A Culinary Homage to Winter with Tradition, Technique, and Flawless Execution
As the year closes, it brings comforting flavors, evocative aromas, and a dining table that becomes the emotional center of every family. At Hacienda de los Morales, executive chef Benigno Fernández understands this sentiment and transforms it into a December menu that blends tradition, technique, and deep respect for Mexican cuisine and winter flavors. Available until December 31, 2025, this menu celebrates the season with a series of dishes ranging from elegant reinterpretations to irresistible classics.
A Journey Through the Seasons
The menu begins with a display of light preparations showcasing chef Fernández’s versatility and sensitivity. The Salmon Orchids feature fresh, precisely cut salmon with citrus notes and fully handcrafted assembly. It’s a refreshing, clean, and visually appealing welcome.
The delicate caramelized onion cream adds a warm, robust, and aromatic tone; its smooth texture and earthy base perfectly balance the natural sweetness of the caramelized onions. Alongside, the mushroom cream, crafted from the deep and highly aromatic mushrooms, offers an elegant, sophisticated, and round-flavored entrée. The mushroom crumbs provide a perfect contrast between smoothness and structure.
The transition to winter is palpable in the Clam Chowder with clams, potatoes, and bacon, a New England original perfectly adapted to the Mexican table. Its thick texture, the combined marine and smoked aroma, and that characteristic silky touch make this chowder one of the season’s best.
The Strong Points: When Tradition Becomes Excellence
If there’s a dish that embodies December, it’s chef Fernández’s romeritos. Here, homemade shrimp tortillas, perfectly cooked potatoes, and a completely artisanal mole transform into a spectacular stew. The mole, thick, deep, and full of nuances, embraces the romeritos without overpowering them. It’s a dish worth mentioning as the menu’s must-try.
The classic Christmas appearance is in an impeccable version: the stuffed turkey in its juice. Served with an aromatic and flavorful gravy, this turkey has the tenderness only precise technique can achieve. Each slice is juicy, warm, and quintessentially December.
Meanwhile, the bacalao a la vizcaína preserves the traditional recipe, respecting the intensity of roasted red peppers, the sweet subtleties of piquillo peppers, and the freshness of jalapeño peppers. The cambray potato absorbs the sauce, resulting in a dish that’s pure taste memory.
Desserts: A Sweet Ending with Winter Soul
The menu concludes with desserts honoring the season. The cheesecake with roasted pumpkin is creamy, spiced, and has a natural sweetness that evokes autumn and winter with every bite. The tiramisu, lightly assembled and adorned with red fruits, balances freshness and softness. These are desserts designed to end the experience calmly, without overwhelming the palate.
Culinary Artistry, Technique, and Science
Under executive chef Benigno Fernández’s direction, Hacienda de los Morales benefits from an often-overlooked yet crucial element for restaurant quality: an internal chemical laboratory. Here, biologists and specialists analyze each batch of ingredients to ensure safety, freshness, and excellence. This level of rigor explains why the taste, texture, and quality of each preparation remain consistent.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Hacienda de los Morales December menu about? It’s a seasonal menu by executive chef Benigno Fernández that pays homage to winter cuisine with tradition, technique, and flawless execution.
- Who is Benigno Fernández? He’s the executive chef at Hacienda de los Morales, known for his sensitivity to seasonal ingredients and commitment to Mexican culinary traditions.
- What makes this menu unique? The menu combines light preparations, traditional dishes with a modern twist, and a commitment to quality through rigorous ingredient analysis.
- How long will this menu be available? The December Suggestions Menu at Hacienda de los Morales will be available until December 31, 2025.
