Alegria in Mexico

World Street Food Congress 2017 in Manila Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Tue, 16 May 2017 01:02:00 +0000

https://www.facebook.com/ruthincondechi/videos/10155407422197608/?l=1849566526028187300

A CULINARY TOUR OF MEXICO CITY BY THE CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 22:53:00 +0000

A CULINARY TOUR OF MEXICO CITY BY THE CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA

One of the world’s largest cities, Mexico City seems to run on adrenaline. From its rich history as a pre-Colombian metropolis, to its Spanish colonial grandeur, to its now bustling contemporary edge, Mexico’s nearly 500-year-old capital is a synthesis of the old and the new. Mexico City abounds with enticing food, and its ancient and treasured culinary traditions can be enjoyed on almost every street. From the sizzling taquería stall, to a smoky barbacoa restaurant, to a steaming bowl of birria, to a world class fine dining experience, Mexico City’s world of food takes us places beyond imagining. Join us on this appetizing tour of Mexico City, as we discover its culinary traditions that are captivating diners around the world.

Mercado Roma

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 15:33:00 +0000

Mercado Roma the new uber hipster destination spot in Colonia Roma ( Mexico City ) throbs with a passionate energy. Its debut was marked with celebrity chef sightings, Renee Redzepi of Noma fame and Alice Water of Chez Panisse were there, and its opening formed part of the closing events for Chef Enrique Olveras Mesamerica Conference.

http://www.mesamerica.mx/2014/mesamerica/

Chef Jorge Tellez of Azul Antojeria

The Mercado Roma describes itself as a Mercado Gourmet de Vanguardia en Mexico, a cutting edge Mexican gourmet market, akin to the now famous Eataly .

Its list of stands runs the gamut of the best in Mexican cuisine and gastronomy.

From the Antojeria section that features classics like Chef Ricardo Munoz's Azul to Chef Jose Ramon Castillo's award winning chocolate creations at Que BO! all are meant to artfully attract and entice .

Chef Jose Ramon Castillo Que BO!

Journalist and epicurean by choice
Alejandro Zarate mans the pozole pots at
José Guadalupe, Platos de Cuchara. Local 19

and you thought there were only a few styles of pozole!

Carlos Yescas at Lactographia http://lactography.com
with the most exquisite artisanal hand made cheeses ….. The Chiapas Bola de Ocosingo creamy heavenly delight!

And from Sal y Dulce Artesanos with Chef Joan Baguer and his partner Mari Teri Ramirez Degollado and their sweet creations for a sweet ending!

For a complete listing of the stalls, restaurants, and organic products that are available go the Mercado Roma website and the 3 D cross section of the building.

http://mercadoroma.com/ubicacion-puestos/

The Splendid Table in Mexico February 27,2010

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 00:37:00 +0000

In February 2010 Lynn Rossetto Kasper and her crew from The Splendid Table came to spend a week in Mexico City ... here is the 1 hour program divided into segments and featuring

Ricardo Munoz Zurita has since expanded his restaurant Azul y Oro from the UNAM campus to Azul Condesa and now Azul Centro Historico. His famous and most sought after book Diccionario Enciclopédico de la Gastronomia Mexicana has just had its second edition published making many a Mexophile foodie incredibly joyous. He has also recently published Verde Blanco y Rojo en la Cocina Mexicana, Salsas Mexicanas, and Los Classicos de la Cocina Mexicana and promises that for the coming year he will be bringing out various regional cuisine books!

Margarita Carrillo de Salinas with her new book just out Tamales y Atoles Mexicanos, has relocated from Baja California where she closed her very successful Don Emiliano restaurant and has now given us Turtux restaurant in the neighborhood of San Angel here in Mexico City ...thank you Margarita!

Diana Kennedy still teaching, researching and writing as well as charming the crowds at the Mesamerica Gastronomic Congress in Mexico City . Diana has been described as Mexico’s "original food pilgrim, considered the world’s recognized authority on Mexican cuisine and has made a career of preserving its heritage " and all true.

