Chilte
5-Course Experimental Mexican Tasting Event
Beginning life as a pop-up in 2020 and opening its brick-and-mortar establishment in 2023 on Grand Avenue, this exceptional contemporary Mexican eatery has been showered with accolades, including a spot on both Esquire’s and Bon Appétit's 2023 Lists of “Best New Restaurants in America.” What’s more, Chef/Owner Lawrence Smith, a college football player who turned to cooking when his NFL career fizzled, is a 2024 Food & Wine “Best Chef” Winner and a 2025 James Beard “Emerging Chef” Semi-Finalist. Chilte is known for its innovative and exciting food, from jet-black tortillas using squid ink to macha pepino (cucumbers dressed in a sweet and spicy salsa macha), mole de la casa (butternut squash flautas with mole negro), and a Thai-inspired riff on carne apache that’s all funk and fire. Diners also lap up his desserts, like baklava cheesecake with pistachio and agave filling and PB & J semifreddo. “[Chilte] brings a carnal joy to new Mexican cuisine,” raves Esquire. “Every bite is a wonder.” Need we say more? Join us as we discover Chef Smith’s culinary wizardry with a special TC-curated menu!
About the Host:
Lawrence Smith
Chef/Owner
Chef Lawrence Smith was a college football player at the University of Akron before he turned to cooking. A graduate of Arizona Culinary Institute, he has trained under top Valley chefs such as 2-Time James Beard Nominee Beau MacMillan and James Beard Award-Winning Chef Alex Stratta. He was recently named a 2024 Food & Wine “Best Chef” Award-Winner and a 2025 James Beard “Emerging Chef” Semi-Finalist
The Lineup
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Menu coming soon ...
Chilte
765 Grand Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Event FAQs
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- Does this restaurant allow BYOB?
- No. This restaurant is a non-BYO establishment. Outside alcohol will not be permitted at this event.
- 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.
