Tequila? Check. Spicy chile? Check. Guacamole? I’m. So. There. 

Oyamel_Exterior_Credit Powers and Crewe

Photo Credit: Ken Wyner

DC is home to one of the most vibrant and active culinary communities on the East Coast. Much of that comes from the constant excitement over unique dining experiences created by award winning chefs and restaurants. Oyamel is one such restaurant, and is pleased to bring back their Annual Tequila and Mezcal Festival for an 8th time this March 2-15. Last Tuesday, we had the opportunity to grab a sneak peak at what will be offered throughout the Festival. Our advice? You better not miss this one.

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If you’re not already a tequila fan, you will be after trying Oyamel’s signature tequila cocktails.  Beverage manager Jasmine Chae (also a level 4 Mezcalier!) has concocted the right amount of heat in each glass. My favorite was the PicaPepino (Milagro Silver, Combier L’Original, cucumber, serrano and lemon) and Scott really enjoyed the La Capital (Guajillo chili infused Herradura Añejo, Dolin Rouge and orange bitters).

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PicaPepino

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Media naranja (left), La Capital (right)

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Paloma de Oaxaca

 Executive Chef Colin King served some of the special menu items, including the Cerviche Veracruz (lightly poached squid and striped bass with tomato sauce, fried capers, green olives and pearl onions), Panuchos de paco con salsa chiltomate (braised turkey leg over a bean stuffed and fried tortilla) and Birria de Cabra – the whole roasted goat marianted in guajillo chiles shredded and served in a housemade corn tortilla.

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Lomito de puerco en adobado (pork tenderloin)

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Cerviche Veracruz

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Aquachile seco de costeño amarillo (Hawaiian Ono)

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Panuchose de pavo con salsa chiltomate (braised turkey leg)

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My favorite thing on the menu – GUACAMOLE!

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Goat…

Yes, that’s a goat. And it was goooooood.

Here’s the important stuff: Oyamel is kicking off the Festival with an all-inclusive party next Monday, March 2nd from 6-9.  Be a part of this exclusive event including a 3 piece Latin band, complimentary tequila and mezcal tastings, and an array of beverages and plates off of the special festival menu.

Great news! The first 15 DC Minute readers will receive a $15 discount off the regular ticket price ($60 $45!) Just enter the promo code dcmin15 at checkout – get your tickets here: https://oyamel.tfg.events/

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Make sure to head to Oyamel between March 2-15. Complimentary tequila and mezcal tastings will be available from Tuesday March 3-Thursday March 5 and Monday March 9-Thursday March 12 from 4-6PM. You might find us sitting at the bar….say hello!

Cheers!

Al