Comida: a foolproof recipe for fun
La Mesa Familiar, or The Family Table is the theme of the sixth annual Latin culinary arts event happening today (April 25) in Union Station’s majestic Grand Hall.
Hispanics and Latinos place a strong value on family, says Amarilis Valdez, one of the event organizers. “Having the family together at the table with conversation and getting closer is very important to us. With Comida, we’re able to share those family traditions with the Kansas City community.”
There are still tickets available for Comida, a benefit for area Hispanic youths and young adults. Ticket proceeds for the novel four-hour excursion in Latin culture and gastronomy support Latinos of Tomorrow, Young Latino Professionals and KC BizFest.
For VIP ticket holders, the fun starts at 6 p.m. with a private reception. Guests will have time to enjoy a drink with the participating chefs before the main event starts at 7 p.m.
More than a dozen well-known local chefs and restaurateurs will serve savory dishes with something for everyone. Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Venezuela are some of the countries, along with various regions in Mexico whose traditional dishes are reinvented and brought together on the menu.
A sample of the intriguing selections -- tostaditas campechanas, pozole rojo, shrimp aguachile, pabellón criollo, lechon asado, cocada (flourless coconut cake) and tamarind balls. Among the participating restaurants are Betty Rae’s Ice Cream, Coco’s Café KC, Parisi Café, Port Fonda, Cacao, Teocali, Pirate’s Bone, JJ’s, Cafe Sebastienne, Carriage Club, The Parkway and The Bite.
Eight well-known area mixologists will stir up their signature variations of classic cocktails along with Latin-inspired libations, and Mi Rancho Tequila will offer tequila tastings.
The event includes a silent auction. Best Local Band KC 2018 nominee, Cubanisms is providing dance music with vocal and instrumental numbers. The band, whose debut album, Acento Cubano, was selected as one of the top 10 CDs of 2017, performs “a fusion” in which the traditional Cuban tres and salsa, jazz, Mexican, Brazilian and Afro-Cuban rhythms meet in exhilarating melodies.
Hugo’s Latin Movement dancers will entertain as well as help guests dazzle the dance floor with new moves and steps.
VIP tickets are $200, general admission tickets are $150 and can still be purchased online or at the door with credit card, cash or check. Parking at Union Station costs $5 per hour.
The event is sponsored by the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Collaborative with the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Comida continues to gain popularity. Last year, 700 people attended the cocktail-attire event, up from 600 and 450, respectively, in the preceding two years. It’s the first and only Latin culinary arts experience of its kind in Kansas City, founder Eric Negrete told 2mas2KC.
“It’s a way to have a great time and do a little good for student programming” he said.
Negrete had sought a fundraiser that would uniquely celebrate the cultural range of Latin countries.
“Comida is a reflection of the richness and diversity of our Latino culture,” Valdez says.
