El Carlos Elegante
5-Course Elevated Pan-Latin Tasting Event
Opened in November of 2022, this Design District eatery immediately vaulted onto a slew of “Best Of” Lists, including Dallas Magazine’s “Most Exciting Restaurants” List, Infatuation’s “Best Restaurants in Dallas” List, and Eater’s “38 Essential Restaurants in Dallas” List. Feel yourself whisked away to a sophisticated dining establishment in Mexico City with amazing crudo and ceviche, a big wood-fired grill, and an in-house masa program. Executive Chef Ivan Aguila was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico and cooked at the Michelin-starred Spanish spot Andanada in New York City under chef Manuel Berganza, but El Carlos Elegante is his first time working with Mexican cuisine (and more) as a professional. Here, he is turning out exceptional dishes like pork al pastor with pineapple butter, duck confit tlacoyou with cherry mole and orange, and guajillo chicken, all served up in a warm, stylish dining room that melds mid-century, Mexican, traditional, and contemporary accents. “El Carlo Elegante delivers upscale authentic fare that is worth the price of admission,” says the Dallas Observer, so naturally we are primed to visit. See you there!
About the Host:

Ivan Aguilar
Executive Chef
Born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, Chef Ivan Aguilar trained in European-style cooking, cutting his teeth at Michelin-Starred Andanada under chef Manuel Berganza. He is now Executive Chef of El Carlos Elegante, where he leads a team of close-knit chefs from all over the cultural map.
The Lineup
All courses will be served individually plated. For this event’s dietary restriction accommodation policy, see the Event FAQs below.
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NC Crab Claws
aleppo, mojo verde
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Cristina’s Molotes
chorizó, salsa roja, black beans
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El Machete
compressed pork belly, poblano, caramelized onion
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Wagyu Beef NY Strip
recado negro, mole amarillo, carrot & beet slaw
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Key Lime Pie-Ish
shortbread, guava mousse, hibiscus
El Carlos Elegante
1400 N Riverfront Blvd
Dallas, TX 75207
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.
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- At this event we will be able to accommodate all dietary restrictions and food allergies except for those with garlic or allium allergies. Just 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 so we can give the chef a heads up.
- 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.
- What must I bring to the event?
- Please make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID.
- Will this event be handicap acccessible?
- According to the restaurant, this event is handicap accessible. If applicable however, please email support@tastingcollective.com with your needs to ensure proper accommodations.
- What parking information has the restaurant provided for this event?
- According to the restaurant, they offer complimentary valet parking.
- Can I bring guests/non-members to this event?
- Yep! For this event, guest tickets are $90 + tax & tip, and you can bring up to 3 guests. Please note, guests are not allowed to attend unaccompanied by a member.