olive demonstrations and sherry tastings, accompanied by Aceitunas and Ensaladilla Rusa
  • Santander: Finish on a sweet note with a dessert bar featuring Mini Flan, Mini Pastel de Chocolate y Avellanas, and Conos with fresh sorbet and homemade helado

Five dollars from each ticket sold will be donated to José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen, helping developing countries in crisis by building kitchens to feed the hungry with local ingredients, empowering communities by creating long-term solutions.

The event will be held at Jaleo Crystal City from 5 to 9pm on Wednesday, September 24th.  Tickets cost $35 per person and are available for purchase here.

Oyamel Celebrating Mexican Independence Day

Oyamel

Want more celebrations? And more from Jose Andres? Of course you do!

Good news then, as from September 11th-16th, José Andrés and Oyamel are honoring Mexican Independence Day with some great specials and traditional fare.

The specials include Chile en Nogada, a roasted poblano chile stuffed with pork, apple and pine nuts; the Menudo Norteno, beef tripe soup, Lamb Birria, braised and stewed lamb made rubbed with a guajillo paste, Tamal Con Puerco, a pork confit stuffed in a corn tamal, and Enchiladas Verdes, house-made corn tortillas stuffed with pulled chicken and topped with salsa verde cocida and chihuahua cheese.

All of the Oyamel specials are available for both lunch and dinner.