Orlando food lovers have a special dinner to look forward to this September as Ceiba at Conrad Orlando welcomes James Beard Award-nominated Chef Wendy Lopez for an exclusive one-night culinary collaboration.
Taking place Wednesday, Sept. 16, the five-course dinner will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and Mexico’s Independence Day with a menu highlighting the diverse regional flavors and traditions of Mexican cuisine.
Lopez, the chef-partner of Orlando’s acclaimed Reyes Mezcaleria, will join Ceiba Chef de Cuisine David Montelongo Merlo and Conrad Orlando Director of Culinary Stephen Ullrich for the special dinner. General Manager Rob Colomb will curate beverage pairings featuring selections from Ceiba’s award-winning wine list.
The collaboration brings together two Orlando restaurants known for exploring Mexico’s regional cuisine through modern interpretations rooted in tradition.
Lopez was recently nominated for a 2026 James Beard Award for Best Chef: South, while Montelongo’s cooking at Ceiba is influenced by his upbringing in Jalisco and culinary training in Mexico City. The chefs will combine their perspectives and experiences for a menu designed to showcase the depth and diversity of Mexican food.
The dinner is also the first culinary collaboration of its kind for Ceiba, following the restaurant’s popular bar takeover series that has brought acclaimed bartenders to the rooftop restaurant.
What’s on the Menu?
The five-course dinner will begin with Chef Lopez’s Trio of Botanas, including a Carne Apache Tostada made with prime filet mignon tartare.
Chef Montelongo will then serve a Taco Yucateco featuring braised short rib and habanero, followed by Lopez’s Lamb Birria, served with a birria consommé.
The evening’s standout fourth course will be Montelongo’s Nogada de Pato, featuring seared duck breast dressed with walnut nogada and pomegranate. The dish’s green, white and red presentation is a nod to the colors of the Mexican flag, making it a fitting tribute to Mexico’s Independence Day.
A dessert course will bring the evening to a close.
For Lopez, the dinner is also a chance to celebrate her own Mexican heritage alongside Montelongo.
“David and I really wanted to honor where we come from: him from Jalisco and me from Michoacan,” Lopez said. “This menu is our way of showcasing the depth and vibrancy of Mexican food.”
The dinner will take place against the backdrop of Ceiba’s panoramic rooftop views, giving guests the chance to enjoy an intimate evening of food, wine and Mexican culinary traditions.
Reserve Your Spot
The dinner begins at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
Tickets are $80 per person for the five-course dinner or $110 per person with wine pairings.
Reservations can be made through OpenTable or by visiting CeibaOrlando.com. With the collaboration happening for one night only, this is an opportunity for Orlando diners to experience a menu that brings together two of Central Florida’s celebrated Mexican culinary talents.
