OPHELIA HOSTS DAY OF THE DEAD-THEMED DINNER
ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30
Michelin-Recommended Restaurant Marks Annual
Dia de Los Muertos Event Via One-Night-Only,
Multi-Course Feast and Halloween Costume Contest
Ophelía Executive Chef Francisco Higareda will once again pay tribute to his Mexican heritage and the revered Day of the Dead celebrations in his homeland by hosting a multi-course prix-fixe Día de Los Muertos Dinner on Thursday, Oct. 30th at the Michelin-recommended Olympic Village mainstay (165 W 2nd Ave.).
The event kicks off with a welcome Margarita de los Muertos at 6:30 p.m. and continues with a dinner menu at 7 p.m. that showcases Higareda’s unique takes on traditional Mexican cuisine in a dimly lit dining room adorned in traditional décor and flickering candles, staff sporting colourful calavera (skull) makeup, and a soundtrack of Mexican folk music.
Día de los Muertos is a traditional and beloved event celebrated in Mexico and around the world every November 2 during which family and friends gather to pray for and remember friends and family members who have passed. It is commonly portrayed as a day of celebration rather than one of mourning and has become a national symbol and is taught in the nation’s school system with its indigenous origins serving as a point of pride. In 2008, the tradition was inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS DINNER
Thursday, October 30th at 6:30 p.m.
$80 per person plus tax and gratuity
Welcome cocktail:
Casamigos blanco, squid ink tincture, fresh lime juice
Dinner menu:
KUMAMOTO OYSTER & CAVIAR
Kumamoto oyster, spicy green apple mignonette, caviar
SOPE DE HUITLACOCHE
corn truffle, serrano pepper, sour cream,
queso fresco, corn sope
TUNA TOSTADA
yellowfin tuna, edamame guacamole, kiwi,
crispy leeks, wasabi crema
SHORT RIB MOLE
Braised Wagyu short rib, mashed potatoes,
cherry mole
DUCK WONTON
Duck confit filled wonton, orange Mancha-Manteles
sauce, radish, ciboulette
OAXACA CHOCOLATE CAKE
papantia vanilla flower ice cream,
blueberry sauce
Staff are not the only ones who will be observing traditional customs, dress and makeup during the one-night-only affair. Guests are also encouraged to arrive in costume and vie for prizes during a Halloween Costume Contest that will take place during the dinner.
Reservations for Ophelia’s Día de los Muertos event can be made via email at david.s@nullopheliakitchen.ca
For more information about Ophelia, visit opheliakitchen.ca.
ABOUT OPHELIA
Named after Chef Francisco Higareda’s mother, Michelin-recommended Ophelia specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine prepared with a refined, elevated approach. “Given my strong connection to Mexican cuisine, we saw an opportunity to take advantage of my knowledge and passion and do something truly unique here in Olympic Village,” Higareda explains. “My mother inspired my love of cooking, and it will be a true honour to return to my roots and pay homage to her and my country at Ophelia this spring.” Ophelia offers a fully licensed bar serving handcrafted cocktails made with premium tequilas and mezcals, along with local and imported craft beers, and New- and Old-World wines.