(Photo above: Chef Roberto Cardenas)
Rio Restaurant in Sisters is rolling out an appetizing array of monthly Mexican cooking classes starting on Saturday, March 14 at 3:30pm. Owner and head chef Roberto Cardenas is thrilled to introduce the first of a savory series of upscale Mexican culinary courses open to the public.
“For the first session, we’re going to be learning to cook crab enchiladas with a tequila serrano reduction and a tomatillo cream sauce, and a grilled open-face chile relleno stuffed with chicken chipotle and caramelized onion,” he said. “The cooking lesson will be paired with fresh fruit infused margaritas and for dessert we’re going to prepare tangy mango sopapillas.”
Cardenas hopes this mouth-watering monthly meet-up will be a popular diversion for budding chefs and curious foodies, with different dishes being cooked each session from his wide range of delectable Mexican-themed dishes, sauces and desserts.
“I want it to be a relaxed atmosphere where cooks of all abilities can have fun and learn about the exotic flavors of my native Mexico, using the freshest local ingredients whenever possible. We’ll have chips and homemade salsa and a tequila flight also available while preparing everything from scratch, step-by-step.”
Guests will be introduced to basic ingredients and simple techniques to conjure up a fantastic home-cooked Mexican meal.
“We’ll tequila-flame the crab with some vegetables, then prepare the enchiladas and cover them with the cream sauce, then go right into our chile rellenos,” Cardenas added. “I’m going to set up a long table for everyone to observe and congregate around. I want people to come here and relax and make new friendships. Nothing too fancy. It’s going to be interesting and casual and fun. I’m really looking forward to sharing my recipes and teaching my class the art of cooking.”
Since opening in 2012, Rio presents a selection of modern and traditional fare that draws on colorful influences around the globe. Cost for the monthly cooking class, which include a tequila flight, one margarita, enchilada, chile relleno and dessert is $40 per person or $75 per couple. This rare opportunity to attend an authentic Mexican cooking class is limited to the first 15 persons and advanced reservations are required. The next session will be held on Saturday, April 18.
Rio Restaurant
1011 Desperado Trail in the Five Pine Campus in Sisters
541-549-6118
