StART a Conversation: Rico Torres

Did you know that throughout the duration of Traitor, Survivor, Icon: The Legacy of La Malinche, Mixtli will offer a secret menu inspired by the special exhibition? So far, they’ve offered a picadita, or corn masa cake with brisket, clove, peppers, green olive, sweet golden raisins and slivered almonds, and a mezcal, guava, cherry and citrus cocktail.

Rico Torres, chef and owner of Mixtli, gave us some insight on what you can experience from this collaboration.

What can guests order from the La Malinche-inspired menu? What flavors can they expect?

Guests can find flavors that both speak to the interesting spice cabinet, like cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper, brought by the Spanish as well as indigenous flavors in Mexico like the chile. 

Where did you draw inspiration from when working on this collaboration?

My studies for the menus at Mixtli have always set the background for the marriage of European ingredients and Mexican recipes. One of our favorite menus was La Conquista (2016), which followed Hernan Cortés on his journey to conquer the new world. 

How did you tie together an art exhibition and restaurant menu?

We are always looking for different angles when we create a new menu—an inspiration, or in this case, an entire exhibit. It was an easy collaboration. 

What else can guests expect to experience when they choose to visit Mixtli?

Mixtli is an ever-changing experience. Menus focus on regions or history of Mexico and change every three months. All the chefs interact with the guests and talk about ingredients and influences that build the story of the menu. 

Image courtesy of Nina Rangel