05/26/2026
Raiz: Four chefs. One table. A Collaboration Dinner
For one evening, Xelas by El Sazón in Stillwater becomes a gathering place for some of Minnesota’s most respected culinary voices — chefs whose work has helped shape and elevate the Twin Cities dining scene for decades.
Joining Chef Cristian De León are:
Tim McKee — Minnesota’s first James Beard Award-winning chef and one of the pioneers who helped put Minnesota on the national culinary map.
Tyge Nelson — known for his bold, globally inspired cooking at restaurants like Pajarito, Barrio, Chino Latino, and Solera, bringing years of creativity and flavor-driven cuisine to the table.
Matt Bickford — a chef celebrated for his ingredient-focused cooking, craftsmanship, and deep roots in Minnesota’s evolving food culture.
Together, these chefs share more than accolades — they share history. Many crossed paths through iconic kitchens that helped define Minnesota dining, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of chefs while building a stronger culinary community along the way.
Now, that collaboration comes to Stillwater. This dinner represents something bigger than a meal. It’s a moment that brings nationally recognized culinary talent into an intimate dining room at Xelas proving that destinations like Stillwater deserve to be part of the conversation when it comes to ambitious, thoughtful dining experiences in Minnesota.
Expect 8 courses inspired by Latin cuisine, Midwest ingredients, memory, culture, and creativity without limits blending the traditions of Latin American cuisine with the incredible products of the Midwest.
An optional cocktail and mocktail pairing by will be available for an additional $55, thoughtfully designed to reflect the flavors and stories behind every dish.
An evening about collaboration.
About community.
About pushing Minnesota cuisine forward together.
✨ Limited seating
🍷 8-course pairing experience $110.00 +fees
📍 Xelas by El Sazón — Stillwater, Minnesota
“Everything tastes better en familia.”
