Activate the senses with Richard Sandoval Hospitality from October 5 through November 2
dLeña by Chef Richard Sandoval is excited to announce the launch of its Día de los Muertos multi-sensory dining experience this fall. From Tuesday, October 5, through Tuesday, November 2, guests are invited to experience the senses in an immersive campaign at the Mount Vernon Triangle modern Mexican concept.
Day of the Dead festivities typically unfold over two days in an explosion of color and life-arming joy, displaying love and respect for the past and one’s ancestors. In towns and cities throughout Mexico, revelers don makeup and costumes, hold parades and parties, sing and dance, and make offerings to lost loved ones. At Richard Sandoval Hospitality (RSH), 30 restaurant concepts throughout five countries will feature marigold-inspired dishes and beverages, a signature Spotify playlist, online tutorials led by Chef Richard Sandoval, and more throughout October. dLeña is pleased to be the first RSH concept in DC to launch the immersive campaign.
In celebration of the holiday, Chef Richard Sandoval hopes to demonstrate appreciation for the past and intention for the future through the marigold, a symbol used to guide ancestors through vibrant colors and powerful aromas. “We’ve chosen the marigold as the way we’re telling the story this year, as it’s symbolically used during the holiday and believed that the color and smell help guide one’s ancestors. I invite you to taste our marigold-inspired specials, listen to our signature Día de los Muertos Spotify channel, and immerse yourself in one of my favorite holidays.”
Listen to dLeña’s signature playlist of Latin music, curated by Paco Rozas and Christophe Bourlon. Taste tantalizing dishes like the chile ancho confit with pork belly stew, star anise, sweet plantain, almonds, and mole rosa, braised short rib with orange blossom purée, espadin-mezcal sauce, baby patipan, and sun-dried chili ash, and pumpkin cake with caramel pumpkin, piloncillo sauce, spiced pepitas, and cinnamon ice cream. Enjoy specialty cocktails like the marigold margarita with Patrón Reposado, tonic, fresh marigold simple syrup, and lime, la vela “the candle” with Patrón Añejo, achiote, lemon, lime, activated charcoal, Fernet Vallet, fee foam, and churros, and ej ojo “the eye” with Patrón Reposado, pumpkin, lemon, Fernet Vallet, egg white, and marigold flowers. See Chef Richard Sandoval masterfully preparing select Día de los Muertos dishes and drinks at richardsandoval.com as well as special artwork designed by Mexico City-based illustrator and campaign partner artist Chepe. Although other RSH concepts around the world will feature smell and touch components with retail items for purchase, such as a marigold-infused custom-made candle and marigold seeds to plant at home, dLeña invites guests to revel in the other senses with special menu items, curated playlists, and custom online tutorials and create-at-home experiences.
Guests are invited to enter a special Día de los Muertos giveaway to win a $250 dining prize at a RSH location of their choice, a signed copy of Richard Sandoval’s New Latin Flavors cookbook, and a make-at-home marigold margarita kit. Entries will be accepted through richardsandoval.com/ddlm2021 and a winner will be chosen on November 5. Must be 21+ to enter.
About dLeña
dLeña Wood-Fire Mexican Cocina & Mezcaleria is a modern Mexican restaurant located in the heart of Washington D.C’s Mount Vernon neighborhood. The chef-driven concept proudly offers a fresh take on Mexican cuisine and embraces their heritage and culture through an elevated dining experience. dLeña and dLeña ROJA were designed by PETERMAX Co. to evoke a divine Mexican escape using a blend of old-world forms and refined modern materials. For more information on dLeña, visit dlenadc.com.
About Richard Sandoval Hospitality
Richard Sandoval Hospitality is a leading restaurant group founded by Mexican-born chef/restaurateur Richard Sandoval. Known for offering guests an unparalleled culinary experience, this internationally recognized contemporary Latin restaurant group successfully owns and operates over 45 restaurant concepts around the globe. US restaurant locations span 10 states and the District of Columbia – as well as internationally in 7 countries including Costa Rica, Mexico, Nevis, Qatar, Serbia, Turkey and the UAE.
