Dia de los Muertos Dinner
November 1 was Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. It is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and around the world, a day to honor family and friends who have passed away. In the Philippines, we celebrate the Catholic holiday of Todos los Santos, or All Saints’ Day.
During Todos los Santos, Filipinos storm cemeteries to visit their dead, bringing picnic baskets and blankets to “share a meal with the dead.” Families congregate at cemeteries to pray for and remember their dead, to make private altars, and to bring the favorite food and flowers of their departed family members. Instead of a mourning or somber atmosphere, the cemeteries assume a very lively and colorful air.
A recent blog post from Cheap Beets by Molly reminded me that the Mexican tradition for celebrating Dia de los Muertos is actually pretty similar to the Philippine tradition of celebrating Todos los Santos. I love the idea of celebrating the lives of loved ones who have passed, instead of being in a constant state of mourning or of being sad. This made me nostalgic and I wanted to celebrate the holiday here too! Fortunately my friend Erica invited me to a special dinner at Papagayo, a Mexican restaurant and tequila bar near the Waterfront.
I've never been to Papagayo before but have heard good things so I was really looking forward to our dinner
Erica and I were happy to be there, because not only do we both love Mexican food, but we both also love...
... tequila!
The Mexican dinner was sponsored by Patron – and you know how I feel about tequila (I love it even with chocolate). Papagayo chef and owner Chris Damian created a special menu that incorporates traditional Dia de los Muertos recipes into a five-course Mexican dinner that was paired with Patron tequila tastings.
we were greeted with complimentary watermelon margaritas
and bowls of salty chips and mild salsa
the meal started with an amouse bouche of atole
Atole is one of the traditional Mexican drinks during Dia de los Muertos. I have never tasted anything like this warm, sweet drink, and I became an instant fan. The Papagayo atole was made with made with masa, cinnamon, vanilla bean and oven-roasted pineapple compote.
first course: ceviche, served with Patron Reposado
second course: chicken tinga tamales with adobado sauce and chihuahua cheese, served with Patron Anejo
My dad’s family in the Philippines is from the province of Pampanga, which is known as the culinary capital of the country. They make the best tamales, so I have pretty high standards.
luckily, Papagayo's version met my standards. I only wished it was spicier, but I find that most Mexican dishes aren't always as spicy as I expect
third course: shrimp with grilled corn, served with Gran Patron Platinum
The prix fixe originally featured scallops but I requested something else so I got shrimp instead. I found out that I am actually mildly allergic to scallops, and given my scallop scare earlier this year, I have been avoiding it. The shrimp was perfectly cooked, but the star of this dish was the grilled corn, mixed with cilantro oil, ancho and lime aoili, and cotija cheese.
at this point we've already had three tastings of tequila (plus a margarita) and I was ready to call it a night, but it's not over yet. Here Erica was holding the glasses of Patron Anejo and Patron Platinum
fourth course: ancho chili glazed short rib with jalapeno mashed potatoes
this was served with the super premium Gran Patron Burdeos, which was almost like a whisky. It goes for $450 a bottle (or $85 per shot!)
fifth course: Patron Cafe XO whoopie pies, served with Patron Cafe
Unfortunately this was my least favorite dish of the night. It was too sweet, even for someone with a gigantic sweet tooth like me. However, the tequila that came with this was my ultimate favorite, Patron Cafe. Remember my obsession with Baby Guinness shots?
Erica and I had a really fun time at the Dia de los Muertos dinner at Papagayo (oh and for you hockey fans out there, Erica writes an awesome hockey blog called What’s Up, Ya Sieve). We were seated with some lovely couples who enjoy tequila and food as much as we do. It was a nice, quiet evening (in spite of the multiple glasses of tequila), filled with good food and good company.
This brings me back to the essence of Todos los Santos, which gives us the chance to celebrate the memory of our dead, with food and company. It reminded me of my childhood – I recall visiting the graves of our relatives, and being pleasantly distracted by the sounds of the ice cream man or sorbetero (in the Philippines, there was not an ice cream truck but rather an ice cream cart or just a man lugging his products in a styrofoam box, ringing a bell). There were big picnics with my favorite pork adobo, salted duck’s eggs, steamed shrimps, fried chicken and rice that always came with smiles, hugs, and prayers. Even as a kid, I learned that remembering the dead is not just about being sad; remembering the dead can also be about celebrating their memory, and appreciating our present togetherness.
Do you and your family celebrate a day of the dead?
Welcome, I’m Bianca Garcia. I love food, yoga, running, shopping, and writing. I'm an advertising professional, social media enthusiast, blogger, freelance writer, and obsessive list-maker. I think about dessert constantly. 
