China Poblano at The Cosmopolitan Celebrates The Day of the Dead
Chef Jose Andres and his team at China Poblano invite guests to take part in one of Mexico’s greatest traditions, The Day of the Dead. From Oct. 29 until Nov. 2, China Poblano at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will feature three festive cocktails and a menu showcasing special regional dishes. This special celebration coincides with the exciting introduction of China Poblano’s expanded ‘Living Room’ designed to add to the vibrant and urban atmosphere of this unique dining destination.
Chef Jose Andres - China Poblano
Guests are invited to sample Day of the Dead specials in China Poblano’s brand new custom-designed lounge area. This new space takes inspiration from a bicycle, an everyday element relevant to the street cultures of both China and Mexico and often seen in food markets.
This project, created by Seed Design Studio, inescapably expresses the interaction and movement of these dynamic cultures and invites guests to experience an urban park enthused setting within the resort. Vintage bicycle wheels surround the new living room, creating an indoor patio setting and separating it from the main dining room as a unique representation of this iconic symbol of street culture.
Day of the Dead menu highlights include Sopa de Calabaza, butternut squash, crispy pork rind, habanero and pumpkin seeds; Chile de Jaral en Frio, ancho chile, beef, pinenuts, and avocado sauce; Tamal Yucateco, masa, tomato, chicken and jalapeno; Cachetes de Res on Mole Xico, braised veal cheek, plantain and mole xico; Mollejas con Salsa Xec, crispy sweet bread, grape fruit, lime and habanero; Chocolate Mezccal Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich, chocolate cookies, mezcal raisins and masa ice cream. The Day of the Dead menu items will range in price from $6.50 to $16 a la carte.
For the perfect pairing, guests will enjoy a selection of four special and extravagant concoctions including: the Marigold, Mezcal, crème de cacao, lemon, marigolds and an Xtabentun Mayan liqueur rinse; Zombie Apocalypse, tequila blanco, rum, apricot brandy, honey cinnamon syrup, papaya juice, pineapple juice and coconut milk; Aztec Old Fashion, chichicapa mezcal, chipotle syrup and chocotale bitters. Cocktails are priced between $14 and $17.
Of pre-Hispanic and pre-Christian origin, the Day of The Dead is one of the most important holidays in Mexican culture. In rural Mexico, people visit the cemetery where their loved ones are buried, bringing marigold flowers and candles to decorate gravesites. Families sit on picnic blankets next to gravesites and eat the favorite food of their loved ones. Some families build altars in their homes, dedicating them to the dead. Altars are set up Oct. 30 and 31 and are covered with offerings to the dead including flowers, fruits, vegetables, candles, incense, statues of saints and photos of the deceased.
Bill Cody is an entertainment, technology and luxury travel reporter in Las Vegas. He reports on celebrities, events, tech, food, Las Vegas and luxury travel.