Matilda
Day 2: 5-Course Cross-Cultural Cocina Tasting Series
Opened this past June, this outstanding eatery that explores the vibrant crossroads between Mexican and Peruvian cuisines jumped right onto Chicago Magazine’s “10 Hottest Restaurants” List and Eater’s List of “Best Restaurants in River North.” Executive Chef Sergio Ornelas, who honed his craft at Michelin-Starred Mexique as well as Tanta and Tzuco, has devised a brilliant menu for this newest food destination named in honor of his eight-year-old daughter. Here, diners discover such dishes as guisos (the braised meats that come in chicken, pork, or beef variations), gorgeous ceviches and tacos, and main courses like paella, lomo saltado (wok-seared beef tenderloin), char-grilled branzino, and grilled Spanish octopus. Exceptional desserts too, like sweet corn cake with a brûlèed crust and fermented masa ice cream with chocolate abuelita. This kind of Mexican-Peruvian mash-up sounds enormously inviting to our ears (and palates), and we are looking forward to our visit here and to the opportunity to chat with Chef Ornelas about his food inspirations. It’s an evening you won’t want to miss!
About the Host:
Sergio Ornelas
Executive Chef
Chef Sergio Ornelas is Corporate Executive Chef at Éxodo Hospitality Group in addition to serving as Executive Chef of Matilda (named after his daughter). He previously honed his craft in Chicago kitchens including Mexique, Tanta, and Tzuco, working alongside celebrated chefs Carlos Gaytán (the first Mexican chef to earn a Michelin Star) and Jesús Delgado (Corporate Chef of Tanta).
The Lineup
All courses will be individually plated. This menu will be Mushroom, Peanut & Tree Nut Free. For the list of restrictions Chef is accommodating, scroll to the bottom of this page.
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Ceviche Ensenada
mahi-mahi, scallops, octopus, baja-style leche de tigre
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Matilda's Tomato Salad
heirloom tomato, feta cheese, smashed cucumbers, quinoa furikake, aji amarillo
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The Best Taco
sweet plantain, cotija cheese fondue, chorizo, honey truffle
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Cheek Birria
beef cheeks slow braised in chile guajillo, cinnamon, clove, roasted spices
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Elote Quemado
sweet corn cake with bruleed crust, cajeta foam, corn ash
Matilda
535 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60654
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, Allium. 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.
