Collab Dinner: Masa and Mar: Foods from the Mexican Pacific
Tue, August 11, 2026
6:30 PM
Pier 57
25 11th Ave
New York, NY 10011
Dining Table
$210
Internal Chef's Counter
$250
Featuring Rising Star Chefs Alam Méndez and James Beard Award Semifinalist® José Contreras
From tlayudas to tamales, tortillas to tetelas, Mexico's street food culture is fundamentally inseparable from corn. Featuring two of the country’s rising voices—chef Alam Méndez, co-founder of Washington, D.C.’s acclaimed Apapacho Taqueria, and James Beard Award semifinalist® José Contreras of Tucson’s Amelia's Kitchen—this collaborative menu anchors itself in the vital relationship between heirloom corn and the coast. Drawing inspiration from the Pacific shores of Oaxaca up to the Sea of Cortez in Sonora, the chefs will showcase how traditional masa serves as the structural canvas for regional coastal ingredients. The dishes pair foundational corn preparations with fresh seafood and wild greens, highlighting deeply personal recipes rooted in their respective upbringings.
To round out the experience, the dinner will be paired with artisanal Mexican spirits from Mijenta Tequila, reflecting the equally rich and evolving landscape of Mexican beverage culture.
This one-night-only dinner will feature a cocktail reception with passed hors d'oeuvre upon arrival, an expertly crafted multi-course menu with thoughtfully curated wine or beverage pairings, and a Q&A with the featured chefs.
Who's Cooking
Alam Méndez
José Contreras
Additional Information
Event Policy
Reservation Policy:
All reservations are non-refundable and must be made in advance. Should the event be cancelled due to any unforeseen circumstances, JBF will offer a range of options, including ticket exchanges, the option to donate tickets, or a full refund. For more information, contact platformbyjbf@jamesbeard.org.
Alcohol Disclaimer:
James Beard Foundation events permit guests age 21 years and older to attend events where alcoholic beverages are served.
Dietary/Food Restrictions Policy:
Events at Platform by JBF are special one-night-only menus and we do not offer a la carte menus. If you have serious food allergies, we will work with the visiting chef team to do our best to accommodate but cannot guarantee that alternate options will be available for every course.
Gift Card Policy:
Gift cards may not be combined with event discount codes, including Patron member discounts.
Questions? Check out our Platform FAQ page.
Terms
Tickets to events held at Platform at Pier 57 by the James Beard Foundation cover the cost of food, education, and a unique dining experience. Meals are prepared by culinary masters from all regions of the United States and around the world. Unless otherwise stated, alcoholic beverages are provided on a complimentary basis and are included in the ticket price. Gratuity, taxes, and fees are included in the ticket price.
James Beard Foundation events permit guests age 21 years and older to attend events where alcoholic beverages are served.