The head chef of the Hotel California, Dany Lamote, will teach you to prepare terrific Mexican dishes with fresh local and seasonal ingredients. He blends traditional Mexican cooking techniques with French, Asian and Italian styles and introduces his students to obscure Baja foods – nopales (cactus paddle), izote (yucca flowers) and damiana (a desert shrub).
The class lasts approximately 3 hours – cooking for the first half, and dining during the second half. Each class begins with a welcome margarita and ends with a tasting of Hotel California’s award winning tequila. Each student leaves with a set of recipes. You can “upgrade” the experience with a tequila and wine pairing that compliment the meal. Great for couples, groups of home chefs, foodies and wine lovers.
Here is a sample 5-6 course menu:
First Course
Mexican Style Carpaccio
Second Course
Shrimp Brochettes on Rosemary Skewers, Coconut, Chipotle, Tequila Cream Sauce, Fried Slivers of Ginger
Third Course
Mini Chile Rellenos with Crab and Three Cheeses, Fresh Pineapple Salsa
Fourth Course
Organic Desert Greens Drizzled with Baja Olive Oil, Hearts of Palm, Agave Glazed Pecans, Lamb Served with Nopal, Goat Cheese and Cuitlacoche Crostinis
Fifth Course
Dorado with Spicy Salsa Verde, Capers, Olives and Artichoke Hearts
Dessert Course
Avocado, White Chocolate and Tequila Milkshake
Classes offered daily from 11am to 2pm at Santo Vino (Hotel California’s Bistro Restaurant). Chef Dany is available to host an evening class at Villa Santa Cruz on Sunday nights (4+ persons). $100 USD/person for basic class, $175 USD/person for upgrade with wine/tequila (includes 1 glass wine/tequila per person per course).
