What do you get when Mexican and Thai cuisine collide? A fun, flavor filled Wednesday night, (emphasis on the flavor because my taste buds were doing the Carlton) at Baldwin Hills restaurant, Mexicano’s cooking demo which featured Mexican dishes with a Thai flare by chefs Jet Tila, Jaime Martin Del Campo, and Ramiro Arizu.
Tables were set with menu’s detailing what was in store for all us foodies, and can I just say, you know it’s going to be a good night when you’re taste testing not 1 not 2 but FOUR different appetizers alone! Yes people, we were treated to four apps, 3 different entree’s, two separate desserts and 2 specialty cocktails.
The night was not only to be a tasting of this amazing menu, it was also a lesson in how chefs Jaime, Ramero and Jet have been using Jasmine rice in their concepts and their personal lives for years. The Thai ministry of commerce was also on hand to show their appreciation for the years of support of the Hispanic community of Thai food and products and with a hope that this unique collaboration will be an inspiration to chefs and home cooks in the future.
“Thai Jasmine Rice is, without any doubt, the link between Thai and Mexican Cuisine” says Chef Ramiro.
We got a fun history lesson on the rice that was used throughout the cooking demo and I learned that Thailand’s best-known rice, is something increasing numbers of people are becoming familiar with. It is a long grain variety of rice that has a subtle floral aroma and a soft, sticky texture when cooked, the grains are also shorter and thicker than Spanish rice which makes it a lot easier to cook with.
Highlights of the menu, included:
Guacamole Al Tequila Tostaditas :Tequila infused guacamole served over tostadas
Ceviche Nayarit :Fish ceviche
Cochinita Pibil: Slow cooked, marinated shredded pork
Chamorro Al Guajillo: Beef Shank with guagillo adobo
Chile en Nogada: Poblano chili filled with picadillo topped with a walnut cream sauce and pomegranate seeds
Each dish was served with rice, and crafted beverages, Horchata Tradicional and Michelada de Tamarindo
The night was really wonderful! Aside from tasting all of this delicious food it was really fun to interact with the chefs and pick their brains about all things food! I learned that Chef Tila had actually competed on Iron Chef America against legendary Masaharu Morimoto and also helped guide Anthony Bourdain through the markets and restaurants of Los Angeles’ & Las Vegas. He has also been nationally celebrated for his culinary expertise on modern Asian Cuisine having grown up working at his family’s famed Bangkok Market—the first-ever Thai grocery store in Los Angeles in the ‘70s—and Royal Thai restaurant.
As if all of that good food, and history lesson weren’t fun enough, I was loving the vibe of Mexicano! Everything from the service to the decor were top-notch! I learned that they have a pretty amazing happy hour. With specialty days like their 2 for 1 margarita Tuesday and 2 for 1 Michelada Wednesdays, I’ll definitely be going back for more!
At the end of the night we were gifted these awesome goody bags with a sample box of rice and idea’s on how to cook it so check back here because I just may get the courage to try recreate the rum infused Horchata recipe the chefs created for us.
So party people, what events are you headed to that involve yummy food this summer? What are some go to rice dishes that you like to infuse in your meals? I’d love to know in the comments below!