When Jenna and Michael Morton were opening their Mexican eatery, La Comida – located in the Fremont East district of Downtown Las Vegas – earlier this year; the first thought that came to my mind was that I really needed to introduce the couple to the incredible Jenna Fagnan – President of Tequila Avión. Also, as dorky as it might now seem, the concept of doing a Jenna & Jenna event really seemed to me a no-brainer; especially considering how I am (in the words of Nicole Ruvo Falcone) “the great connector.”

Accordingly, when Jenna Fagnan mentioned an upcoming trip to Las Vegas, I leapt into action (okay, I rolled outta bed and waddled – but gimme a break; I’m having knee surgery, on Monday). I skadooched on down to La Comida, where I met with John O’Donnell (well-deserving of his reputation as Las Vegas’ most affable bartender) and GM Rafael Ramirez, then later, Michael Morton and Executive Chef Paloma Cuellar. Opting to let the tequila be our guide, we picked what would be a phenomenal menu (see below); and then “tasted” our way through the tequila pairings (all in the name of the culinary sciences, of course).

Seated at a long communal table running down the center of La Comida, the Mortons presented Jenna and Tequila Avión to a group of in-the-know nabobs including Chef Carla Pellegrino; Sharon and Sami Ladeki (Owner/CEO, Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza); Sean Dunne (The Act), respected cancer doc, Regan Holdridge, M.D. (Freeman Medical Scholar, 2002, UVM) and Ed Cecchi; gallant gadabouts Sean McClenahan, Esq. and Michael McGraw; PR guru Stephanie Wilson; man about town John Triandafilidis; charismatic world-traveler/adventure-seeker/cosmetic dentist to the stars (and Playmates) Matt Welebir, D.D.S. and his life-long best pal, David Kasischke (who oversees the business-side of Dr. Matt’s practices); Tao Group’s delightfully dewy-fresh marketing maestro Lauren Probyn, and her hunky beau, entrepreneur Troy Arnold (VegasGoodBuys.com – a terrific LV concierge service, on the Interwebs, geared toward those who “live for the applause-plause”).

At the end of the night, guests were presented with Tequila Avión gift bags that included a t-shirt, a set of branded shot-glasses, and bottles of each of the Tequilas Avión (Silver, Reposado, and Añejo). ¡Olé!

Special gracias to everyone mentioned above, as well as Katie Mozlak at Tequila Avión and Sous Chef Brian Battease, Assistant Manager Suda Meeks, and the staff and servers at La Comida, who ensured a fantastically festive evening.

Tequila Avión
Click HERE for info

Get into it!

ENSALADA
Ensalada Organica  Baby Greens, Avocado, Queso Fresca, Sesame Seeds, Tortilla Strips, Balsamic Vinaigrette
Verano De Jalisco  Tequila Avión Reposado, Fresh Sour, 7 Up, Cilantro, Mint, Tajín

APERTIVO
Tostada de Atun  Tuna, Red Onions, Micro Greens, Aji Amarillo
Guava Margarita  Tequila Avión Blanco, Fresh Sour, Organic Guava Purée

PLATO PRINCIPAL
Pollo al Horno  Mixiote Chicken, Roasted Poblano Peppers, Mexican Squash, Onions, Achiote Sauce
Sophisticated Sipper  Tequila Avión Añejo, straight-up

GUARNICIÓN
Elotes Asados  Mexican Street Corn, Cotija Cheese, Chile Lime Butter
Prickley Pear Margarita  Tequila Avión Silver, Fresh Sour, Organic Prickly Pear Purée

POSTRES
 "Dangerous" Torta de Tres Leches  Sponge Cake, Three Kinds of Milk, Cinnamon, Tequila Avión Espresso Liqueur
Espresso Martini  Tequila Avión Espresso Liqueur, Tequila Avión Silver, Vanilla Syrup, Baileys Irish Cream