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Más que
MEDIOS CHILES

Join Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden on the road as we explore Mexican Cuisine with Chef Danny Mena at Conejo for Más que Medios Chiles, an expression meaning “more than half chilis” or more than so so; an ironic way to say chiles are wonderful!

The evening will start with a talk by Chef Danny as he explores how Mesoamerica gave the gift of the chile pepper to world, bringing a new level of spice to Europe, East Asia, and India cuisine. This discussion and meal will pay homage to this versatile and interesting ingredient. Dishes will not be particularly spicy and will showcase the pepper in all different applications that showcase this ingredient as more than just a condiment.

Following the discussion, join Chef Danny for an elevated and delicious four-course dinner with paired cocktails, wine and coffee!

NEW Menu:
Guacamole and warm heirloom bean dip with corn tortilla chips

Pozole de Calabaza
A rich hominy stew with a creamy squash and chile habanero broth, with fresh hominy
Paired with a Cucumber Jalapeńo Margarita with jalapeños & poblanos, with cucumber, lime, and blanco tequila

Chile Relleno
Sweet and sour chile pasilla filled with pork with apples and pears, served with creamy heirloom beans
Paired with a Peppers Up cocktail with Leyendas Verde Mezcal, Luxardo Maraschino, Ancho Reyes Verde, lime, serrano

Pescado con Guatape
Roasted Baja California Rockfish atop a creamy fennel and green chile broth with white rice pilaf
Paired with a glass of wine

Pastel Almendrado
Rich almond and Mexican chocolate molten lava cake, spiked cranberries
Paired with Café de Olla – coffee with piloncillo and cinnamon

Note: We are able to accommodate vegetarian requests and non-alcoholic beverages. Please be sure to indicate those preferences during registration.

Fee is all-inclusive and covers the talk with Chef Danny Mena, all food and beverage and Richmond City Meals tax and gratuity. Please note that this class will meet off-site at Conejo (5820 Patterson Ave, Richmond, VA 23226).

Fees: Member $80, Non-Member $96

All programs are subject to change. Pre-registration through our website is required.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden strives to be a Garden for all and we are committed to offering diverse adult learning opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all learners. If you would like to request an accommodation to support your participation in an adult learning opportunity at the Garden, please contact [email protected] or call 804-262-9887 x320 and we will make our best effort to help.

Register Member $80

Register Non-Member $96

Date:
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Time:
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Event Details

Chef Danny Mena Conejo The Milpa and the MagueyAbout the Instructor

Danny Mena, raised in Mexico City,  trained and became renowned in New York City’s kitchens and acclaimed in publications like Vanity FairLA TimesNew York TimesRolling Stone – and Mexican media as well – for the traditional Mexican food he served at his restaurant Hecho en Dumbo and now La Loncheria and Conejo. In 2019 he launched his debut cookbook, Made in Mexico, inspired by the best restaurants, fondas, loncherías, and taco stands in Mexico City and adapted for the home cook. Made in Mexico is a delicious blend of classic, regional, and contemporary Mexican cuisine. In 2022 he moved to Richmond to open the restaurant Conejo, named after a varietal heirloom corn, a celebrated upscale Mexican restaurant, focusing on the base of Mexico’s cuisine, the corn the bean and the chile.