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1930s
MEXICO CITY

Join Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden on the road as we explore 1930s Mexico City with Chef Danny Mena at Conejo. This class is inspired by the post-revolutionary era where an increase in poverty prompted a cultural shift that elevated traditional staples such as corn, beans, and chiles into symbols of national identity. In the mid-to-late 1800s, French traditions dominated the culinary landscape due in large part to the reign of Maximiliano and Carlota. Contemporary Mexican cuisine is a rich fusion born of historical evolution; ultimately, French, Spanish, and indigenous flavors morphed together to create the “Mexican food” we love today.

Following the discussion, join Chef Danny for an elevated and delicious four-course dinner with paired cocktails, wine and coffee. Full menu to come!

Note: We are able to accommodate vegetarian requests and non-alcoholic beverages. Please be sure to indicate those preferences during registration.

Fee is all-inclusive and covers the talk with Chef Danny Mena, all food and beverage and Richmond City Meals tax and gratuity. Please note that this class will meet off-site at Conejo (5820 Patterson Ave, Richmond, VA 23226).

Fees: Member $87, Non-Member $104

All programs are subject to change. Pre-registration through our website is required.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden strives to be a Garden for all and we are committed to offering diverse adult learning opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all learners. If you would like to request an accommodation to support your participation in an adult learning opportunity at the Garden, please contact [email protected] or call 804-262-9887 x328 and we will make our best effort to help.

Register Member $87

Register Non-Member $104

Date:
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Time:
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Event Details

Chef Danny Mena Conejo The Milpa and the MagueyAbout the Instructor

Danny Mena, raised in Mexico City,  trained and became renowned in New York City’s kitchens and acclaimed in publications like Vanity FairLA TimesNew York TimesRolling Stone – and Mexican media as well – for the traditional Mexican food he served at his restaurant Hecho en Dumbo and now La Loncheria and Conejo. In 2019 he launched his debut cookbook, Made in Mexico, inspired by the best restaurants, fondas, loncherías, and taco stands in Mexico City and adapted for the home cook. Made in Mexico is a delicious blend of classic, regional, and contemporary Mexican cuisine. In 2022 he moved to Richmond to open the restaurant Conejo, named after a varietal heirloom corn, a celebrated upscale Mexican restaurant, focusing on the base of Mexico’s cuisine, the corn, the bean and the chile.