Recap: 1st Annual Día de los Muertos Tequila Dinner at Cien Agaves

A night of Mexican celebration took place at Cien Agaves in Old Town Scottsdale all in honor of the traditional Día de los Muertos. Hand crafted decorations of skulls and playing cards where on each table as 50 guests made their way to the dining area.

The four course meal was inspired by the flavors of Mexico and each entrée was uniquely crafted by chef Ricky Dealba. As each course was presented so were the specially prepared cocktails, designed by mixologist Luke Detraz.

Guests were given two tequila based drinks to kick off the night. Served in shot glasses, the Espolón tequila had pomegranate, beets, and cayenne – delivering a sweet flavor. The second shot glass was filled with jicama, lime, oranges, honey, and poblano. This drink only had a hint of sweetness to it.

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First course was the “Oaxacan Dead”, which was shredded duck stuffed inside a tamale. Delicious and full of flavor, the spicy mole sauce and machego cheese made this entrée incredible.

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Paired with the first course was the Espolón Blanco, which when mixed correctly, would rise in front of our eyes.

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Second course was La Calavera Catrina, which included a shrimp and avocado salad paired with a fruity cocktail and flavors of Espolón reposado and smoked grapefruit.

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Third course, and the most creative entrée, was a surprise for all! Each guest was served a chile pork shank with baby carrots and a smooth chipotle manchego polenta.

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The paired drink was ancho reyes.; another fruity drink that had a lime cupped inside, and inside the lime was a fried worm. True foodies tasted the worm and experienced a crispy and oddly flavorful crunch.

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The dessert, known as the “Three Borrachos”, was a coconut and lime sorbet. Small but fulfilling, there were hints of Mexican tropical flavors.

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The intimate dinner was a success all around. Chef and Luke Detraz gave the foodies a tour of Mexican flavors adding their own twist, which created a delightful and unexpected evening, keeping everyone on their toes for what was coming next.Proceeds from the night went towards art education organizations in Arizona.