Last week I had the multi-sensory pleasure of attending Unexpected Mexico here in NYC. The event, sponsored by Bohemia Beer, was a feast, literally, featuring three top Mexican chefs, drinks, and musica.

Upon entering Skylight Studio, an events space in West SoHo, I was greeted by modern Mexican art pulled from the vast FEMSA collection. Some of the artists featured included Ruffino Tamayo, Gerardo Murillo, Carlos Merida, Angel Zerraga and Pedro Coronel.

The features of the evening came via the chefs, Patricia Quintana, Rick Bayless and Monica Patino.

The food sampling were perfectly paied with the music of Mexican musical icon Eugenia Leon.

See photos, videos and the menu after the jump.

Monica Patino, whose food stole the show in my opinion, chatted it up with Counsel General of Mexico Ramon Xilotl.

Chefs Rick Bayless and and Patricia Quintana share a Bohemia toast.

Eugenia Leon brings her own unexpected taste of Mexico.

Did I mention the food? Just take a look at the menu separated by chef.

Chef Patricia Quintana
*
Canapé
QUESO MOZZARELLA WITH PUMPKIN SEEDS AND CHILE OIL
GUACAMOLE WITH MINT AND POMEGRANATE
GUACAMOLE A LA MEXICANA
*
Appetizer
SHRIMP BROCHETTE WITH BOHEMIA
*
Entree
YUCATAN-STYLE CHICKEN IN BANANA LEAVES
*
Dessert
CAJETA CREPES
WITH VANILLA CUSTARD SAUCE AND BOHEMIA

Chef Mónica Patiño
*
Canapé
BEEF CANTINA CARPACCIO
*
Appetizer
SEA BASS CEVICHE WITH HORSERADISH MAYO, AVOCADO AND PICO DE GALLO
*
Entree
FISH MEATBALLS IN SMOKED CHILES SAUCE WITH SPARKLES OF COCONUT MILK
*
Dessert
CHEESE MIXIOTE WITH ANISEED “PILONCILLO” SAUCE

Chef Rick Bayless
*
Canapé
SHRIMP AL MOJO DE AJO SERVED ON A JICAMA SQUARE
*
Appetizer
TROPICAL BEACH CEVICHE
*
Entree
RACK OF LAMB WITH “DRUNKEN” PASILLA SALSA
*
Dessert
YUCATAN-STYLE FRESH COCONUT PIE

My faves were Mónica Patiño’s ceviche and dessert and Patricia Quintana’s chicken in banana leaves.

Star struck moment: when I was in the bathroom and ran into chef Patricia Quintana.

Buen provecho!