Autana
Day 1: 5-Course Dreaming of NW Venezuela Tasting Series
When a new eatery lands on Philadelphia Inquirer’s “26 Hottest Restaurants,” “Buzziest New Restaurants,” and “Best New Restaurants” 2022 Lists, you know it has to be awfully good. Well, Autana pulled off that trifecta, and this year made Philadelphia Magazine’s “50 Best Restaurants” List too. This Venezuelan café in Ardmore is a father/daughter collaboration that began life as a pop-up. Soon it had a fervent following, which was no surprise, given its extraordinary empanadas, arepas, and cachapas (folded sweet corn pancakes with choice of filling). Dad Chef Levi Hernandez, was a civil engineer in Caracas, while Daughter Maria was an architect, but their passion for cooking prevailed, and The City of Brotherly Love is all the better for it. “There is nothing about Autana that I don’t love,’ raves Philly Mag restaurant reviewer Jason Sheehan, while Craig LaBan, Philadelphia Inquirer’s star reviewer, praises Autana for being “homey, satisfying, and traditionally Venezuelan.” We are looking forward to our visit, and to hearing more from Chef Hernandez about the pleasures of Venezuelan cuisine!
About the Host:
Levi Hernandez
Chef/Owner
Born and raised in Maracaibo, Venezuela, Chef Levi Hernandez operated a restaurant in Caracas before moving to the United States. He worked as a civil engineer for a number of years before returning to a culinary career in 2018, working as a prep cook at the Four Seasons in Philadelphia. In 2020, he opened Autana with his daughter, Maria.
The Lineup
Courses # 1, #3, and #5 will be served individually plated. Courses #2 and #4 will be served family style.
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Pumpkin Soup
ginger
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Traditional Bites
tequeños | mandocas with corn | empanaditas | arepitas
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Tartare Criollo
tuna, avocado, crispy plantain
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Pabellón Criollo
shredded beef, white rice, black beans, sweet plantain
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Marquesa de Chocolate
maria cookies, creamy venezuelan franceschi chocolate
Autana
4 Station Rd
Ardmore, PA 19003
Event FAQs
- Do I have to bring printed tickets to the event?
- No tickets are needed.
- What does the ticket price cover?
- The ticket price covers the full cost of the meal.
- Does this restaurant serve alcoholic beverages?
- This restaurant is a BYO establishment, so please feel free to bring your own alcoholic beverages.
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- Can I bring guests/non-members to this event?
- Yep! For this event, guest tickets are $85 + tax & tip, and you can bring up to 3 guests. Please note, guests are not allowed to attend unaccompanied by a member.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Restaurants purchase the food for our events 14 days before the event date, at which point we are on the hook for the cost of your ticket. As such, we are not able to offer refunds (or credits towards future events) for any cancellation requests submitted within 14 days of the event date. We will, however, issue full refunds for all cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days before the event date. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to support@tastingcollective.com.
- What must I bring to the event?
- Please make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID. Additionally, please note this restaurant is BYOB, so make sure to bring your own wine and/or beer if you'd like!
- What parking information has the restaurant provided for this event?
- According to the restaurant, there is a nearby parking garage and/or lot, as well as street parking available. Parking is not validated.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- At this event, we will be able to accommodate most dietary restrictions and food allergies except for those with dairy, soy, alliums, or garlic restrictions. Please make sure to Update Your Dietary Restrictions within your Account Info before or after you purchase tickets, or email us at support@tastingcollective.com after you purchase tickets to let us know what your allergies/restrictions are.