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What a dinner! I think the shrimp and grilled corn would have been my favorite. The whoopie pie also looks excellent but I can see it being overly sweet. I’ll have to check out Papagayo soon!
What a great meal! I’m so glad you went and took these beautiful pictures – I had been hearing about the event for a while and was very curious. …Although now I’m seriously craving tamales!
I don’t think I”ve ever really celebrated Dia de los Muertos, but I really should. This whole meal looks fabulous! So much fun.
There’s something downright magical about this holiday. What a gorgeous meal and fun way to celebrate it. Thanks so much for the shout-out. I feel lucky to have been a part of my friend’s celebrations and am so happy to have brought back such nice memories for you.
Bianca Garcia replied November 7th, 2011 at 11:22 am
Thank you Molly! Your friend’s celebration was beautiful.
Oh Bianca…you remind me so much of my childhood growing up in the PI. It’s so nice to hear another’s perspective of the culture. Thanks for bringing me back even for just a few moments.
Bianca Garcia replied November 7th, 2011 at 11:21 am
Aww thanks Jenn, my pleasure.
I have never done a tequila tasting dinner, how unique! (and I love sipping tequila, so that needs to change!) The food at Papagayo looks awesome. I still need to check this place out.
Oh my goodness. Everything looks so good. What a great dinner! And Patron too – nice!
Patron whoopie pie??? That is awesome. And I’ve never heard of atole, it sounds wonderful
I love the idea of celebrating the dead. I read somewhere once (and this is a horribly paraphrased quote!) that the dead are never really gone until we forget them. Remembering relatives, friends and loved once in a celebratory manner is a special way to keep them alive – and share the happiness of being alive with memories of those no longer there. Great post :)
Bianca Garcia replied November 7th, 2011 at 11:20 am
Thanks Miriam, I like that quote!
All the food looks so yummy, especially ceviche and shrimp with grilled corn!
This looks like such a fun and festive meal!
Looks like such a fun meal! I used to love celebrating Dia de los Muertos is spanish class! I am heading back to Papagayo for dinner soon and your food just got me really excited!
dang, i wish i liked tequila! but i do like the sound of all those yummy dishes. i have heard nothing but great things about papagayo.
All of your eats looks delicious!! :D
I only celebrated el Dia de los Muertos in my Spanish class in high school. It was quite the feast!
Bit off topic, but it’s HOT!
(Just spotted this on the Lottie+Doof blog): a “Hot Sauce Butter (recipe by Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Dan Kluger via Bon Appetempt via Bon Appetit)” It caught my eye because earlier this year you posted a rave review about St-Germain, which is one of the ingredients. I have become enamored of this liqueur! Elegant!
P.S. I make ‘your’ lemon tart/bars at least once month!
Bianca Garcia replied November 8th, 2011 at 8:50 pm
Dear Maggie, this absolutely made my day! I am so, so happy to hear that the lemon bars make a regular appearance in your kitchen, and also the hot sauce butter recipe with St-Germain is fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing and for reading!
I have never celebrated Dia de los Muertos, but I have been many times to Papagayo and I love it! The restaurant has such a fun vibe and the made-to-order guacamole is delicious! Thanks for sharing!
hi!
i’m visting from toronto from nov 17-21st and looking for some breakfast/brunch posts near suffolk uni and boston that are cheap and yet cheerful. any ideas? or any cool places for dinner again cheap and cheerful?
mel from toronto
Bianca Garcia replied November 8th, 2011 at 9:25 pm
Hi Mel! For brunch near Suffolk U, try Paramount. As for lunch/diner, try La Verdad – it’s actually in the Fenway area and it sounds like exactly what you are looking for: cheap and cheerful! Also check out Petit Robert Central – it sounds fancy but the food is actually pretty affordable. And try Saus too near Government Center/Quincy Market (http://www.confessionsofachocoholic.com/dessert/saus-now-open-2). Last but not least, I suggest you venture over to Cambridge for East Coast Grill (http://www.confessionsofachocoholic.com/restaurants/boston-brunchers-at-east-coast-grill) for a guaranteed good time! Enjoy your visit, and let me know if you make it to any of my favorite restaurants :)
@Mel visiting from Toronto. If you experience a bit of homesickness… tonight (November 9) there is the Taste of Québec – a French Food & Wine Festival at the Westin Hotel, which is sponsored by the French-American Chamber of Commerce. http://www.tasteofqc.com/index.html Check it out!
@Bianca — I’m loving some of your new, shared recipes! The butternut squash & goat cheese turnover sound wonderful.