Los Angeles, which seems to offer every iteration and regional culinary specialty of Mexico, may not need a festival like Taste of Mexico, but between need and desire lies a vast gulf. In this case, it's filled with tequila. And mescal and beer. And Oaxacan tlayudas, Guerreran ceviche verde and over 30 other regional Mexican dishes.

The inaugural Taste Of Mexico festival debuts tomorrow at St. Vibiana's featuring the food of La Casita Mexicana, Guelaguetza, Frida and La Monarca. (If the galletas de novia or dulce de leche cake from the Santa Monica La Monarca location, which we previewed earlier this week, whetted your appetite this is the perfect chance to try them.)

Tickets aren't cheap ($75), but they come with unlimited tastings of food and booze. Highlights include the huitlacoche tamalitos from La Casita, the tlayudas with chapulines from Guelaguetza and three regional flans from La Monarca (Mexico City, Nuevo Leon and Yucatan).

WHEN: Saturday, December 4, 6-10 p.m.

WHERE: St. Vibiana's Cathedral, downtown L.A.

COST: $75 in advance and $100 at the door.

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