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There are festivals and then there is the Agave Heritage Festival on Thursday, April 18 – Sunday, April 21, which is in a category of its own.
The enriching and interactive four-day event dedicated to agave and the Southwest’s relationship to Mexico and the great Sonoran Desert region offers a unique perspective into the flavors and traditions of regional and heritage foods and spirits. This culinary weekend includes not-to-be-missed dinners that highlight some of the city’s renowned restaurants and chefs via multi-course dinners that embody the magic that’s created when agave spirits are paired with the unmistakable flavors that Tucson has become known for.
Read on for an outline of each of this year’s Heritage Dinners. Tickets are limited so don’t hesitate to grab yours while they’re available, and click here to explore the full list of events happening at this year’s Festival.
Enjoy a signature cocktail, passed appetizers, and a warm welcome from Chef Fleming and Proprietor Sally Kane. The main dinner takes place under the stars, where the guests will enjoy the mezcal neat to truly experience the supreme craftsmanship from the heart of Jalisco.
The Tequila Casahuin Heritage Dinner at the Historic Coronet Restaurant is happening on the beautiful 160 year-old property located at 198 West Cushing Street on Sunday, April 21, from 6 – 9 p.m. Tickets are $229 each and can be purchased here.
Named in honor of the godfather of agave, the Agave Heritage Festival, the Southwest Center, and Borderlands Restoration Network are honored to host the first annual Howard Scott Gentry Lifetime Achievement Award and Gala Dinner. This celebratory dinner culminates a four-day celebration of the agave plant and its role as a keystone of the borderlands, highlighting the culture, heritage, diversity, and sustainability of this plant and our region.
The event will take place at 3800 West Starr Pass Boulevard on Sunday, April 21, from 5 – 9 p.m. and will begin with the traditional Starr Pass Tequila Toast on the patio featuring Mezcal Vago. Local chefs will collaborate with agave industry experts to present a multi-course tapas-style dinner utilizing regional and heritage ingredients. Each course will be paired with agave spirit cocktails or neat pours featuring Tequila Ocho.
Tickets for the Gala Dinner are $229.69 each and can be purchased here.
Tucson Foodie Insiders: check the member app for details on your exclusive 20% discount to this event, valid only through Friday, March 22.Â
Join the Maynards Culinary Collective, guest chef Dr. Mae Hey, Don Guerra of Barrio Bread, and Center for Regional Food Studies for the epicurean experience of the year featuring a six-course menu highlighting regional and local ingredients accompanied width mezcal neat and cocktails. The dinner includes remarks from Dr. Hey, Don, and the Center for Regional Food Studies on the amazing and unique aspect of our foodshed aligned with remarks about the history of agave around food, fiber, beverage, and culture.
Dr. Hey serves Virginia Tech as an Assistant Professor, a Faculty Fellow for their Office of Inclusion and Diversity, a Faculty Affiliate for their Food Studies Program, and a Faculty Fellow for their Center for Food Systems and Community Transformation.
The Maynards Heritage Dinner will take place at 400 East Toole Avenue on Friday, April 19, from 6 – 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $196 each and can be purchased here.
Seis chef and owner Jacob Munoz will prepare a multi-course dinner, representing six regions of Mexico, which will include Guacamole, Poached Shrimp Tostada, Guajillo-braised Short Rib, and Mango Gelato. In addition to the flavorful dishes, guests will enjoy paired cocktails, mezcal tastings, and a presentation by a featured professional from the agave industry.
The Seis Heritage Dinner will take place at 1765 East River Road on Thursday, April 18, from 5:30 -8 p.m. Tickets are $130 each and can be purchased here.
