Barbacoa Tacos Extravaganza

Reza is the creative force behind this year’s Samba! theme and an enthusiast of Latin American flavors. He spends hours crafting a show-stopping barbacoa worthy of the finest kitchens: cooking the meat until impossibly tender, shredding then broiling it in spices and its own juices to be crispy on top and juicy below.

Sit back and enjoy a refined yet relaxed barbacoa taco feast, beautifully presented and meant to be shared, featuring mouth watering beef, warm tortillas, silky homemade guacamole, and an array of fresh salsas. To elevate every bite, Reza will add other thoughtful garnishes that bring color, texture, and restaurant-worthy flair to the table. 

To complement the meal, guests will enjoy a selection of cold beers, curated to enhance the savory richness of the barbacoa and the bright flavors of the sides for a truly indulgent offering. Adding a personal touch to the gathering, Reza will open his own tequila collection for a guided tasting, inviting guests to sample a selection of fine tequilas and discover the craftsmanship behind each pour. It’s the perfect spirited complement to the rich flavors of the barbacoa and the joyful Samba! atmosphere.

The experience will be set outdoors in the family backyard, where the meal will unfold as an al fresco lunch or early evening dinner during the weather-perfect months from May to October. Surrounded by fresh air and the relaxed rhythm of a summer gathering, guests will enjoy authentic food in a setting that feels both intimate and festive; the kind of evening that lingers long after the last taco is savored.

Homemade barbacoa taco lunch or early dinner for up to 6 adult guests with fine tequila tasting at the Araghi-Afkhami family home in Menlo Park.

Donated by: Sara Araghi & Reza Afkhami