Ven a Comer 2023

We are happy to share that this year’s Ven a Comer has expanded from a fundraising dinner to a variety of events throughout Hispanic Heritage Month! Since 2017, UTSA Libraries has hosted a unique annual fundraising dinner in collaboration with Pearl, Hotel Emma, and the Consulate of Mexico in San Antonio. The event pairs a chef from Mexico with a local chef to create a multi-coursed dinner inspired by Special Collections’ Mexican Cookbook Collection. With this year’s additional events, more people are able to learn about and experience the Mexican Cookbook Collection through food and drink events.

UTSA Night at Restaurant Mixtli
Wednesday, September 20 • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
812 S. Alamo St., Suite 103, San Antonio, Texas 78210

Partial proceeds from ticket sales on September 20^th will be donated to the Mexican Cookbook Collection. Purchase tickets here.

Inspired by the Mexican Cookbook Collection, Mixtli chefs spent three months combing through over 50 books from the collection for their new menu, which will run to the end of September.

Ven a Tomar at Carriqui
Wednesday, September 27 • 7 p.m.
239 E. Grayson St., San Antonio, Texas 78215

In partnership with UTSA Libraries and the Consulado General de México en San Antonio, Carriqui will host Ven a Tomar, where guests will sample mezcal, cocktails and unique bites while learning from Mezcal expert Pedro Jiménez Gurría. Tickets are $65.

Ven a Comer Signature Dinner
Friday, September 29 • 6 to 10 p.m.
Hotel Emma, 136 E. Grayson St., San Antonio, Texas 78215

This year’s night of food, fun and drinks will be prepared by James Beard Foundation Award winner for Best Chef and Executive Chef and Owner of El Naranjo, Iliana de la Vega; San Antonio’s own Alexana Cabrera, Chef de Cuisine at Restaurant Mixtli; and James Beard Foundation Semifinalist and Pastry Chef for Hotel Emma, Sofia Tejeda, with a mezcal tasting by Gurría. Email Felipe Barrera, UTSA Libraries director of development, for tickets.

Ven a Comer Pachanga at UTSA’s Westside Community Center
Thursday, October 5 • 6 to 8 p.m.1310 Guadalupe St., San Antonio, Texas 78207

Join us for a culinary celebration on the lawn at the UTSA Westside Community Center, where UTSA Libraries will collect recipes and food memories. Eat your way through the Mexican Cookbook Collection as food trucks will be on hand selling bites inspired by cookbook collection recipes. Music will be provided by DJ Despeinada.

Advanced registration is required. The first 100 registrants receive complimentary food.

DIY Cookbook Workshop at UTSA’s Westside Community Center

Friday, October 6 • 9 a.m. to noon1310 Guadalupe St., San Antonio, Texas 78207

Join us for a cookbook-making workshop where you can assemble all your family recipes in one place. Bring your own recipes (printed or handwritten) to make a booklet to share with family and friends. Special Collections staff will provide examples, instruction and supplies. Books from the Mexican Cookbook Collection will be on display to serve as inspiration. The workshop is limited to 20 attendees.

For More Information on Ven a Comer and this year’s events go to the Ven a Comer website.