Chef’s Dinner Series, Discover Puerto Rico and El Pretexto Present… Pastelada Party!!
September 28 2024 | 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM132 Mulberry Street, No. 502, New York, NY 10013
Join us for an interactive Puerto Rican kitchen tradition!
Christmas is celebrated early and heartily in Puerto Rico with an abundance of delicious seasonal food accompanied with plenty of drink, especially rum. The quintessential dish of the season which lets everyone know that the time for fiestas and asaltos has arrived are Pasteles.
Best described by Rachel Wharton of The New York Times, Pasteles are "a centuries-old blend of Taino (Native Puerto Rican), Spanish and African flavors...a prime example of Puerto Rico’s cocina criolla...made with a mash of green bananas and plantains bolstered by sturdy Caribbean root crops like yautia and yuca. Wrapped in a smoky-sweet banana leaf, they’re typically filled with seasoned meat, stained with sunset-hued annatto oil and boiled up by the dozen"
Since the making of pasteles is so labor-intensive, friends and families take advantage of their time together during the holidays as an occasion to gather and organize into an assembly line with each person lovingly contributing to a beautiful result: little green parcels made from banana leaves, neatly wrapped around a masa of island tubers. These intimate occasions invariably bring the participants closer together in a way that only the communal quenching of hunger and slaking of thirst can.
Over the holidays, pasteles can be found in roadside stands, pig roast restaurants, and in boutique grocery stores, but Puerto Ricans all over the world host Pasteladas as a way to connect with their beloved island. In conjunction with Discover Puerto Rico and El Pretexto Mountain Lodge, Chef's Dinner Table is delighted to invite you to join our family on this day and to delight in this fun tradition!
THE MENU
Pasteles
Arroz con Gandules (stewed rice with pigeon peas)
Avocado Salad
Montadero (chocolate bread pudding, produced with 100% Puerto Rican cacao)
ABOUT THE HOSTS:
Crystal Díaz, the indefatigable founder of El Pretexto has overcome the countless setbacks her island has endured in recent years to establish the first Culinary Farm Lodge in Puerto Rico, offering a farm stay in a peaceful 3.5 acres of space to unwind, retreat, and relax. Ms. Díaz is also the co-founder of PRoduce, a digital marketplace connecting local producers with consumers. She recently earned her Master's Degree in Food Studies from NYU and, with Discover Puerto Rico's support, is thrilled to share this delightful Puerto Rican tradition with the members of Chef's Dinner Series.
Chef Luis Cabrero is a passionate culinary expert specializing in traditional Puerto Rican cuisine with over 20 years of industry experience. He honed his skills at the renowned La Hacienda Meat Center, a thriving gourmet marketplace on the Island. Chef Luis collaborates with El Pretexto , co-creating memorable dining experiences and leading master classes in the Food Experience week. His commitment to excellence and authentic representation of Puerto Rican cuisine has earned him respect in the culinary community. He is excited to show you how to conquer the art of making Puerto Rican "pasteles" in this hands-on class that will transport us to our grandmother's "pasteladas," a family gathering where everybody had to join the team effort to prepare this delicious classic.
FAQs
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
- Yes. Please email Info@ChefsDinnerTableNYC.com with your dietary needs with at least 3 days notice. With less notice, we will undertake our best effort (but cannot guarantee) to accommodate your dietary restrictions.
Are there any ID requirements or an age limits to enter the event?
- Guests must be at least 21 Years of age with valid ID.
What is the closest subway stop to the event?
- B, D to Grand Street
- 6 to Canal Street
- J,Z to Canal Street
- N,Q,R,W to Canal Street
What are the closest parking lots to the event?
There are 5 parking lots nearby (in order of proximity):
- 123 - 129 Baxter St, New York, N.Y 10013 (Closest, underground; this is also the one with the automated parking system!)
- 174 Centre St, New York, NY 10013 (2-minute walk; open-air)
- 104 Mott St, New York, NY 10013 (2-minute walk; underground)
- 44 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10013 (3-minute walk; underground)
- 395 Broome St, New York, NY 10013 (3-minute walk; open-air)
What is the refund policy? Is my registration/ticket transferable?
- While tickets are not refundable, they are transferable to anyone of legal drinking age. If you are unable to use your ticket, we will undertake to re-sell your ticket on a best-efforts basis subject to a 20% service fee.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
- No. (just have some ID handy)
Where can I contact the organizer with additional questions?
- Please email Info@ChefsDinnerTableNYC.com