Event

Agave & Maize: The crown jewels of Mexico's spirits and cuisine

A tasting seminar with Chef Sue Torres & Steve Olson, aka winegeek

In today's gastronomy, Tequila, Mezcal and Maize (also known as Corn) have crossed the boundaries of Mexico, to play an important role around the world.

Join us as two passionate experts, Chef Sue Torres of Sueños and acclaimed spirits expert, Steve Olson, aka wine geek, take you on a historical journey filled with knowledge, culture and delicious agave-based libations and food.

Tequila and Mezcal date back well over a thousand years, when the agave plant - also known as the maguey - was utilized by Mexico's native peoples for virtually everything: from food and drink, to sugar, shoes, soap, building supplies, and even medicine.

Maize dates back to pre-Hispanic times, when the Aztecs and Mayans cultivated it in numerous varieties throughout central and southern Mexico, to cook or grind in a process called nixtamalization.

In this exciting tasting of the multiple, distinct terroirs of agave's exotic elixir, each by artisan producers, we pay homage to the heritage, the history, and culture of Mexico's national spirit, and enjoy the creations of Chef Sue Torres as she demonstrates and talks about Nixtamal, and its special process to make it. Agave-based libations will be consumed, and matched with her amazing food.

4% of all event ticket sales will benefit Grow NYC's (formerly the Council of the Environment of New York City) "New Farmer's Development Project" that helps immigrant farmers New York's Hudson Valley & Catskill Regions, New Jersey and northeastern Pennsylvania.

Guests must be 21 years or older.