Chef Richard Sandoval of Aqimero Is Hosting a Special One-Night-Only Día de los Muertos Dinner & Cocktail Pairing

his fall, Philadelphia’s Aqimero, the acclaimed Latin-inspired restaurant by Chef Richard Sandoval, will transform into a stunning celebration of life, memory, and tradition for Día de los Muertos. Now through November 3, 2025, guests are invited to honor the season with a special limited-time menu inspired by the moon’s guiding presence — a nod to ancient Mesoamerican beliefs where lunar deities symbolize fertility, healing, and the bridge between worlds.

Through inventive cuisine, soulful storytelling, and celestial design, Aqimero’s Día de los Muertos celebration promises to be one of Philadelphia’s most unique and meaningful dining experiences this fall.

Chef Richard Sandoval and his team have crafted a limited-time menu that connects flavor with spirituality — an offering that celebrates both the earth’s bounty and the cosmic cycles above. Each dish and drink is designed to evoke warmth, reflection, and connection.

Guests can sip their way through the phases of the moon with beautifully composed drinks such as:

• Living Spirit – tequila, ancho reyes, nixta tamarind, agave, black salt, blue corn tortilla, and chipotle tuile

• Moon’s Embrace – bourbon, abasolo, cacao liqueur, café de olla, orange bitters, rose, and obleas

• Moonlit Waters – hibiscus, balsamic vinegar, cinnamon, beetroot, agave, guava, and soda

Each cocktail reflects the duality of Día de los Muertos — the interplay of life and death, sweetness and smoke, night and light.

The special menu also showcases seasonal creations rooted in Mexican culinary heritage:

• Calabaza en Tacha – pumpkin natilla brulée with piloncillo pepita compote and cinnamon ice cream

• Ofrenda de Cempasúchil – lamb tenderloin with creamy purple potato mash, roasted heirloom carrots, charred ashes, and smoky chipotle hibiscus sauce

Guests are invited to gather at communal tables to enjoy these dishes alongside shareable plates, conversation, and cocktails that embody the spirit of remembrance and gratitude.

La Mesa Lunar: Día de los Muertos Dinner with Chefs Richard & Giancarlo Sandoval

For an even deeper immersion into the holiday, Aqimero will host La Mesa Lunar, a one-night-only Día de los Muertos dinner on Tuesday, October 14 at 7 p.m.

This exclusive event, led by Chef Richard Sandoval and his son, Chef Giancarlo Sandoval, will feature a three-course tasting menu paired with four moon phase–inspired cocktails. Each course and pairing will symbolize a distinct lunar phase — from the New Moon’s Seeds of Intention to the Waning Crescent’s Release & Renewal — guiding guests on a sensory journey of reflection and renewal.

“Día de los Muertos is a special time for me, as it’s a celebration of life, family, and heritage,” said Chef Sandoval. “I’m thrilled to invite guests to experience an evening filled with bold, vibrant flavors that reflect the beauty and essence of this holiday. I look forward to personally sharing these dishes and stories with everyone.”

Each dish will be accompanied by optional beverage pairings, expertly crafted to complement the menu’s rich flavors and elevate the storytelling behind each course. Seating is limited, ensuring an intimate and immersive evening that bridges culinary artistry and cultural reverence.

From its intricate ofrenda-style décor to the symbolic lunar-inspired cocktails, Aqimero’s Día de los Muertos celebration offers more than just a meal — it’s an invitation to connect with something deeper. Guests are encouraged to pause, reflect, and honor the cycles of life through food, community, and shared experience. Reservations can be made via OpenTable or at aqimero.com.