‘Tis the season for tamales at Ortega 120! Available exclusively during the month of December, Ortega 120 offers weekly “Tamale 101” instructional classes led by Executive Chef Thomas Ortega, and back by popular demand Tamales by the Dozen for patrons wanting to take the taste of Ortega 120 home for the holidays. Beginning Wednesday, December 7, 2011 from 7 – 9 p.m., the “Tamale 101” courses are intimate tutorials on how to prepare the traditional Hispanic fare using different tamale fillings with each class, Ortega 120-style. Courses are $40 per person which include all the fresh tamale-making ingredients, a delectable dinner, as well as an award-winning Ortega 120 House Margarita to help whet the palate.
“Making tamales during the holidays has always been an on-going tradition for my family to do together,” says Thomas Ortega, Ortega 120 executive chef and co-owner. “With the ‘Tamale 101’ courses, I’m able to share one of my favorite holiday past times with those who are willing to expand their cultural culinary horizons.”
Each class offers instruction on making one or two different types of tamales – such as short rib, carnitas, chicken, cheese, vegetarian, and even dessert tamales – which will change each week. Attendees will enjoy a snack of tacos, the famous 120 House Margarita, chips and guacamole, and dessert while anxiously waiting for their tamales to cook. Classes take place at the Redondo Beach eatery and can accommodate up to 30 tamale aficionados. In addition, Ortega 120 is available to cater holiday festivities and host an offsite Tequila University class with multi-award winning mixologist and O120 co-owner Demi Stevens.
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Following are the scheduled dates for the “Tamale 101” classes at Ortega 120:
*Wednesday, December 7, 2011 from 7 – 9 p.m.
*Wednesday, December 14, 2011 from 7 – 9 p.m.
*Wednesday, December 21, 2011 from 7 – 9 p.m.
Keeping with tradition, Ortega 120 offers its take-home Tamales by the Dozen throughout the month of December. Tamales by the Dozen are priced at $25 and patrons have the option to mix and match available tamale flavors. Ortega 120 asks customers to place Tamale by the Dozen orders 24-hours in advance due to the high volume of orders.
ABOUT ORTEGA 120
Ortega 120 is located at 1814 South Pacific Coast Hwy Redondo Beach, CA 90277. The restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Lunch is served Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and dinner is served Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11p.m., Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and light fare past 11 p.m. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Live entertainment is available throughout the evenings. Reservations recommended, call 310-792-4120. For more information, visit www.ortega120.com. 
Tequila University, named “Top 30 Things to do in LA” by Where Magazine, is held at Ortega 120 on the first Tuesdays of the month from 7pm to 9pm. Co-Owner and Award Winning Mixologist Demi Stevens guides students through the history and origin of the intoxicating liquor while they sample tequila flights and learn about the diverse nuances and flavor profiles of the spirit. Additionally, for those who like to impress their friends with enviable bartending skills, “Tequila University” will also feature step-by-step lessons of how to make exotic tequila cocktails, as well as the best types of cuisine to pair with the different types of tequila. Students will enjoy Ortega 120’s famed 120 House Margarita while nibbling on Chips and Salsa, Guacamole, a snack of Tacos and Churros with Chocolate as they learn to prepare various tequila-inspired cocktails and discovering what foods pair best with different tequilas.
