For the first time since 2004, the Spirits of Mexico celebration comes home to NYC, the spirits capital of the world.

On April 22nd the agave lover’s quest is sated at the heart of Manhattan’s Theatre District, at Toloache Mexican Bistro, where, the spirit of Mexico is celebrated and award winning tequilas, mezcals and more will be paired with the exquisite cuisine of Chef Julian Medina.

Arrive thirsty! Guests will freely sample priceless world class agave spirits among which include multiple-award-winning Tequilas 55, Alma de Agave, Antiguo de Herradura, Capaz, Casa 1921, Cazadores, Chinaco, Corzo, El Capo, El Jimador, Herradura, Inocente, Milagro, Tequila Rack, t1 Tequila Uno, Scorpion Mezcal & more. Bring your appetites, as a wide selection (9 dishes) of the finest & most inventive cuisine north of the border includes Toloache specialties such as Camaron or Spicy Tuna Ceviche; Truffle, Steak, Chicken or Shrimp Quesadillas; Avocado & Cactus Fries; Tacos de Carne Asada, de Pescado, de Hongos or al Pastor.

As noted by Insatiable Critic Gael Green/New York Magazine, “Chef-partner Julian Medina’s menu skips around Mexico and beyond with a trio of guacamoles mashed to order at the bar, a fabulous organic huevos rancheros, suckling pig from the brick oven, and fine Veracruz-style paella with a foie gras detour”.

As with all Polished Palate events, seminars serve to enlighten guests on all facets of each spirit. Jack Robertiello of Drinks Ink and co-host of the Spirits of Mexico annual tasting competition (San Diego, August 2010), leads guests through a Tasting Seminar. Spirits are judged on 5 basic principles: Appearance, Aroma, Taste, Mouthfeel and Finish. Jack’s interactive format entertains guests, focusing primarily on the art of nosing & tasting.

Meet Ana Maria Romero Mena, Maestra Tequilera, one of the first female Catadores in the world. Ms. Mena will be autographing her award-winning book, “Los Aromas del Tequila, El Arte de la Cata” (The aroma and art of tequila tasting). Ms. Romero Mena joins the judging team this August along with the returning Junior Merino of The Liquid Chef, who walks us through the agave fields at Toloache. Meet Chris Melendez of the soon-to-be-released KAH Tequila (meaning ‘life’ in Maya).

Celebrating 50 years of helping troubled youth this year, the Sky Ranch Foundation is the benefactor of the silent auction. Generous donations from our participating sponsors and more items are in store. You might bid on a very special case of Reposado from T1-Tequila Uno’s Barrel #1, donated at the Spirits of Mexico Festival ‘09 for the Foundation. Making it’s US debut in June, this extra special Resposado is only available at the Spirits of Mexico events and through the Foundation. Dori Bryant of the Polished Palate will be visiting the T1 Tequila Uno distillery during the week of March 29 to certify its authenticity.

Let the spirits move you. Find out why the editors of ‘O’ The Oprah Magazine & Oprah Online selected it as “one of only 6 Festivals worth the trip”. Toloache Mexican Bistro, located at 251 West 50th Street (B’wy & 8th) is Tequila central, our home from 6:30 to 9PM. Space is limited to 200 guests; the first 100 receive a Goody Bag filled with agave treasures. The price of admission is $85 per person in advance & $95 at the door. Visit www.polishedpalate.com for more information and tickets. Members of the press are welcome however the number is limited to the first 25 to respond to info@polishedpalate.com.

About the Spirits of Mexico and the Polished Palate
Since 2005, the Polished Palate has been hosting cutting edge tasting events, educating the consumer on all aspects of each distilled spirit category. Through seminars hosted by recognized industry professionals, guests learn about the history & culture of each spirit, current trends & appropriate tasting techniques.

The Spirits of Mexico event was first held in New York City in May 2004 and, upon moving to San Diego, has become the oldest, largest and most comprehensive agave spirits Festival in the United States celebrating the Distiller’s Art. The 2010 multi-day Festival in San Diego also returns home. Courtesy of the generous contribution of Fiesta de Reyes, the Festival returns to the birthplace of California, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and is supported and endorsed by the City of San Diego, the State of California in association with the Department of Parks & Recreation, the Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce and its members.