By Molly Given<\/p>\n
Aqimero<\/a> is rolling out a new spring dining initiative, and they\u2019re hoping it’s quite buzz-worthy.<\/p>\n From March 24 to April 22, chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval will bring back Viva Abejas, which translates to “Long Live the Bees.” This annual initiative aims to foster a connection between food, the environment, and sustainability, while also raising awareness about the importance of pollinators, such as bees. This is achieved through a variety of dishes and drinks that showcase seasonal flavors and highlight the role of bees in our food system.<\/p>\n \u201cSo many of the ingredients that define Latin cuisine depend on pollinators,\u201d explains Sandoval. \u201cViva Abejas is about honoring that relationship and inspiring guests to think more intentionally about where their food begins.\u201d<\/p>\n Some of those pollinator-defined ingredients include citrus, agave, coffee, seasonal produce, and honey. Essentially, pollinators are responsible for one out of every three bites of food we consume and through this initiative, Sandoval wants guests to experience that connection firsthand, translating sustainability into a tangible, elevated dining experience.<\/p>\n So what\u2019s on the menu? Food-wise, this year\u2019s Viva Abejas will feature \u00a0Viva Tiradito Tuna Ceviche, Beef Tenderloin, and an Abejas Pavlova, along with cocktails like the Miel de Fuego, Honeycomb Carajillo, Margarita Melipona and the Viva Abeja Paloma.<\/p>\n A fun way to experience it all is through the venue’s Boozy Tea Experience, set to take place Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12. This tasting event is meant to be immersive for guests, with live DJ entertainment, crafted tea cocktails, and a tasting menu showcasing the many flavors of the kitchen. Reservations for Boozy Tea can be made via OpenTable or through Aqimero’s official site<\/a>.<\/p>\n More than a seasonal menu, Viva Abejas is Sandoval\u2019s flagship sustainability platform designed to educate, inspire, and drive action. As a release notes, the initiative aims to reach 60,000 young learners annually through classroom modules and educational outreach, while promoting biodiversity through hive installations across the U.S. and Mexico.<\/p>\n A cornerstone of the program includes beekeeping initiatives in M\u00e9rida, Mexico, supporting sustainable agriculture and pollinating ingredients used across his restaurant concepts.\u00a0Additionally, 100% of proceeds from Sandoval\u2019s children\u2019s book,\u00a0Viva Abejas<\/a>,\u00a0benefit\u00a0The World Bee Project<\/a>, helping fund research, protection, and restoration of bee populations worldwide.<\/p>\n And while at Aqimero, locals can indulge in the venue’s many other brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert options from the kitchen and the bar. Stand-outs include chipotle hummus, Wagyu steak tartare, yellow corn empanadas, short rib al carbon, Mexican chocolate French toast, churros with dulce de leche and much more.<\/p>\n