Maya Modern Mexican Kitchen and Tequileria's Tamale Festival Begins Today

As part of its ongoing series of festivals celebrating Mexico's culinary heritage, Richard Sandoval's vibrant Maya Modern Mexican Kitchen and Tequileria, will launch its First Annual Tamale Festival, a three-month long exploration of the regional variations on one of Latin America's oldest (dating to 1200 BC), most traditional dishes , April 1 through June 30.

The word "tamale" of Mayan origin, meaning "wrapped" refers to a steamed or boiled dish composed of stuffed masa, the classic Latin American dough made from corn flour, wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves. For Maya's inaugural tamale festival, Sandoval has created a menu of five different iterations ranging in price from $9 to $22, with a sample of three at $15. They include: Chile Rellano Tamale, stuffed chile poblano with chicken tinga talama, Mexican cheese, chorizo black beans, salsa jalisoco creama, cotija; Fish Tamale, grilled cod in banana leaves, epazote, tomato masa, serrano, cilantro, grilled yellow squash Mexican rice, refried beans; and Pork Tamale in banana leaves, mole negro harro beans, creamy plantain rice.

The Maya Tamale Festival Menu also offers two seasonal cocktails created to complement the original "wrap," including the Spicy Mango Margarita, serrano infused Blanco Tequila, mango, sour simple syrup, citrus.

Tamales were originally prepared for feasts and special occasions; indeed Maya's festival was inspired the annual tradition surrounding Kings' Day, when rosca de reyes, a sweet bread with a baby doll hidden inside is eaten. Whoever discovers the doll is expected to host a tamale party at which several regional varieties are served.

Maya's series of annual culinary festivals, which also focus on such Mexican classics as guacamole and mole, enable Chef Sandoval to further explore the potential of Mexican cuisine by creating surprising new flavors and textures by combining authentic ingredients in unexpected ways and by utilizing innovative approaches to traditional techniques. For diners, the festivals present an opportunity to sample new iterations of familiar preparations and to gain an appreciation for the vast regional differences Mexican food.

Maya's First Annual Tamale Festival will take place Tuesday, April 1 through Monday, June 30, 2014. Maya Modern Mexican Kitchen and Tequileria is located at 1191 First Avenue (between 64th & 65th Street). For reservations or more information please call (212) 585-1818 or visit http://www.richardsandoval.com/mayany/.

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