“dLeña by Chef Richard Sandoval is excited to announce the launch of its Día de los Muertos multi-sensory dining experience this fall.”

photo courtesy Richard Sandoval Hospitality

From a press release:

“dLeña by Chef Richard Sandoval is excited to announce the launch of its Día de los Muertos multi-sensory dining experience this fall. From Tuesday, October 5, through Tuesday, November 2, guests are invited to experience the senses in an immersive campaign at the Mount Vernon Triangle modern Mexican concept.

photo courtesy Richard Sandoval Hospitality

Day of the Dead festivities typically unfold over two days in an explosion of color and life-arming joy, displaying love and respect for the past and one’s ancestors. In towns and cities throughout Mexico, revelers don makeup and costumes, hold parades and parties, sing and dance, and make offerings to lost loved ones. At Richard Sandoval Hospitality (RSH), 30 restaurant concepts throughout five countries will feature marigold-inspired dishes and beverages, a signature Spotify playlist, online tutorials led by Chef Richard Sandoval, and more throughout October. dLeña is pleased to be the first RSH concept in DC to launch the immersive campaign.

In celebration of the holiday, Chef Richard Sandoval hopes to demonstrate appreciation for the past and intention for the future through the marigold, a symbol used to guide ancestors through vibrant colors and powerful aromas. “We’ve chosen the marigold as the way we’re telling the story this year, as it’s symbolically used during the holiday and believed that the color and smell help guide one’s ancestors. I invite you to taste our marigold-inspired specials, listen to our signature Día de los Muertos Spotify channel, and immerse yourself in one of my favorite holidays.”

Listen to dLeña’s signature playlist of Latin music, curated by Paco Rozas and Christophe Bourlon. Taste tantalizing dishes like the chile ancho confit with pork belly stew, star anise, sweet plantain, almonds, and mole rosa, braised short rib with orange blossom purée, espadin-mezcal sauce, baby patipan, and sun-dried chili ash, and pumpkin cake with caramel pumpkin, piloncillo sauce, spiced pepitas, and cinnamon ice cream. Enjoy specialty cocktails like the marigold margarita with Patrón Reposado, tonic, fresh marigold simple syrup, and lime, la vela “the candle” with Patrón Añejo, achiote, lemon, lime, activated charcoal, Fernet Vallet, fee foam, and churros, and ej ojo “the eye” with Patrón Reposado, pumpkin, lemon, Fernet Vallet, egg white, and marigold flowers. See Chef Richard Sandoval masterfully preparing select Día de los Muertos dishes and drinks at richardsandoval.com as well as special artwork designed by Mexico City-based illustrator and campaign partner artist Chepe. Although other RSH concepts around the world will feature smell and touch components with retail items for purchase, such as a marigold-infused custom-made candle and marigold seeds to plant at home, dLeña invites guests to revel in the other senses with special menu items, curated playlists, and custom online tutorials and create-at-home experiences.

dLeña is located at 476 K Street NW, Suite D, Washington, DC 20001. Dinner hours are 5pm to 10pm Sunday through Thursday, and 5pm to 11pm Friday and Saturday. Brunch is offered at dLeña from 10am to 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays, with the last seating at 2pm.”