Her book Oaxaca al Gusto, first published in Spanish, was debuted in the United States by the University of Texas Press and went on to win the 2011 James Bread Foundation award as Cookbook of the Year alongside of Rene Redzepi the danish kitchen wunderkind and Amanda Hesser the ex - New York Times food reporter.

Rachel Lauden food historian, author of The Food of Paradise: Exploring Hawaii's Culinary Heritage and keen observer of the world around her has relocated to Austin Texas where she is visiting scholar in the Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies at the University of Texas.
Her blog www.rachellaudan.com A Historian's Take on Food and Food Politics causes lively discussions and people who relish her musings. This coming year Rachel's eagerly awaited book Cuisine and Empire will be published by University of California press.

Chef Enrique Olvera whose international reputation and popularity grows ever larger has now published two books UNO and En la Milpa winner of a Gourmand book award. His restaurant Pujol is on the Pellegrino 50 Best restaurants of the world list and is the cause of controversy in certain culinary circles and admiration from other well known chefs .... a young maverick who has established himself as the major innovative force of Modern Mexican Cuisine.

and ME as I travel, explore and eat my way through Mexico. In September 2012 Saveur magazine included me and my culinary cultural tours, Mexico Soul and Essence, as one of the 5 best cooking schools in Mexico!

The Best of 2012 Oaxaca

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 19:10:00 +0000

It has been a full year since my last post on my blog - a year filled with adventurous travel, new friendships made at incredible food events, old friendships renewed over breakfast - lunches - dinners - midmorning snacks - late evening morsels and more travel.

This week I'm featuring Oaxaca the capital of the state of Oaxaca and one of my favorite cuisines.

From the variety of chili salsas sold fresh in plastic bags in the mercados, to a festive table set with the best of the traditional women cooks of the area, to mescals and insects all delicious all spectacular!

Chef Alex Ruiz of Casa Oaxaca and El Saber del Sabor with Mescal Rio Revuelto

While Inés M. Saavedra, editor of El Gourmet Mexico magazine, sips Oaxacan hot chocolate

Chapulines ready for snacking with Oaxacan mescal

Mole ingredients at the molino ready for grinding

Mescal scented raspado with chile chapulin salt

Mescal tasting at La Mezcaloteca

Chef Alex Ruiz and staff at Casa Oaxaca

At La Olla cooking class preparing Salsa de Chicatanas

The Chicatanas

Chef Pilar Cabrera owner of La Olla Cooking School and restaurant

FELIZ FELIZ FELIZ!

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 16:22:00 +0000

I love Christmas cards including the ones that come in via e-mail. So here a few of my favorites!

La cocina mexicana, nuestro legado al mundo.

And this on the prehispanic custom of eating Romeritos from Chef Claudio Hall

of La Fonda del Refugio of Mexico City

AND FROM OUR FRIEND OF SLOW FOOD INTERNATIONAL IN MANY LANGUAGES!

and from the Pug of Burro Hall .......

Christmas and New Years in Mexico City - WHERE TO EAT ?

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:01:00 +0000

I decided to do some research after some friends called me to say that they would be here for the holidays and weren't sure where to eat in the city and asked for recommendations.

Always one happy to suggest my favorite places I began to call to see what was on offer. This because I normally spend my holidays at home cooking and sharing with my friends.

Well it did start to seem very bleak when the following restaurants all concurred that they would be closing for the holidays. Paxia and Dulce Patria will be closed from Dec. 24 till after the first of January.

Pujol will be closed for Dec. 24 and Dec. 25th, opened from De. 26th till Dec. 30th. Closed from Dec. 31 till January 8th.

Izote will be opened for Dec. 24th and Dec. 31st until 11 PM. Closed Dec. 25th and Jan. 1st.

El Cardenal, all locations, will be closed on Dec. 24th, 25th, 31st and Jan. 1.

Los Danzantes will open for breakfast and comida/lunch on Dec. 24th and Dec. 31 from 9:30 AM till 5 PM. Closed Dec. 25th and Jan. 1st.

