Alebrije X Bastion
Is it possible to feel normal when nothing is normal?
Let’s face it, we are six months into this pandemic, and living our best life looks and feels drastically different. Pre-COVID-19, all I needed were my keys, cellphone, and the occasional handbag. Now, I am masking up and making sure that I have an arsenal of hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and gloves readily available. Hugs and high-fives have been replaced by a friendly social distanced nod, and travel seems to be a distant memory as COVID-19 cases continue to spike and more borders close.
While everyone else is baking their way through this pandemic, yes, I am looking at you with the sourdough starter, I am looking at my kitchen creations and stack of takeout clamshells rethinking one of the most elemental parts of our daily lives: food. There’s nothing more rewarding than sitting around the table with friends, laughing, and sharing a meal. I miss making dinner reservations, getting dressed up, and going somewhere other than my dining room. But who doesn’t these days?
As I was scrolling aimlessly one day through Instagram, I saw that Alebrije and Bastion were having a collaboration dinner, and of course, it was one night only. Knowing that Strategic Hospitality has taken the utmost precaution to protect the health and safety of their employees and patrons, (hello, they wrote a playbook outlining the steps of safety they were taking during the pandemic), I felt comfortable making a reservation and having one of my first indoor dining experiences in months.
Alebrije, new to the Nashville dining scene, is led by chef Edgar Victoria. Popping-up all around town, Alebrije serves Mexico City-inspired street food with a little twist and a lot of love. Victoria prides himself on his food preparation. Every item is created from scratch, including the masa that is imported from the central valleys of Oaxaca. Victoria’s creations are not just delicious but are works of art, which is why I chose to have my first experience dining-in rather than out of a clamshell at home.
After we were greeted and seated, we perused the cocktail menu. Why is it that cocktails made by professionals always taste better than what I can create at home? As we sat there sipping our tequila concoctions and catching up on life, our first course arrived at the table. OH.MY.GOD.
I knew it was a tasting menu, but I immediately turned to my friend and asked: “ do you think we can get another first course?” To say the Beef Belly Taco brought a tear to my eye is an understatement.
While I won’t give you a play by play, after all, that wouldn’t be much fun since you don’t have the opportunity to experience it, I will point out my favorites of the evening.
I enjoyed the sweet heat combination of the Watermelon ‘Aguachile’ in the Raw Scallop dish, and the presentation was just lovely.
By far one of my favorite dishes of the evening was the Huarache de Lengua + Smoked Tallow Beans + Salsa Verde + Turnips. While I know that some may have an aversion to eating beef tongue, it was definitely one of the most flavorful dishes of the evening. I had no idea that beef tongue could taste so good.
This summer mole was out of this world and paired perfectly with the grilled vegetables. Have you ever attempted to make mole? It’s quite a labor of love.
Friends, this is no ordinary quesadilla. Huitlachoche is a Mexican corn mushroom often referred to as a corn truffle. The chefs filled this delicious quesadilla with black squash and chicatanas, which are a delicacy in Oaxacan gastronomy.
Of course, I had no clue what chicatanas were so I had to google them. Come to find out chicatanas are ants. I've tried chapulines tacos before, but this was my first experience with ants, and I have to they were delicious.
Isn’t this Beef Cheek Tostada just gorgeous? Some might say it is almost too pretty to eat, but that didn’t stop me. The chefs served this dish with the Smoked Duck and it absolutely blew me away. Not only was this duck cooked perfectly, but it was some of the most flavorful duck I’ve ever enjoyed. When paired with the chanterelles, you had the perfect bite. Listen, I love mushrooms more than most, but I had no idea that chanterelles could taste so rich and delicious.
Our evening concluded with two sweet treats from the kitchen: Churro y Cajeta and Purple Corn Sorbet + Blueberries. While both were clever combinations, I’m a sucker for a churro. When it’s warm and paired with ice cream, it will win EVERY SINGLE TIME. Yet another bite that left me wanting more.
In case you missed the Alebrije X Bastion collaboration, you have the opportunity to experience Alebrije’s food Sunday, August 9th. Chef Edgar Victoria will be creating his Mexican masterpieces alongside several other chefs at Arnold’s Country Kitchen from 4:00 p.m. to- 9:00 p.m. Guests can dine-in or pre-order and pick it up using this LINK. You better believe I’ve already placed my order! This is one you don’t want to miss!
Until Next Time!
Tariff: The tasting menu was $65.00 per person and included a 20% service charge and tax. Dinner for two was roughly $171.00. Wine and cocktails were not included and could be purchased separately.
Can’t Miss: The Beef Belly Taco + Guacamole+ Cucamelon + Pico De Gallo and the Huarache de Lengua + Smoked Tallow Beans + Salsa Verde + Turnips were the two standouts of the evening. Literally, blown away.
Potential Pass: Honestly, there wasn’t a dish that I would pass on. Of course, there are a couple that I wish I could have enjoyed again but overall the meal was fantastic.
