Columbian Dinner

Cafe Atlantico

Submitted by Anita on August 11, 2009 - 1:09pm

Venue Address: 

405 8th Street NW

Washington, DC 20004

United States

See map: Google Maps

www.cafeatlantico.com

Chef José Andrés and The Embassy of Colombia Welcome Catalina Velez for a Night of Innovative Colombian Fare at Café Atlantico

José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup and Her Excellency Carolina Barco, Ambassador of Colombia are pleased to welcome Chef Catalina Velez of Luna Lounge and Kiva restaurants in Colombia for one special night. Café Atlantico will host a unique culinary evening marrying the styles of Café’s Head Chef Terri Cutrino and special guest Chef Velez, melding the flavors of the Caribbean and Cartagena. Beginning with sips of Colombian coffee cocktails and cava at the bar, guests will be treated to a seated dinner featuring an innovative four-course menu with wine pairings provided by Beverage Manager and celebrated Sommelier Jill Zimorksi.

Guests of this special evening will enjoy the culinary collaboration of these two talented women chefs featuring a four-course dinner with welcome snacks and petits fours. Highlights will include dishes representing Colombia’s Atlantic coast and Colonial Cartagena. Velez’s “cocina de origen,” showcases dishes made from traditional products rooted in Columbia that few know, while Chef Cutrino offers her signature approach of creating Nuevo Latino-inspired fare composed of locally-raised, farm-fresh ingredients.

Catalina Velez is one of Colombia’s young prominent chefs thanks to her work in top American restaurants such as Seeger’s and Bacchanalia in Atlanta and the Swan in Denver, and her experience opening her own restaurants Luna Lounge and Kiva in Colombia. Catalina is also known for her work to better the lives of local families and communities. She has partnered with Vallenpaz, an organization that helps thousands of peasant families learn how to cultivate and sell products that Catalina uses herself in her restaurants.

This special dinner is made possible by the support of the Embassy of Colombia, Cartagena’s Bureau of Tourism, The Colombian Association of Coffee Growers and Café Atlantico.

The dinner is priced at $85 per person (excluding tax and tip) and reservations must be made by calling (202) 393-0812.

MENU (subject to change)

Welcome Snacks from Chef Cutrino and Chef Velez:
Quail Egg 63 with Banana-Passion Fruit, American Sturgeon Caviar
Tuna, Guatila Wrap, Pipilongo Oil

First Course/Chef Velez:
Heart of Palm Soup, Black Eye Pea Sphere

Second Course/Chef Cutrino:
Nantucket Bay Scallop Ceviche

Third Course/Chef Velez:
Coconut Braised Snapper, Crunchy Seafood Rice Sheet, Exposed Langoustine

Fourth Course/Chef Cutrino:
Braised Veal Cheeks, Sunchokes

Dessert /Chef Velez:
Mongomongo Mousse and Diavolines

Petit Fours
Chocolate Covered Corn Nuts, Saffron Gum Drop, Caballitos