Chef José Andrés of ThinkFoodGroup commemorates 10 years at Jaleo Crystal City and invites guests to take a journey through his native Spain with an all-inclusive evening of authentic tapas, hands-on demonstrations, and live entertainment. On Wednesday, September 24, the restaurant will be transformed into a festive Spanish market featuring different cities that reflect the regional diversity of classic and contemporary Spanish cuisine. Cities such as Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Sevilla, Cádiz and Santander will be represented through interactive tapas and drinks that showcase the unique specialties of each destination–from make-your-own Montaditos to Paella and porrón demonstrations–alongside live performances from Flamenco dancer Emily Mazzotti and guitarist Miguelito Perez. For $35 per person, offerings include:
Barcelona: A make-your-own Montadito station will feature a whole jamón iberico leg, a selection of Spanish cheeses, and an interactive Tomate Fresca Bar, as well as the proper form for how to drink wine, a porrón
Cádiz: A Fritura station will offer the coastal treasures of the port city with Cucuruchos filled with fresh Puntillitas fritas (baby squid), Ortiguillas Fritas (nettles) and Camarones (shrimp), alongside Fino sherry
Madrid: A selection of Gambas al Ajillo, Huevos con Caviar, and Chistorra sausage, plus assorted beverages including Classic Red Sangria, Cava, Estrella Damm Inedit and offerings from local Legend Brewery, central VA’s oldest microbrewery
Valencia: Live preparations of Paella con Pollo y Setas and Arroz Meditteranea , along with the region’s specialty drink–Agua de Valencia, a sparkling orange juice
Sevilla: Celebrate Andalucía’s sunny capital with Liquid Olive demonstrations and sherry tastings, accompanied by Aceitunas and Ensaladilla Rusa
Santander: Finish on a sweet note with a dessert bar featuring Mini Flan, Mini Pastel de Chocolate y Avellanas, and Conos with fresh sorbet and homemade helado
“In 2004 my team and I planted our flag in Crystal City. It’s been amazing to see the dining scene evolve here over the last decade and be part of that growth. We’re very grateful for the community’s support over the years, and are thrilled to celebrate the spirit of Spain in Arlington,” says José Andrés.
Five dollars from each ticket sold will be donated to José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen, helping developing countries in crisis by building kitchens to feed the hungry with local ingredients, empowering communities by creating long-term solutions. A nod to the local community that has supported Jaleo over the past decade, tickets will be administered through nvite, a start-up based out of Crystal City. Confirmed sponsors include: Barajas farmers from Westmoreland, VA; Coulter Farms from Honey Grove, PA; Fermin USA; Julius Silvert; Manolo and Sons; nvite; Elite Wines; Tradewinds Specialty Imports; Country Vintner; and Virginia Eagle Distributors.
When: Wednesday, September 24th, 5pm to 9pm
Where: Jaleo Crystal City (2250-A Crystal Drive; Arlington, VA) *two blocks from the Crystal City Metro on the blue and yellow lines
To purchase tickets, visit https://nvite.com/JaleoCrystalCity10/jcc10