Tequila’s in the Details – My 5-Course Tequila Espolon Dinner at Bandolero

Espolon Tequila Dinner at Bandolero

The Tequila Journey Begins..

I hadn’t been to Top Chef Mike Isabella’s newest restaurant – Bandolero at 3241 M St., NW in Georgetown, so I decided to try it out at a special 5-Course Espolon Tequila Dinner offered by CityEatsDC “Exclusive Eats”. The Thursday, November 8th, 2012 pairing dinner was a chance for me to attend my 2nd Tequila Dinner ever – the first one had been in Aspen, CO many years ago as part of the Aspen Food and Wine Festival. This time, all I had to do was make the Reservation and walk about 5 blocks from my townhouse which is also in Georgetown!

Master Distiller of Espolon Tequila – Cirilo Oropeza Hernandez

Actually, this event was more of a Cocktail Pairing Dinner because all of the Tequila was served in 5 separate cocktails that were paired with the meal. Tasting events like these are no longer unique and unusual – in fact, I guesstimate that DC has at least 20 dinners every week with pairings of craft beer, wine, whisky or other spirits. What they all tend to do is have a quality speaker – and Phil Piper of Skyy Spirits/Gruppo Campari which owns the Tequilas (Espolon and Cabo Wabo) spoke and also introduced the Master Distiller of Espolon, Cirilo Hernandez who spoke about the differences of Espolon’s Silver, Reposado and Anejo. Cirilo was a really charming guy and very authentic – his English was pretty good, but his spirit and passion (over-used, but true this time!) really set the tone for the event – it felt very much like this Master Distiller enjoys making his product and taking pride in ownership. I hope the Campari people bring him to more tasting events – he really had an energy to him that just plain seemed “Real”..

As sort of a side note to this event – I sat next to Tom Brown who with his brother Derek Brown own The Passenger/Columbia Room in Washington, D.C. which is a haven for serious Cocktail aficionado’s. Tom told me that they are planning to open a Tiki Lounge concept nearby – still a bit hush,hush, but he confirmed that the lease had been signed..more details soon. Derek wasn’t at the event because he as in China doing some kind of drink promotion – which tells you how much the cocktail culture has become part of the international scene – food and drinks are hot – I guess everyone has to eat and drink!

The 5-Course Tequila Dinner Menu:

First Course:
Big Eye Tuna Ceviche w/Roasted Pumpkin, Pepita Brittle and Orange
El Bandolero – Blanco Tequila, Citronage, Blood Orange, Grand Marnier Float

Second Course:
Tamal Classico: Grilled Foie Gras w/Charred Pineapple Salsa & Corn Tamales
Luna & Sol – Cabo Wabo Anejo Tequila, Orange Combier, Lime, and Ginger Beer

Third Course:
Seared Scallops w/Pomegranite and Chestnut Mole
Hecho in G-Town – Reposado Tequila, Aperol, Luxardo and Lime

Fourth Course:
Fried Cow: Crispy Skirt Steak, Blackened Tomatillo Salsa and Rice
Pero Viejo – 2.0 Blanco Tequila, Tomato Juice and Coronita Beer

Dessert Course:
Spicy Churros with Guava Sauce
Southern Exposure – Reposado Tequila, Averna and Cinnamon