Oh Mayahuel, my favorite mezcaleria, will open on Dec. 24th and 31st from 12:30 PM to 5 PM.
OPEN on Dec. 25th and Jan. 1st from 6:30 PM till after midnight. This will be one of the few good places to open on these dates!

El Bajio in Azcapotzalco, the only one I go to, will be closed Dec. 24th, 25th, 31st and Jan. 1st.
Call other locations for closings.

D.O., not Mexican but Chef Pablo Roman is fabulous, will be closed on Dec. 24th and Jan. 1st.
For Dec. 26th till Jan. 9th they will only be serving comida/unch from 1 till 4:30 PM.

Jaso will be closed on Dec. 24th, 25th and Jan.1.

Piazza Navona will be closing at 6 PM on Dec. 23rd and closed on Dec. 24th and 25th.

So the big question is WHO IS OPENING for New Years? with the caveat worth eating at:

Jaso and Piazza Navona, neither Mexican but very good indeed will be serving a New Years Eve menu

Jaso with Chefs Jared Reardon and Sonia Arias will be serving a Mexican inspired menu BUT you must reserve in advance either in person or by phone with American Express.

Chef Guy Santoro of Piazza Navona will be offering a set menu for $950 pesos plus service) that will include a champagne toast and the requisite 12 grapes for midnight, with live music.

OH MY GOSH! does that help, please let me know!

And for those who just need some old fashioned Mexican comfort food - my absolute "old faithful" place in all of Mexico City Cafe El Popular in the Centro Historico NEVER CLOSES!

Address

Av 5 de Mayo 52

Transport

Allende

Phone

55 5518-6081

Owner Jose Luis Eng at Cafe El Popular!

Weekend Happenings in Condesa & Roma !

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 19:10:00 +0000

This is one of those weekends when there is so much happening in Colonia Condesa and Colonia Roma that it will be difficult choosing where to start. From a Gastronomic food festival in Parque Mexico, Saturday and Sunday shopping days at the Mercado el 100 and the ever popular Corredor Cultural Roma Condesa.

Thanks to the Corredor Cultural there is a detailed map with the Art and Design route clearly mapped, all gallery/boutique participants listed with their web sites.

http://www.ccromacondesa.mx/?p=169

This 7th season brings with it some new "routes", the Gastronomic route and a walk through the emblematic architectural and socially significant sites of both Colonias with Juan Pedro Uribe, noted contemporary chronicler of Mexico City.

Too late for today Saturday workshop don't miss tomorrows Sunday Cooking workshop with Cuisibani.

Check out the complete list of artisan producers on Mercado el 100's website and start your shopping list now. You might want to order your holiday organic turkey from Granja Cocotla who every week brings fresh turkey and rabbit to the market. And if you love european style artisanal breads take a taste of Pan 100's german style "butter" squares or their multigrain breads ...... only two of the dozen of small growers who bring farm fresh produce, herbs, cheeses,flowers and on and on......

BUT if all you want to do is take a stroll to do some snacking along the way Parque Mexico in the Foro Lindbergh is the place to go. An international variety of foods with an al fresco bistro setting for some will be satisfying the weekend crowds today and tomorrow.

2nd Gastronomic Festival Mexico City

Even the Tajmahal has its own stand ...

One of my favorite Lebanese restaurants Miguel of Colonia Roma

Cote Sud Bistro

Miguel restaurant and a full Lebenese menu

and the Blah Blah Argentian parrilla with grilled chorizos ...

ENJOY THE WEEKEND!

CELEBRATION Mexican Cuisine - Intangible Patrimony of Humanity

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:20:00 +0000

Today is the one year anniversary of the UNESCO declaration for Traditional Mexican Cuisine as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

With its "ancestral, ongoing community culture " known as the Michoacán paradigm Mexico with 12 years of incredible effort was able to achieve this distinction.

Today those who were instrumental in preparing and presenting the application will be celebrating this achievement at El Tajin restaurant.

Join them in support and celebration!

El Grito!

