Philadelphia chef brings Latin family traditions to upscale restaurant for Day of the Dead

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- World-renowned chef Richard Sandoval dreamt of culinary success, watching his father and grandmother in the kitchen.

For 30 years, he's been carrying on his father's legacy.

"He would have really appreciated that his guidance and his leadership really was a key factor in my success, not to have one restaurant or two, but to have 60 restaurants because I learned from him," said Chef Sandoval.

His memory lives on in the food and now on the Ofrenda, displayed inside Aqimero, the Mexican chef's upscale restaurant inside The Ritz Carlton Philadelphia.

Inspired by the Mexican holiday, Día de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, Sandoval has created some traditional dishes available for a limited time.

"The posole, which is hominy with Chile guajillo and lobster and shrimp broth, onion, cilantro and a little bit of ash," said Sandoval.

Not to mention the Lamb Loin with a Chile guajillo demi glaze, a Pumpkin Creme brulee, and cocktails that will knock your socks off.

Speaking of boozy, Bar BomBon in Center City is serving up tapas and tequila and has its own Ofrenda display to commemorate the community's loved ones who have passed on.

"In spirit of celebrating for the community that comes in, to bring us one of their loved ones, we're offering 10 percent off their check just so that they can come in and have the spirit of the holiday," said Michelle Levine, manager of Bar BomBon.

Aquimero's Day of the Dead menu is available through November 2. Bar BomBon is also offering food and drink specials for the weekend.

Dia de los Muertos is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd.