Celebrating 100 Years of La Victoria

Isn’t it funny how there are certain foods from childhood that will always hold a special place in your heart? They’re usually the go-to when we’re shopping at the grocery store because they’re such an integral part of our lives and bring us comfort.  For me, those are Hamburger Helper, Cap’N Crunch Cereal, Snack Wells, and La Victoria Salsa. So imagine my surprise when the good folks over at La Victoria reached out to little ole me to come celebrate their 100th anniversary.

Held on the Santa Monica Pier  amid the ocean breezes on the boardwalk, diners were invited to celebrate the flavors of  La Victoria over a 3 course family style dinner by chef Eduardo Ruiz, owner of BLVD 745’s Chicas Tacos and Public Beer & Wine Shop in my hometown Long Beach CA (yep it seems pretty much Kismet that I be here).

Upon entry into the event I was greeted by friendly staff and given two drink tickets to get the party started, and really, who doesn’t like that kind of welcome? I made my way over to the bar and took in the details of the event. I’m a believer that the love is in the details and La Victoria did not disappoint. From the beautiful floral arrangement’s,  perfectly set tables, and the twinkle lights strewn across the sky, I knew I was in for a memorable event.

Being the wallflower I am NOT I started to mingle and get to know some of the other diners, because I mean let’s be real, dining family style is just so much more fun when you can actually converse with the people you’re eating with. When I’m at an event solo I usually pay attention to the people taking pictures and taking in the details of the event. Those people are my tribe and most likely bloggers like moi so I aim right for them (no shame in my game). So I walked up to a pretty little petite thing with vibrant pink hair and introduced myself. I found out her name was Jenna Martin and she was one part of blogging duo Two Small Fries. We connected over all things blogger and she became my date for the night!

Once we got our drinks and a tasty appetizer to start the night off we quickly found our seats and toasted to La Victoria’s 100 years.

 

Now let’s talk about this food ya’ll! Chef Ruiz did NOT disappoint! To start, we were given a selection of La Victoria Salsa Verde over blistered brussels, cauliflower, baby kale, and crispy quinoa. (By the way I’m definitely recreating this recipe for you guys in a separate post because it was that delicious!).  We also enjoyed ceviche and my favorite, the queso fundido, which was made with  raw mushrooms, poached chorizo over La Victoria Salsa Brava hot sauce and diced jalapeno, panela and Oaxaca. I know that’s a mouth full but you’ve got to see how cheesy this dish was for yourself!

Family style was the perfect way to enjoy this meal because after that first course I would’ve definitely had to tap out, but thank God the folks at La Victoria know how to party because the 2nd course was the perfect segue.

Enchilada’s made with roasted Morita, confit garlic over La Victoria Enchilada Red Sauce; Chicas Tacos over La Victoria Chipotle Sauce and Barbacoa Victoria which was  a Latin spin on stew with La Victoria Salsa Thick n’ Chunky, medjool dates, pearl onion and fresh lime juice.

We then ended the evening with a decadent tres leches cake with berries and hazelnuts.

 

So I have a confession to make, I may or may not have (ok I totally did) snuck back into the kitchen to get some good video for Facebook Live(if you missed it watch here). I mean I couldn’t enjoy this alone! I had to brag share with all my peeps, events this good should not be enjoyed alone… even if it is just virtually. Thank God Chef Ruiz didn’t mind and amid my one thousand apologies for being the annoying person getting in everyone’s way, I got some great shots of the pro in action.

La Victoria is  celebrating their 100th anniversary with a bang you guys, so if you loved what you saw here and are  in the San Francisco or Portland area sign up to attend the next event!

It’s sure to be great company, good music, and AMAZING food! You may even walk away with this cute swag bag filled with La Victoria goodies like I did.

Special thank you to La Victoria for hosting such an incredible celebration, I was truly honored to attend and wish you 100 more years of success!