The newly-formed Celeste Group is introducing Vela (352 W Hubbard), capturing the flavors of Mexico through the lens of its capital city. Taking its name from the Spanish word for candle, Vela.
Chef Jorge Angulo’s menu offers a blend of dishes. Starting with the in-house nixtamalization of imported Mexican corn for tortillas and other masa-based dishes, Vela also has its own mole madre, a similar concept to a sourdough mother in which the base of the sauce is used to continuously shape a flavor that evolves. At Vela, the mole is paired with a Tender Pork Belly that features a layer of crispy skin. Other menu highlights include Langostinos a la Plancha, combining Mexican and French techniques; Pibil, featuring Iberico pork collar cooked low and slow in a marinade; and traditional dishes like Tlacoyo, stuffed with a variety of mushrooms and umami-rich salsas.
Vela’s beverage program offers emerging Mexican spirit brands as well as those more well-known. Agave-driven spirits—including tequila, mezcal, raicilla, sotol, and boca nora; Mexican whiskeys also will be available at Vela. The cocktail menu includes Mexican classics and drinks that tap into the inspiration of Vela’s bar team. Wines provide international and domestic offerings.
The newly-formed Celeste Group is introducing Vela (352 W Hubbard), capturing the flavors of Mexico through the lens of its capital city. Taking its name from the Spanish word for candle, Vela.
Chef Jorge Angulo’s menu offers a blend of dishes. Starting with the in-house nixtamalization of imported Mexican corn for tortillas and other masa-based dishes, Vela also has its own mole madre, a similar concept to a sourdough mother in which the base of the sauce is used to continuously shape a flavor that evolves. At Vela, the mole is paired with a Tender Pork Belly that features a layer of crispy skin. Other menu highlights include Langostinos a la Plancha, combining Mexican and French techniques; Pibil, featuring Iberico pork collar cooked low and slow in a marinade; and traditional dishes like Tlacoyo, stuffed with a variety of mushrooms and umami-rich salsas.
Vela’s beverage program offers emerging Mexican spirit brands as well as those more well-known. Agave-driven spirits—including tequila, mezcal, raicilla, sotol, and boca nora; Mexican whiskeys also will be available at Vela. The cocktail menu includes Mexican classics and drinks that tap into the inspiration of Vela’s bar team. Wines provide international and domestic offerings.
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