Desnudos Tacos Archives - Good For Spooning

One of the most fun dining trends that has been growing over the past couple of years are the so called “Pop-Ups”. Chefs create special one-night-only menus to be served from their resto or an unlikely place. What makes these so much fun and so cool is that you NEVER know what to expect. Seating is ALWAYS limited and prices range the entire gamut. Locations are as diverse as our city’s dining landscape. Here are some to watch:

Project Dinner Table does their events as a fundraiser and they are limited to pleasant weather months because they are mostly outdoors (think Cashman Field, Downtown Third, Gilcrease Orchard). Their next event is September 13^th and even though this is the highest priced option on the list, they sell out FAST! They actually offer a membership so you never have to miss an event.
MTO’s Sunday Supper Series –usually the 4^th Sunday of the month and it is always fun. Chef Johnny Church gets some culinary buddies together and they whip up some truly inspired menus. Past events have been Swine & Wine (My fave), Not Your Daddy’s BBQ and El Chapo’s Cantina. Price is $65 and seating is limited to 65 people. Watch for upcoming dates.
Desnudos Tacos and Naked City Pizza on Paradise – The culinary brains behind these two properties – Christian Dolias and Chris Palmeri respectfully – plan to switch off every other month so one month at Desnudos and the following at Naked City. The most recent offering at Desnudos was “Unbreakable” and it was incredible. $75/pp and the seating is limited to 35, so my suggestion is to book as soon as you hear about it. The next event is at Naked City on Paradise – “The Mind of a Chef – Round 2” on August 24^th. $65/pp and seating is limited to 40 people, so call ASAP to reserve your seats.

What you will find at all of these events is fantastic food and artful plating in unexpected venues. The crowd will be as eclectic as the food served. All of this is done in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Rarely do you have to dress up beyond business casual. What you won’t find are rules. Rules are made to be broken and these events prove that. Enjoy the pics from past and very recent events!

Charcuterie plate from Echo & Rig at MTO’s Swine & Wine event

“Deviled Egg” – 3 eggs, 3 ways at Desnudos’ Unbreakable

Uni, Caviar and Parmesan pasta at Desnudos’ Unbreakable

Bloody Mary Mussels at Desnudos’ Unbreakable – this was “

Beet Salad at MTO’s Not Your Daddy’s BBQ

BBQ Braised Beef Cheeks and Creamy Polenta at MTO’s Not Your Daddy’s BBQ

I luckily have friends of all walks of life. They keep me on my toes and while I know some of them far more intimately than others, I know that a LOT of my friends are incredibly talented people. What I find most interesting though is when I KNOW someone has talent, but I don’t realize HOW talented they truly are. For example, I knew my friend Dani could sing, but it wasn’t until I heard her recordings that I realized she could SING! That is how it went down for me this past Sunday at Desnudos Tacos at their prix fixe dinner celebrating all that is Mexico. There are many indie restos that are doing these special, one night only dinners. MTO has a Sunday Supper Series that I wrote about a few weeks back (their next one is June 22^nd).

I don’t remember how I met Christian Dolias, I do remember meeting his wife Jesikuh for the first time, but I can’t remember where/how I met him. Christian can cook. I have always known that. We worked together last year at Vegas Uncork’d and he was a marvel. I just didn’t realize how talented he was, mainly because he was doing other people’s food. I underestimated him vastly, in part, because he once said to me, “I always find myself making tacos,” and as a partner at Desnudos that’s what he does daily, and the tacos are really good (Moment of Truth – I drive a half hour in each direction to eat his red chile goat tacos). Imagine my surprise, delight and shame when he served me the following this past Sunday. Shame only because I underestimated him, and for that I am truly sorry.

Ceviche de Ostra – a duo of oysters with 2 different salsas frescas

Aqua Chile- sashimi sliced halibut with roasted Serrano corn, green onion, cilantro, lime, chayote and avocado

Ensalada de Langosta – butter poached lobster with cucumber, corn, black beans and huitalaoche paste

Mole Verde Oaxaqueno – braised carnitas, white beans, green beans, red potato, chile smoked bacon in a green mole sauce

Borrego con chile Ancho – adobo de chile Ancho rubbed and roasted lamb chops, root vegetables, sweet and spiced arroz

Dessert by Pastry Chef Lizette Gonzalez – chocolate cake with tequila almond ganache, house made tres leches ice cream, strawberry coulis and buñuelo sticks.

And now I can’t wait to see what Christian does next…

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