El Puro
Day 3: 5-Course Homage to Havana Tasting Series
Named to Eater’s latest “13 Hottest Restaurants in Charlotte” List and Charlotte Observer's " Hottest New Restaurants of 2021" List, this scorching hot new eatery in Madison Park showcases a dynamic but not widely known cuisine. Step inside and you’ll feel the elegance, glamour, and history that was once Havana. Chef Felix Gonzalez began line cooking in well-known Miami restaurants like El Toro Loco and Cafe La Trova before becoming head chef at Old Havana Cuban Cuisine and then sous chef at Kuba Cabana. At El Puro, he turns out deeply authentic (and deeply delicious) dishes like ropa vieja, paella, chuleta matamoros (grilled pork loin with parsley-mojo marinade) and rabo encendido (red wine-braised oxtail). Axios’ restaurant reviewer said, “As a Cuban immigrant myself, I’m always looking for comfort food that reminds me of home. El Puro delivers.” Small wonder that Axios named El Puro to its latest list of “The 9 Best New Restaurants” in the Queen City. We’re excited to hear from Chef Gonzalez and to enjoy El Puro’s food and its soundtrack of Celia Cruz, Benny Moré, and other legendary Cuban musicians!
About the Host:
Angel Jimenez
Chef de Cuisine
Chef Angel Jimenez brings over 15 years of dedicated restaurant experience and a deep passion for culinary excellence to his role as Chef de Cuisine at El Puro. Originally from Honduras, he joined the team in 2024 and has quickly become the backbone of the El Puro kitchen.
The Lineup
All courses will be individually plated. This menu will be Peanut and Mushroom Free. For the list of restrictions Chef is accommodating, scroll to the bottom of this page.
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Picadillo Empanadas
ground beef, tomato-based sauce, olive, caper, raisin, cilantro aioli, cotija cheese
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Shrimp Ceviche
red pepper, red onion, cilantro, coconut milk, chili lime sauce
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Rabo Encendido
braised oxtail, cilantro risotto, sweet plantain, crispy onion
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Mariscada
red snapper, shrimp, mussels, coconut saffron cream, white rice
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Arroz con Leche
sweet rice tart, guava sauce, toasted cinnamon cake
El Puro
5033 South Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28217
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.
- 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 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 dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- Due to the large-format nature of our events, restaurants are not able to accommodate all dietary restrictions/food allergies or make any menu adjustments based on food preferences (e.g distaste for specific ingredients/flavor profiles). This restaurant will be offering substitutions exclusively for the following restrictions/allergies: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Gluten, Dairy, Shellfish, Fish, Egg, Tree Nut. If you have any of these restrictions/allergies, please make sure to note this in your profile (in the “Event Preferences” section) either before or right after purchasing your tickets so Chef can prepare accordingly.
