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October 31, 6:30 P.M. Class: Tortillas, Tetelas, and More!

October 31, 2023 06:30 PM

Learn to Make (and Taste!) Masa Dishes with Lengua Madre’s Ana Castro and Masienda

25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA

Born in Mexico and raised by a grandmother who taught her the importance of sourcing, preparation, and sharing a meal with others, chef Ana Castro opened her acclaimed restaurant Lengua Madre in New Orleans with the goal of elevating the understanding of Mexican cuisine in the United States. Since opening, Castro has received numerous accolades including a James Beard award nomination for Best Chef: South in 2023.  

During this hands-on class, guests will work with masa dough made from stone-ground nixtimalized corn provided by Masienda, a premium masa company focused on equitable farming and the preservation of ancestral techniques. Using tortilla presses from Masienda, chef Ana will teach attendees how to make quesadillas, bean tetelas, tortillas, and a simple roasted salsa verde.

The class will conclude with a plentiful meal of all the recipes and each guest will go home with a bag of Masa Harina, courtesy of Masienda!

General Admission: $95

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About Ana Castro:
Raised in Mexico City, Chef Ana Castro traveled from India to Europe to New York City before laying down roots in New Orleans. There, Ana worked her way up to sous chef at the nationally acclaimed Coquette. She was a 2018 James Beard 2018 Rising Star Chef Award nominee and, in the same year, a recipient of the coveted Ment’Or Grant, which allowed her to work for 3 months under chef Jonathan Tam at Relae in Denmark.

In 2021, Ana opened Lengua Madre with a vision to elevate our current understanding of Mexican cuisine. Under her leadership, Lengua Madre was a 2022 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best New Restaurant and was included in both the New York Times’ “Restaurant List” 2021 and Bon Appetit’s “50 Best New Restaurants” 2022. She was named one of Food & Wine’s “Best New Chefs” 2022 and went on to become a 2023 James Beard Award nominee for Best Chef: South. The celebrated restaurant will close its doors December 31, 2023.

Acamaya, Ana’s first solo venture as chef-owner, is slated to open in New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood in spring 2024. The coastal Mexican seafood restaurant will feature dishes utilizing the bounty of the Gulf of Mexico in a lively, laid-back atmosphere.


Tickets to events held at Platform at Pier 57 by the James Beard Foundation cover the cost of food, education and a unique dining experience. Meals are prepared by culinary masters from all regions of the United States and around the world. Unless otherwise stated, alcoholic beverages are provided on a complimentary basis and are not included in the ticket price.

James Beard Foundation events permit guests age 21 years and older to attend events where alcoholic beverages are served.

Event Policy

Reservation Policy:

All reservations are non-refundable and must be made in advance. Should the event be cancelled due to any unforeseen circumstances, including COVID-19, JBF will offer a range of options, including ticket exchanges, the option to donate tickets, or a full refund. For more information, contact platformbyjbf@jamesbeard.org.

Alcohol Disclaimer:

James Beard Foundation events permit guests age 21 years and older to attend events where alcoholic beverages are served. 

Dietary/Food Restrictions Policy:

Events at Platform by JBF are special one-night-only menus and we do not offer a la carte menus. If you have serious food allergies, we will work with the visiting chef team to do our best to accommodate but cannot guarantee that alternate options will be available for every course.

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