By Michelle da Silva Richmond
Mexico is gearing up for its annual Independence Day celebration, also known as “El Grito de Dolores“ and Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach’s award-winning La Joya Restaurant has prepared a special menu in honor of the occasion.
Typical Mexican delicacies will be presented at food stations throughout the restaurant, accompanied by a domestic open bar from 7 p.m. – midnight. Colorful entertainment will include mariachis and musical trios, along with the live broadcast of the “Independence Day Ceremony” directly from Mexico City.
On tap for the evening will be a selection of cold and hot appetizers to include – among other things – Mexican “botanas” such as chicken salbutes, panuchos, esquites (corn), sopes and empanadas.
Salad choices will feature an ample salad bar with a variety of options such the traditional Maya Xec – a mix of fruits and vegetables with a touch of citrus and habanero chile – and cactus fruit salad with different dressings and toppings.-
Featured soups will feature: Pozole made with Caribbean lobster, green pumpkin seeds, lettuce and radish; Tortilla Soup and Poblano Chile Cream Soup.
Seafood lovers will be thrilled with a variety of options: from the mango and passion fruit – mixed ceviche to the octopus and shrimp with aguachile and the delicious Pacific Coast- style fish.
For meat lovers, a rich taco station will offer freshly handmade tortillas and a variety of options to create your own tacos while exploring the cultural heritage from different regions of Mexico such as carnitas, lamb barbacoa, beef mixiote or the world- famous tacos al pastor.
Additional choices include Mexican signature dishes such as mole poblano or mole verde – a pumpkin seed mole served with pork and purslane herbs.
The highlight of the menu will be the traditional chile en nogada, a typical Mexican dish available only during this season.
The sweet finale will feature churros with a variety of sauces, buñuelos, rice pudding, pumpkin sweets, creme caramel, and a variety of Mexican sweet rolls.
Traditional Mexican coffee will complete the experience.