Update: Cantina Laredo has closed its Omaha location.
I’m giving you all an early heads up on a tequila dinner at Cantina Laredo on June 13 featuring Don Julio Tequilas. Because I love you, and you really ought to try the Mango Tequila Mojito they’ll be serving at it.
I was lucky enough to sample the entire menu recently with a group of bloggers who had way bigger cameras than me. Ah, to dine with food bloggers.
Let me tell you about the four-course meal.
It starts out with a cocktail hour. We were given three tequilas to taste: Blanco, Reposado and Anejo. Tequila aficionados will go straight for the anejo, aged 18 months. Follow their lead, this is the smooth stuff.
First course
Crab Avocado Chalupas paired with a Cosmolito.
This appetizer has a nice spicy kick to it, with mango and mint standing out among the flavors. The punch of the Cosmolito held up nicely to it (but it wasn’t my favorite drink of the night).
Second course
Cranberry Pecan Salad paired with Mango Tequila Mojito. Here’s when the dinner got real good.
I may have been the first person to finish this drink. It’s not a contest. But, I win.
I could drink five of these mojitos. The summery salad was quite nice, but really, the mojito wins this round.
Entree
Choice of Sea Bass Oscar or Lamb Chops with Pistachio Pipian paired with Tengo Calor Margarita.
That’s a crab cake on top of the sea bass. This dish made me happy.
I went with the Sea Bass Oscar and ay dios mio, I’m glad I did. That buttery goodness you’re tasting poured over the fish? It’s a jalapeño beurre blanc. The sea bass was served over cilantro lime rice with a side of asparagus. This entree wins the night. I almost licked the plate.
The margarita has a cayenne pepper kick to it, which was a nice twist to the usual drink.
A margarita with a kick.
You’ll like it.
Dessert
Sorbet Trio paired with Hot Summer Never Ending (and coffee if you need it). This was a lovely and light way to end a meal. You get mango, raspberry and lemon.
The sorbet trio.
Try the mango. Just do it. The drink is a cocktail that screams summer muddling cucumber, watermelon and jalapeño with tequila, triple sec and lime juice. This wasn’t my favorite, and I found myself eyeing my neighbor’s unfinished mojito.
Más información, you say?
Where: Cantina Laredo at Midtown Crossing
When: Friday, June 13, 2014. Cocktail service at 7 p.m., four-course dinner at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $49.99 per person
Reservations: Call 402-345-6000. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available, just request what you need when you make the reservation.
Disclosure: My Don Julio tequila dinner was complimentary of Cantina Laredo at Midtown Crossing. All opinions expressed are mine. A special thank you to Cantina Laredo, Midtown Crossing and Danielle at Martinis and Minivans for inviting me.