LATAM Field to Fork and Sobremesa Lunch: Two Culinary Celebrations of Latin American Flavor and Connection

This October, Philadelphia’s food lovers will have not one, but two unforgettable opportunities to celebrate Latin American cuisine, culture, and community. Chefs Jezabel Careaga (Jezabel’s Café) and Paola “Pao” Carlini are teaming up for a pair of immersive dining experiences in University City that bring the warmth, diversity, and artistry of Latin American food to the table in truly special ways.

LATAM Field to Fork Dinner – Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

The culinary journey begins with the LATAM Field to Fork Dinner, a one-night-only communal feast highlighting the flavors, ingredients, and stories of Latin America.

Priced at $85 per guest (plus tax), this multi-course, family-style dinner will be a vibrant showcase of harvest-season ingredients sourced from local organic farms like Norwich Meadows and Black Sheep. Guests can expect a carefully crafted menu that honors the chefs’ roots and global influences, including:

• Escabeche & Piperrada – mushrooms, mussels, peppers, corn tostadas

• Pulled Pork in Mole – aguacambur sauce, cassava & plantain tortillas

• Niños Envueltos – cabbage, black bean sauce, eggplant, piparras

• Catch of the Day – caper creole sauce, ’87 potatoes, purple potato crisp

• Arroz con Leche – preserved kumquats, tonka cream

With warm candlelight and communal tables, the evening will invite guests to connect over shared plates and stories, embracing the essence of togetherness that defines Latin American hospitality.

Sobremesa Lunch – Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 11:30 a.m.

Two days later, guests are invited back for a more relaxed yet equally memorable gathering — Sobremesa: A Latin American Feast.

Priced at $50 per guest (plus tax), this lunch experience takes inspiration from the Argentine tradition of “sobremesa” — the cherished act of lingering around the table after a meal, savoring good company and conversation.

The multi-course communal meal, curated by Chefs Carlini and Careaga, will spotlight seasonal dishes and the joy of slowing down to enjoy food and connection. The menu includes:

• Hongos Amolados – earthy mushrooms with cassava tortillas, pickled onions, and aguacambur

• Mussels in Muqueca – confit tomatoes and fragrant coconut broth

• Arroz Caldoso – slow-cooked, richly simmered rice with seasonal vegetables

The event will feature family-style service, BYOB, and limited seating, ensuring an intimate, conversational setting where guests feel like part of the family.

“Sobremesa isn’t just a meal — it’s a ritual,” said Chef Carlini. “It’s about sharing stories, flavors, and moments that stay with you long after the last bite.”

Both tickets are available on Eventbrite.