Tequila Tasting Dinner at Tortilla Press Cantina

On Wednesday, June 23, 2010 Chef Mark Smith hosted a Tequila Tasting Dinner at Tortilla Press Cantina located in Pennsauken, N.J. The dinner included five courses. Each course was paired with a drink that featured Sauza tequila. Every part of the experience was divine.

First Course: Butlered Hors d’eovures that included Mini nachos Lydia; Mini black bean sopes with salsa verde and queso fresco; chipotle peanut bbq chicken skewers; sweet potato, chorizo & pecan empanadas. The Hors d’eovures were served with Mini Sauza Silver Margaritas.

Sope and Empanada

Margarita

Second Course: Guacamole salad with pineapple cilantro dressing. The salad was served with Clarita, a pineapple infused Sauza Blanco & Coco Lopez.

Guacamole salad

Clarita

Third Course:  Chicken Tortilla Soup garnished with queso fresco, crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, chopped fresh onion & cilantro & lime wedges. The soup was served Sauza Hornitos Silve Tejito (silver hornitos, lime, agave syrup, mint leaves and soda).

Chicken Tortilla Soup and Sauza Hornito Silver Tejito

Fourth Course: Choice of Three Entrees:

Pan Seared Sea Scallops with Achiote garnished with black bean & roasted corn salsa & cilantro rice.

Pan Seared Sea Scallops

Chile Rellenos & Cheese Enchilada drizzled with guajillo chile sauce & served with red rice & pinto beans.

Chile Rellenos & Cheese Enchilada

The third choice was Beef Tenderloin Medallion with Twin Cheese & Onion Enmoladas accompanied by rajas poblano & pinto beans. No pics of the beef dish. No one at my table opted for it but I did spot it at another table and it looked delish!The entrées were served with Tres Generations Reposado neat with Sangrita chaser.

Fifth Course: Dessert. Choice of Coconut Flan served with Sauza Gold Holy Mole or Dark Chocolate Square with a snifter of Sauza Gold

Coconut Flan

Chef Mark’s concept for the restaurant is to have fresh food made to order with Mexican influenced herbs and spices as well as to serve food for an excellent value with meals that are reasonably priced. The dinner was $39.00 per person. We had five courses paired with five drinks. An abundance of food and drinks for a great price. I can’t wait for his next dinner theme.