The Mann is pleased to present A Taste of Home with Chef Cristina Martinez on June 4, part of the Downstage @ the Mann series. This one-of-a-kind event features award-winning cuisine, live music, and cultural storytelling as the Presser Foundation Stage is transformed into an intimate, dynamic dining experience for one night only.

Acclaimed chef and James Beard Award winner Cristina Martinez, the visionary behind South Philly Barbacoa and Casa México, will showcase her signature take on authentic Mexican cuisine, deeply rooted in the rich traditions of her hometown, Capulhuac, Mexico. Her passion for food and storytelling has captivated both local diners and national critics, earning her a devoted following and recognition from the James Beard Foundation, Bon Appétit, Eater, Chef’s Table (Netflix), and more.

Throughout the evening, patrons will enjoy a multi-course meal prepared by Chef Cristina as she shares the inspiring journey that has shaped her culinary career. The night will also feature a live performance from Interminable, a Philadelphia-based band blending jazz, rock, and traditional Mexican influences. Following dinner, local son jarocho collective Son Revoltura will lead a traditional fandango, bringing everyone together for a final dance party accompanied by Mexican folk music.

Join us in celebrating this fusion of arts and culture on the Mann’s iconic stage!

Your ticket includes admission to the event plus a multi-course meal prepared by Chef Cristina, featuring:

• Tacos
• Esquites
• Tres Leches
• Chips & Guacamole
• Aguas Frescas

Tickets will be available Friday, March 7th at 10AM via Ticketmaster.com.

Bag Policy

Bags must be 12"x6"x12" or smaller. For the safety of our patrons, all bags are subject to search.

About Chef Cristina Martinez

Cristina Martínez is a renowned Mexican chef from Capulhuac, Mexico, celebrated for her expertise in traditional lamb barbacoa. After moving to Philadelphia, she transformed her passion for cooking into a way of life, one that not only honors her roots but also supports and uplifts fellow Latinos. Her restaurants, South Philly Barbacoa and Casa México, are more than just places to eat; they are a piece of Mexico in the heart of Philly, where the aroma of tradition fills the air and every dish tells a story. Cristina’s warm heart and unwavering generosity open the doors to everyone, creating a space where food becomes a bridge between cultures, a celebration of heritage, and a reminder that we are all connected at the table. Her dedication has earned her national recognition, including a James Beard Award and features in Bon Appétit. She was also featured in Netflix’s Chef’s Table, showcasing her culinary artistry and deep connection to her roots. Through her food, Cristina seeks to bring people together and break down the barriers that divide us, using her craft as an expression of love, resilience, and community.

About Interminable

Interminable is a Philly-based band that celebrates our interconnectedness as diasporic peoples through original music in Spanish, weaving together Mexican traditional son jarocho music, jazz, rock, funk, and electronic music.  Founded in 2015, they have performed across the East Coast and Mexico, curating performances that uplift and inspire communities.  Their debut album, rebirth::renacer, is available on all streaming platforms, and their upcoming EP will be released in Spring of 2025. Learn more at interminablemusic.com or through our socials, @interminablemusic on IG and Interminable on FB.

About Son Revoltura

Founded in 2014, Son Revoltura is a collective of students learning son jarocho, a music and dance tradition from Veracruz, Mexico, that arose from Afro-indigenous resistance to the colonial order.  We host weekly workshops in Spanish open to beginners and all ages.  We also organize fandangos, which are the central celebration of this music, where everyone gathers around food and music to improvise on these sones, or tunes.  Over the years, we have supported community gatherings, led assemblies at schools, and joined marches and rallies across the East Coast.  You can learn more at IG @sonrevolturaphilly or at our Facebook group, "Son revoltura / Philly son jarocho".

About Downstage @ the Mann

Downstage @ the Mann places both audience and artists together in the same space, on the Presser Foundation Stage in our TD Pavilion, for an up-close, under-cover, open-air setting. This intimate, in-the-round experience offers a new level of performance, engagement, and immersion. Downstage debuted in 2022, earning a 'Best of Philly' award from Philadelphia Magazine.