Behind every unforgettable dish is a masterful chef. Comida KC proudly features a vibrant lineup of culinary artists representing the diverse cuisines of Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, and Indigenous cultures.
Welcome to Comida 2025, Kansas City’s premier culinary arts event!
This can’t-miss gastronomic showcase shines a spotlight on the delectable cuisines of Latin America, the Caribbean, Brazil and Spain. Expect a dazzling and sophisticated event featuring visiting celebrity chefs, acclaimed local chefs, iconic restaurateurs, cutting-edge mixologists and every in-the-know foodie from the Kansas City area. And with past locations including the Nelson-Atkins Museum’s ornate Rozzelle Court and Union Station’s historic Grand Plaza, the setting promises to add to the evening’s enchantment.
Our Mixologists
From agave to aguardiente, our mixologists are masters of flavor. Get to know the creative minds behind the cocktails that celebrate Latin and Indigenous spirits in every pour.
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Honorary Chairs
Behind every great event are great leaders. Our Honorary Chairs lend their voice, influence, and heart to make Comida KC a success. We are proud to introduce the individuals helping us lead with purpose and pride.
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FEATURED GUEST CHEF
PYET DESPAIN
This year, we are delighted to welcome acclaimed Chef Pyet DeSpain—an award-winning culinary talent and proud member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation—as our Featured Guest Chef. Among her many accomplishments, Chef DeSpain made history as the first winner of Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef on FOX. Specializing in Indigenous Fusion Cuisine, she skillfully blends her Native American and Mexican roots in the kitchen.
Beyond the kitchen, she is a passionate activist for food sovereignty and Indigenous foodways, advocating for the preservation, accessibility, and revitalization of traditional foods within Native communities. Through her work, she educates and inspires others to embrace sustainable, ancestral food practices.
LOCATION
Union Station
30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108
30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108
EVENT DETAILS
TICKETS
UNION STATION KANSAS CITY
HONORARY CHAIRS
At the core of Comida KC’s success are the leaders who believe deeply in the power of culture, community, and collaboration. We are proud to recognize this year’s Honorary Chair, Lesley L. Elwell, Chief People Officer at Evergy, whose leadership and commitment to community engagement continue to inspire.
Joining her are our dynamic Event Co-Chairs — Eric Negrete, Amarilis Valdez-Dempsey, and Valerie Coyazo — each bringing their unique vision, passion, and energy to elevate this year’s celebration. Together, their support ensures Comida KC remains a vibrant platform for honoring heritage, showcasing talent, and building connections across Kansas City and beyond.
ENTERTAINMENT
ERIC HERNANDEZ
Comida KC is proud to feature a breathtaking cultural performance by a truly extraordinary artist, Eric Hernandez. With grace, power, and deep-rooted tradition, our featured entertainer brings a moving expression of heritage to the stage—one that honors ancestry, storytelling, and the enduring spirit of community. Get ready for an unforgettable experience that will uplift, inspire, and connect us all.
Eric a proud member of the Lumbee Tribe, is an esteemed Native American hoop dancer with over 20 years of experience. Mentored by Terry Goedel, Eric’s skills took center stage as the lead in Cirque du Soleil’s Totem, touring over 17 countries. A recent TEDx speaker, his mission is to challenge stereotypes and spread ancestral wisdom about Native Americans through the art of hoop dance. Now, Eric brings his story to the screen as the writer and director of Courage, a powerful short film inspired by his real-life journey of learning hoop dance from his Uncle Terry. Courage is a tribute to the strength of cultural storytelling and the importance of reclaiming identity through tradition.
