Halloween in Los Angeles doesn't have to mean haunted houses and crowded costume parties. High above downtown, The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles is taking a more sophisticated approach to the season with a month of Día de los Muertos-inspired dining, cocktails, dancing and a chocolate class.
The festivities are at Sendero, the hotel's collection of dining experiences located on the 24th floor. Throughout October, guests can choose from an intimate Don Julio pairing dinner, salsa and bachata nights at Corteza, and a Halloween chocolate master class led by the hotel's award-winning pastry chef and master chocolatier.
One of the most elaborate experiences takes place inside Sendero's intimate Agave Library, which has been transformed for Día de los Muertos with an ofrenda honoring the traditions and heritage behind the celebration.
Running Tuesday through Saturday through October 31, the Don Julio Ofrenda x Agave Library Día de los Muertos Dinner combines a six-course menu from Chef Hendrix Vega with Don Julio agave expressions. Dishes including passionfruit ceviche, blue crab aguacate relleno and beef tenderloin served with ocopa sauce. The six-course experience is offered at 7 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, through October 31 and is priced at $175 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
Those who prefer to celebrate on the dance floor can head to Corteza at Sendero for two evenings inspired by Latin music and dance. On October 23, the restaurant hosts a special Día de los Muertos Salsa Night, followed by Bachata Night on October 30.
Both evenings begin at 7 p.m. with a welcome cocktail before instructors lead guests through the evening's dance lesson. Afterward, guests can keep the evening going over dinner at Corteza, where the menu includes ceviche, tuna tostadas, warm empanadas and other Latin-inspired dishes. Elegant Halloween and Día de los Muertos-inspired costumes are encouraged. Tickets are $30 per person and include the welcome cocktail.
On October 31 at 11:30 a.m., Corteza will host a Chocolate Master Class led by The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles' award-winning Pastry Chef and Master Chocolatier François Behuet. Guests will get a behind-the-scenes look at the techniques used to create the hotel's elaborate chocolate sculptures and amenities including the themed creations produced for holidays and Hollywood's award season. Chef Behuet will introduce participants to the fundamentals of chocolate sculpting and decorating before helping them create their own Halloween-inspired chocolate showpiece.
Each participant takes home their finished chocolate piece as well as a commemorative Sendero apron. A glass of sparkling wine is also included. The October 31 class is $180 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles is located at 900 W. Olympic Boulevard in Los Angeles. Reservations at https://www.senderola.com.
Don Julio Ofrenda x Agave Library Día de los Muertos Dinner: Tuesday–Saturday through October 31 at 7 p.m.; $175+ per person.
Salsa Night at Corteza: October 23 at 7 p.m.; $30, including welcome cocktail.
Bachata Night at Corteza: October 30 at 7 p.m.; $30, including welcome cocktail.
Halloween Chocolate Master Class: October 31 at 11:30 a.m.; $180+ per person.
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