Mexican cuisine is as diverse and rich as the country’s landscape, thanks to its wealth of regional ingredients and deep roots in ancient civilizations and traditions. In the southern state of Oaxaca, the cuisine is defined by two staple ingredients: mezcal and insects. Here, mezcal is not only a drink, but a source of pride and a foundation of cultural identity.
The Museum of Food and Drink, in partnership with the Mexican Cultural Institute, invites you to the first event in our Spring Spirits series. Join us for an evening of Oaxacan food and drink to usher in Cinco de Mayo. Learn more about the production of mezcal, its diversity of flavors, and the important role insects have played in Mexican cuisine long before guacamole with grasshoppers appeared on American restaurant menus. A reception featuring different varieties of mezcal and insect-forward antojitos provided by Casa Mezcal will follow.
A portion of the proceeds from this event will support the educational initiatives of the Mexican Cultural Institute of New York.
Ticket buyers will get $1 off all drinks all night at Pete's Candy Store, as well as be able to sample their upcoming mezcal-based cocktail, The Happy Camper, for a reduced price of $8.
PURCHASE TICKETS (must be over 21)
About the MCINY
The Mexican Cultural Institute is a non-profit organization committed to generating awareness and promoting the richness, dynamism, and diversity of Mexican arts and culture in New York.
About Casa Mezcal
Casa Mezcal is a restaurant, bar, and gallery space located in the Lower East Side, dedicated to promoting the culture of mezcal in New York City. Casa Mezcal has a variety of mezcal on offer, and serves them alongside traditional food from Oaxaca featuring local ingredients.
About Mezcales de Leyenda
Mezcales de Leyenda was founded more than ten years ago in Mexico City. Mezcales de Leyenda currently offers five different mezcals, from five different regions using five different agave plants, all of which are certified USDA Organic and Fair Trade Certified. Each producer has created a mezcal that is not only special in its quality, but preserves the time-honored manner of production from harvest to distillation, maintaining the craftsmanship and integrity of mezcal.
About Merci Mercado
Merci Mercado works to bring exceptional, traditional Mexican ingredients into kitchens around the world. They are passionate about gastronomy and promoting a more diverse world cuisine.
About Creyente
Creyente Mezcal Joven is a new ultra-premium blend of two 100% Espadín mezcals from the Oaxaca regions of Tlacolula and Yautepec. Creyente is a testament to the magical blend of time, creativity and “belief” – the last for which the brand is named. Bottled at 40% ABV, Creyente Mezcal Joven is available nationwide.
About Pete's Candy Store
Just around the corner from MOFAD, Pete's Candy Store is offering a preview of their upcoming spring menu, the Happy Camper cocktail: Mezcal, Contratto Bitter, Velvet Falernum, and fresh lime juice. In addition to $1 off all drinks all night, attendees of 'Mezcal and the Taste of Oaxaca' will get the Happy Camper for $8 (instead of $11). Viva La MOFAD at Pete's!
709 Lorimer St. between Richardson and Frost
Photo via Flickr user Graeme Churchard