Nouveau Mexican Dinner Series

New York - July 9th at Lalito

This was our first visit to Lalito and only our second time doing a 2-Seating Takeover, where we filled up the restaurant twice in one night. That's a lot of firsts for one evening so we were obviously a bit nervous and we knew that there was the possibility things could go wrong. Well, we're pleased to report that the feedback cards for both seatings were overwhelmingly positive. Phew! That doesn't mean it wasn't crazy and exhausting behind the scenes; we had forgotten how difficult it is to do back-to-back 50-seat events in one night. But, Chef Gerardo Gonzalez and his team are total pros and they pulled it off with grace and poise. Food aside, Chef Gonzalez was an incredible storyteller. We particularly loved listening to him share stories from his upbringing and how they influenced who he is and what he does now. With respect to the food, DELICIOUS and extremely unique. Below are the top 3 courses of each event as rated by attendees on their feedback cards:

 

1ST SEATING

1st Place: Baby Corn Esquites - with cotija, corn nuts, hominy, and cream

2nd Place: Marinated Beets - with whipped cashew cream, horseradish, and dill

3rd Place: Mixed Zucchini - with tahini, cubanelle pepper, and gomasio

 

2ND SEATING

1st Place: Baby Corn Esquites - with cotija, corn nuts, hominy, and cream

2nd Place: Lalo Carnitas - with confit orange, pickled onion, cilantro, cream, and pineapple hot sauce

3rd Place: Marinated Beets - with whipped cashew cream, horseradish, and dill