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A "Day of the Dead" celebration Friday will serve up memorable Mexican cuisine and culture while also benefitting a good cause.
Sponsored by the Fierro Group, the 11th annual Rico Brand/Frida Bistro Dia de los Muertos runs from 6 to 11 p.m. at 545 W. 700 South in Salt Lake City.
The price of admission: for adults, $15 or 15 cans of food, and for kids, $10 or 10 cans of food. All proceeds will help stock the shelves of the Utah Food Bank.
"It's a day of honoring those who have passed, celebrating loved ones and their lives," Josh Marans, marketing director for the Fierro Group, said of the Mexican holiday.
Last year's celebration drew more than 800 people to the Rico/Frida warehouse and restaurant, bringing in a record $20,000 for the Utah Food Bank, which in turn distributes emergency and supplemental groceries to hungry individuals and families throughout the state.
This year's party will feature an array of Mexican food, children's activities, live music, a cash bar and "bodega," or gift shop, with handcrafted items and valet parking. Marans said he expects even larger crowds than in years past.
Guests will also find an altar inside, reminiscent of the holiday's intent to remember the dead in celebratory fashion. Children can decorate little skulls made of sugar, called "calavera."
"We have all kinds of paints and arts and crafts supplies to decorate them with," Marans said, "and they get to take them home."
While Rico Foods produces the familiar tortillas, beans, rice, enchiladas, burritos and tamales, Frida Bistro deals in more sophisticated Mexican fare, Marans said, describing "Chile Nen Nogada," a dish made of roasted poblano peppers stuffed with shredded beef, fruits and spices and topped with a walnut cream sauce and pomegranate seeds.
The charitable affair is "come as you are," but Marans said that some attendees invariably dress up in Halloween costumes or as Frida Kahlo, the passionate Mexican painter for whom the Bistro is named.
More information can be found online at the Frida Bistro Facebook page or fridabistro.com.
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11th annual Dia de los Muertos celebration
P When • Friday, from 6 to 11 p.m.
Where • Rico/Frida Warehouse and Bistro, 545 W. 700 South, Salt Lake City
Why • Fun, food, culture and to help stock the Utah Food Bank
Admission • Adults $15 or 15 cans of food, children $10 or 10 cans of food