Comida: a banquet for the senses
It’s not too late to start or renew a love affair with the piquant flavor and vibrant culture of Latin America, Brazil and Spain all at once. Comida, the fifth annual Latin culinary arts event happens this evening in the Grand Hall at Union Station, and a limited number of tickets are still available. The world tour of Latin flavors opens with a reception at 6 p.m.
Ecuador’s universally celebrated chef Carlos Gallardo and 18 local chefs and restaurateurs are prepared to satisfy guests with mouthwatering dishes from a dozen Latin countries and six different regions in Mexico. Eight area mixologists will serve their signature versions of classic cocktails along with more Latin-inspired potations, and Mi Rancho Tequila will offer tequila tastings.
Standout Kansas City band Making Music and the Kansas City Latin Jazz All-Stars will shake the rafters with vocal and instrumental numbers influenced by cumbia, Latin jazz, rock, salsa, son Cubano and Afro-Latin American music. Hugo’s Latin Movement dancers will not only entertain but help guests hit the dance floor with some new moves and steps.
“It’s a really fun atmosphere,” said Eric Negrete, an interior designer and member of the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors Comida with the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Collaborative. “Dancing is encouraged.”
Comida is a benefit for area Hispanic youth and young adults. Ticket proceeds for the four-hour one-of-a-kind Latin cultural and gastronomical extravaganza benefit Latinos of Tomorrow, Young Latino Professionals of Greater Kansas City and KC BizFest. Negrete, Comida’s creator sought a unique celebration of the cultural range of Latin countries and brought them to the table together for a worthy cause.
A sample of the specialty dishes on Comida’s menu tonight are arroz con pollo, alcapurria, coconut flan, pabellón, seared snapper with coconut broth and mashed plantains and tostones con lechón. The lineup of restaurants participating includes Anita’s Cuisine, Betty Rae’s Ice Cream, Cacao Restaurante and Happy Gillis Café & Hangout.
Local chefs whose Latin-inspired culinary creations are on the menu are Carmen Cabia, Carlos Falcon, Nate Feldmiller, Toby Freeland, Gabriel Mejia, Carlos Mortera, Cesar Mina, Howard Hanna, Julio Juarez, Pablo Muñoz, Kevin Nicholls, Patrick Ryan, John Santiago and Zaid Consuegra Sauza. Coming from Chicago is chef, Michael Andino.
VIP seating is $225 per person, general admission tickets are $175 and can still be purchased online. Parking at Union Station costs $5.
Ever-larger turnouts illustrate Comida’s growing popularity. Last year, 600 people attended the cocktail-attire event, up from 450 the year before.
For more information, visit the Comida Website at www.comidakc.com.
