Kaboom!

We started a new tradition this year. The day before Valentine's Day is officially Tequila Day. And the official tequila of choice is Corzo. To really celebrate Tequila Day proper like, we had a 5-course meal paired with various tequila mixed drinks at the Beachhouse at the Moana Surfrider. (Um, this girl had to get schooled quick. I only knew tequila in the form of shot glass with salt and lime.) The dishes were specially prepared using tequila as well (thanks Chef Rodney Uyehara)! Think braised veal over a pork and beans mash paired with an orange-lime-pepper-spicy tequila cocktail. Kaboom! And totally loved the crab, hamachi, and prawn "shots." Oh, and the chocolate lumpia with tequila soaked strawberries. And, the delicious mango puree tequila-tini. Manny Hinojosa, a world-famous mixologist (above, with our super-duper hostess Christa) schooled us on the history of tequila, its place in the culture of Mexico, how it is made, different types, what the hell agave (a.k.a. maguey) is, etc. Whatever, those Corzo bottles are gorgeous! Corzo Silver tequila with basil, lemon and soda = my favorite kaboom of the night. I love February 13, Tequila Day!