Thursday, mezcal master Ron Cooper, of Del Maguey Mezcal, and mixologist Tad Carducci, Tippling Bros., will do it Oaxaca-style with Chef Patricio Sandoval, executive chef at Mercadito. The master mixologists will pair mezcal libations with Chef Sandoval's modern spin on Southern Mexican classics such as tostadas de cangrejo, tacos and barbacoa.
You know generic mezcal; it's the one that has the worm in the bottle that one no one will try. Cooper and Carducci are taking things to another level by introducing premium mezcal to Miami diners.
Mezcal is tequila's red-headed sister. It originates predominantly from Oaxaca and is made from a variety of agave plants. That's different than the blue agave that's standard in tequila production. The result is a greater range of flavors, styles and quality. As they say in Oaxaca, "para todo mal, mezcal y para todo bien también." (mezcal is for all that is bad...and for all that is good too.)
A five-course dinner will be offered at $45 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Dinner starts promptly at 8 p.m. For reservations, call Mercadito directly (786) 369-0430. Mercadito is located in Midtown at 3252 Northeast First Ave.
First Course:
OSTION LA PENCA
kumamoto oyster,
apple, minero mezcal, light beer mignonette, habanero
Alfie's
apple
san luis del rio mezcal, crema de mezcal, apple sidral,
elderflower, lemon, Chinese five spice
or
mezcal del maguey, san
luis del rio
Second Course:
TOSTADA DE CANGREJO
crispy
tortilla, crabmeat salpicon, chipotle hollandaise, pickled chayote
los
hermanos
santo domingo de albarradas mezcal, passion fruit, mint,
agave nectar, yucateca
or
mezcal del maguey, tobala
Third
Course:
TACO DE HONGOS & TACO DE PESCADO
wild
mushrooms, huitlacoche, crispy manchego, tilapia, mezcal-hibiscus mojo,
avocado
little less misty
vida mezcal,
hibiscus flower, ginger, lime, agave nectar, jarritos de toronja
or
mezcal
del maguey, santo domingo albarradas
Fourth Course:
TAQUIZA
DE BARBACOA
braised lamb, tomatillo salsa, salsa borracha
dizzy
oaxacan
minero mezcal, averna, grapefruit, lemon, ginger beer,
cayenne
or
mezcal del maguey, chichicapa
Dessert:
FLAN
DE NARANJA
orange custard, mole caramel, toasted peanuts, mezcal
foam
chocomole
crema de mezcal, tequila añejo,
Mexican chocolate, peanut, mole spices
or
mezcal del maguey,
pechuga
