Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Oyamel Cocina Mexicana - Day of the Dead Kick-Off Party


Is there a better way to honor the memory of lost loved ones, than feasting on delicious tapas? That's debatable; but what isn't, is the level of skill employed at Penn Quarter's Oyamel Cocina Mexicana, which hosted its eighth annual Day of the Dead Kick-Off Party last night. Perhaps my favorite Mexican restaurant in the DMV, Oyamel knows how to throw a party; but better yet, they know how to make incredible tapas (ceviches, tacos, etc.) Long live the dead. Long live Oyamel.

I'm not a big fan of communal dining (give me a table for two anytime) but even I had to admit, t'was an amazing atmosphere to be a part of. Live music, employees dressed in masks and the aforementioned food (& drink.) Bite of the night honors went to the Taco de Suadero (braised local brisket in a housemade tortilla with cilantro, onions and salsa verde) which packed immense heat and flavor. It was so good, I snuck back in line to have seconds. Also amazing, its baby pig sibling Taco de Carnitas with added pork rinds for texture. Like everything else served here last night, it was simply (but superbly) seasoned. Cilantro, onions, etc.


Speaking of superb, let's not overlook Puerco en Chile Morita and its delectable myriad of flavors (local pork spare ribs, braised and lacquered in salsa of chile chipotle morita, served with jalapeño escabeche, pickled tomatillo and red onion.) Sounds like a lot, I know; but they marry perfectly. Topped off with two shrimp ceviches and a glass of white wine, it's a wonder I made it back up the street to screen Alejandro González Iñárritu's Birdman after. The Mexican-born Iñárritu by the way... how appropriate.

Bistec en Chile Pasilla

Great movie, even better food... Sounds like a night for the dead, if you ask me. Missed last night's kick-off party? You can enjoy Day of the Dead specials at Oyamel through November 2nd: Learn more here.

Puerco en Chile Morita

Camarones en Escabeche Ceviche

Taco de Suadero/Taco de Carnitas