Tequilabamba

When

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Where

Lolita's
2929 West Cary St.,
Richmond, Virginia, 23221

Experience the Soul of Mexico at This Unique Dinner, Which Highlights the Authentic Cuisine of the First-Generation Mexican-American Garcia Sisters Paired with Exceptional Tequila's and Cocktails

Please join us for a truly special dinner experience presented by Chef Darwin Enrique Salcedo, which bridges Mexican and American culinary traditions as inspired by owners and founders Karina and Rosio Garcia.

Named for their mother, Lola (a nickname for Dolores), Lolita's honors Karina and Rosio's mother with a singleminded focus on anchoring the restaurants' cuisine to the food their mother cooked when they were kids. And central to that approach is the corn, which is foundational to Mexican cuisine. In order to maintain authenticity, the sisters bring in all the corn used at Lolita's from Mexico, including heirloom varieties that evoke the provocative flavors typically only found in Mexico.

Combine the amazing fresh flavors of these imported ingredients with Lolita's head chef, Darwin Enrique Salcedo, who honed his culinary skills in Bogota, Columbia, and the result is pure culinary excellence.

Please join Chef Salcedo and the Garcia sisters at this wonderful dinner experience.

Your Ticket Includes:

An amazing, authentic 5+ course dinner expertly paired with tequila and cocktails
Upon arrival guests can mix and mingle, enjoying a light appetizer paired with one or two extraordinary tequila-based beverages
Chef Castro will discuss the food and beverage pairings throughout the course of the dinner

Tentative Menu

entrada

ostra

Chesapeake raw oyster,cucumber-shallot verdita

oyster-tini

Virginia oyster washedCazadores Tequila, DolinBlanc Vermouth, Saline

Segundo

salmon curado

café-cured salmon,

mango & maracuya

mexican kimono

Siete Misterios Mezcal,

Sweet Kukicha-Basil, AnchoReyes, Green Chartreuse,Citrus-Herbsaint Foam

tercero

tostadita nopales

corn tostada, pork belly,avocado, nopales

paloma guava cooler

G4 Blanco Tequila, guava, Licor43, Banhez Mezcal, Angostura,coconut milk wash,

grapefruit soda

cuarto

sopa de calabaza

creamy zucchini, grilledpoblano peppers,

crispy tortilla, maíz

santisima madre

Sotol por Siempre,cucumber-cilantro cordial,tomatillo citrus, hoja santa,poblano chile liqueur

quinto

tlacoyo

ribeye, black beans,

queso oaxaca, molé

humo y arce

Madre Mezcal, piña, lime

molé-spiced maple,Benedictine, fresh sage

sexto

pargo a la Veracruzana

red snapper, olive,

red bell peppers

fulano y sutano

Don Fulano Añejo, CocchiAmericano, BergamotLiqueur, Cap Corse Blanc

postre

carlota de limón

key lime, cream,galleta maria

Banhez Pechuga Mezcal

fruit & turkey breast distilled

About Chef Darwin Enrique Salcedo
Chef de Cuisine – Lolita’s, Carytown

Born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, I am a professional cook with a deep passion for culinary arts and a strong foundation in Mexican gastronomy. My professional journey began after relocating to Colombia, where I discovered my love for cooking while working at Insurgente restaurant in Bogotá. This experience inspired me to pursue formal training as a Gastronomy Technician in Colombia.

Originally educated in Physical Education in Venezuela, I bring the same discipline, focus, and teamwork from sports into my work in the kitchen. Since moving to the United States, I have continued to grow personally and professionally, honing my skills and creativity in the culinary field.

I come from a humble, hardworking family and hold strong values rooted in perseverance, gratitude, and family. Above all, I am a proud father and passionate chef whose ultimate dream is to open my own restaurant—one that reflects the flavors, traditions, and love that have shaped my journey.

About Lolita's

Nestled in the heart of Carytown, Lolita’s is a modern Mexican scratch kitchen inspired by the women who passed down their love of food, family, and culture through generations. Our mission is to honor those traditions while reimagining them with a contemporary edge — blending authenticity, creativity, and a touch of Richmond flair.

For the 2026 Wine Exposition's event Tequilabamba, we invite guests to experience a fresh perspective on Mexican cuisine, where vibrant flavors meet thoughtful tequila, mezcal, wine & cocktail pairings. Each dish tells a story of heritage and innovation, crafted hecho con amor(“made with love”) and designed to celebrate the universal language of food and community.