Modern Mexico – Beyond the Taco: January 6th | 5:30 pm

Discover the Bold Flavours, Regional Traditions & Culinary Techniques of Mexico

Vibrant, colourful and bursting with flavour, Mexican cuisine is a celebration of rich culinary traditions, exceptional ingredients and the art of balancing heat, acidity, sweetness and savoury depth.

Beyond the familiar flavours of everyday tacos lies a remarkable world of regional cooking, where slow-braised meats, complex chile sauces, smoky vegetables and traditional preparations come together to create unforgettable dishes.

Join us at the Monarch Culinary Studio for an intimate, chef-led culinary demonstration exploring the exciting flavours and essential techniques of Mexican cuisine. Throughout this engaging three-course experience, we’ll discover how carefully selected ingredients, traditional cooking methods and thoughtful seasoning transform simple preparations into something extraordinary.

Learn the secrets behind working with dried Mexican chillies, developing rich and aromatic braising liquids, creating beautifully balanced salsas and building layers of flavour through roasting, toasting and slow cooking.

From the smoky sweetness of charred corn esquites to the deeply savoury complexity of slow-braised beef birria and the irresistible crunch of freshly prepared churros, this evening offers a delicious exploration of Mexican culinary craftsmanship.

The Menu

Charred Corn Esquites

Sweet corn, beautifully charred to develop a smoky depth of flavour, tossed with a creamy, tangy dressing, fresh lime and Mexican-inspired seasonings. Discover how contrasting textures, bright acidity and a touch of heat transform a simple street-food favourite into an extraordinary appetizer.

Slow-Braised Beef Birria Tacos with Salsa Roja & Consommé

Tender, slow-braised beef infused with an aromatic blend of dried Mexican chillies, warm spices and savoury seasonings. Served in warm tortillas with a vibrant house-made salsa roja and rich, flavourful consommé for dipping. A celebration of patient cooking, complex flavours and one of Mexico’s most beloved culinary preparations.

Traditional-Style Churros with Chocolate Sauce

Golden, crisp churros, freshly fried and finished with cinnamon sugar, accompanied by a rich chocolate dipping sauce. Discover the techniques behind creating a delicate, tender interior and beautifully crisp exterior in this irresistible Mexican-inspired dessert.

Techniques Demonstrated

During the evening, we’ll explore:

• Understanding the foundations of Mexican regional cuisine and its emphasis on layered flavours and traditional cooking methods
• Exploring essential Mexican pantry ingredients, including dried chillies, spices, corn and aromatic seasonings
• Identifying different varieties of dried chillies and understanding their unique flavour characteristics and heat levels
• Toasting, rehydrating and blending dried chillies to create rich, complex sauces
• Developing flavour through roasting, charring and caramelization
• Preparing traditional-style Mexican street corn and balancing smoky, creamy, spicy and acidic elements
• Understanding the principles of slow braising and selecting appropriate cuts of beef
• Building aromatic braising liquids using chillies, spices, vegetables and savoury ingredients
• Managing temperature, moisture and cooking time to achieve tender, flavourful beef
• Preparing salsa roja and understanding the importance of acidity, seasoning and heat balance
• Developing a rich, deeply flavoured consommé from the braising process
• Preparing and assembling birria tacos with attention to texture, flavour and presentation
• Understanding the fundamentals of churro dough preparation
• Mastering frying temperatures to achieve a crisp exterior and tender interior
• Preparing a smooth, rich chocolate dipping sauce
• Applying professional plating and presentation techniques inspired by contemporary Mexican dining

What’s Included

• An intimate, approximately two-hour chef-led culinary demonstration
• A three-course Mexican-inspired dining experience featuring all three menu preparations
• Live demonstrations of traditional and contemporary Mexican cooking techniques
• Guided discussion exploring dried chillies, slow braising, salsa preparation and flavour balance
• Interactive opportunities to ask questions throughout the evening
• Professional culinary insights and practical techniques to recreate these dishes at home

Whether you’re already passionate about Mexican cuisine, interested in exploring new ingredients or simply looking for a memorable culinary evening, this experience brings the warmth, energy and extraordinary flavours of Mexico to the heart of London.

More than simply enjoying an exceptional Mexican-inspired meal, you’ll discover how understanding chillies, mastering slow cooking and balancing bold flavours can transform your approach to everyday cooking.

Bold chillies. Rich traditions. Extraordinary flavour.

Discover the flavours of Modern Mexico, where time-honoured techniques meet contemporary culinary creativity.

Important Notes

• This is a demonstration-style culinary experience featuring a three-course meal
• Please advise us of dietary restrictions in advance
• Menu substitutions may be limited due to the nature of the experience
• Some preparations feature chilli peppers and varying levels of heat
• Ingredients and accompaniments may vary depending on seasonal availability and quality
• All ticket sales are final