By Michelle da Silva Richmond

Treat yourself to an unusual gastronomic journey through Mexico’s fascinating past, as you embark on a truly memorable dining adventure at La Joya’s recently unveiled “The Table” culinary adventure.

Sixteen place settings placed around a video-mapping table will take you on a fascinating pictorial voyage with a narrative and music, leading you through Mexico’s mesmerizing timeline, starting from the beginning to time.

You’ll get to “witness” fiery volcanoes, churning lava, dense vegetation and mighty seas along the Yucatán Peninsula as the area’s original inhabitants – the dinosaurs – are shown frolicking along these shores …. until the mega meteorite hits Chiczulub, extinguishing everything.

Next, a time lapse video transports you as vegetation returns, to the dawn of the Maya civilization, followed by the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors and the birth of the Mexican Colonial era.

Eventually, you’ll end up in Mexico after its Independence from Spain, showcasing a country with a fierce national identity and pride. You’ll get to peek into the lives of illustrious artists like Frida Kahlo and the traditions gleaned from indigenous cultures, which have been woven into present-day practices and traditions which make Mexico so unique.

Culinary Adventure –

Along the way, each captivating chapter allows you to savor a singular dish paired with carefully selected beverages.

Every step in this unique journey through time will be highlighted by foods created to complement each important period as it’s displayed on the Table. Appetizers, salads, succulent seafood and meats are just of a few of the menu options reflecting a corresponding page from the past.

The pre-historic era for instance, will be accompanied by a welcome cocktail and steaming soup (to depict the erupting volcanoes you’ll see), followed by a refreshing salad to represent the return of vegetation and the introduction of the dinosaur period.

Time lapse photos take you through the Conquest, with the melding of the indigenous and Spanish foods combining tasty tamales with a traditional Spanish paella.

The Maya era features seafood Tikin Xik wrapped in a blend of typical seasoning, while a selection of meat and seafood depicts the modern era, culminating in a Grand Finale of sweet treats.

A colorful kalaeidoscope of Day of the Dead displays is joined by traditional Day of the Dead bread and sugary calaveras (skulls) –  an added indulgence.

The epic event encompasses an eight-course meal and specialty drinks, promising a stirring tribute to Mexico and its illustrious past – and memories for you that will last a lifetime!