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:42:00 +0000

¡ Vivan los heroes que nos dieron Patria y libertad !¡ Viva Miguel Hidalgo !¡ Viva Morelos ¡¡ Viva Allende !¡ Viva la independencia de Mexico !¡ Viva Mexico ¡¡ Viva Mexico !

To celebrate Mexican Independence in its capital Mexico City is an experience like no other - a riot of white, green and red with outrageous decorations for yourself and any friends you may bring along with assorted fun filled mayhem . If that doesn't get you excited I don't know what will BUT to face this marathon celebration you have to be well fed, so here my picks for today and tomorrow in the Centro Historico of Mexico City.

On your way to the Zocalo to wait till midnight perhaps a stop at La Casa del Pavo is in order. On Calle Motolinia, just a small sign to let you know you have arrived, for $40 pesos on up hearty Tortas de Pavo.

On Calle Palma the venerable but always consistent El Cardenal

Suggested dishes - Mixote de flor de maguey con escamoles Talk about tradition, millennial that is. And of course their not too sweet Chiles en Nogada, or Pechuga de pollo stuffed with goat cheese in a Mole Coloradito ...... Mmmmm

Another favorite the Casa de los Azuelos for those who need the assurance of clean bathrooms and now even musical accompaniment for their dining pleasure. The must have dish Enchiladas Suizas.

You might even run into Miguel Hidalgo or Jose Maria Morelos

Of course could we leave out the Hosteria de Santo Domingo - where artists, Dr.Atl and Augustin Lara come immediately to mind, politicians, better not to be named and countless DF'enos have celebrated, mourned and even eaten quite well since 1860.

An old favorite, since 1914, Cafe El Popular - with regional and traditional dishes 24 hours a day - and a favorite of after the Grito fanatics - everything from breakfast conchas and hot chocolate to tamales and huevos divorciados to of course Chiles en Nogada. Welcoming after the Zocalo crush, but there may be a wait....

Jose Luis Eng handling the after Grito crowd outside Cafe El Popular

San Francisco Ferry Market

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:52:00 +0000

I took so many pictures that its hard to winnow down my favorites but here they are

My dream kitchen

Shopping alongside Alice Waters at Boulettes Larder.

Sand dabs - so great!

Summer in the USA - West and East Coast

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:33:00 +0000

Thanks again to my readers who have kept the faith and keep checking for a new post ... its been long in coming ( my last post was on Fany Gerson ) but here a quick recap on

"What I did on my summer vacation"....

California here we come - where granddaughter Em and I were scheduled to do college visits, but with good friends from IACP it turned into college visits plus food centric side trips!

Terry and Ray and that amazing oven.

Our hosts in San Francisco were Terry and Ray Paetzold, Terry is a former chef at Postino Restaurant, and owner of In Terry’s Kitchen where she teaches culinary classes throughout the year. And yes that outdoor oven has dinner in it - Pollo al Mattone or Chicken under a brick

At University of the Pacific, during yet one more campus "visit, we were also able to meet Ken Albala food historian and master food "ranter", as well as a most prolific author. A tour of Stockton and lunch with Ken made me appreciate academia even more.

Ken at his very best!

A trip to the Fan Francisco Ferry Market was in order and we were quickly overwhelmed with sounds, sights and aromas that made us want to try everything at once...

a little sweet in the morning..... with Lori Regis at Boulettes Larder

and these are fresh vegetables .....

Speaks for itself ...

Inside the Ferry Building and more to see and EAT!

So many varieties - so sweet ....

Steve Sando's Heirloom Bean Growers Guide Book

I left my heart in San Francisco .......

Mexico Glorious Mexico AKA Food Glorious Food

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 15:10:00 +0000

Yes, sometimes my blog reports get interrupted by Mexico and its glorious food.. what can I say but a heartfelt thanks to those of my followers who are still with me. Your reward and mine to relive the last 8 weeks of incredible, over the top glorious food.....

Lets start with author Fany Gerson of La Newyorkina whose two books My Sweet Mexico and Paletas, just released, are getting rave reviews from the critics and avid cookbook readers alike. Fany, a native of Mexico City, was in town filming for an upcoming television production - stay tuned for more on this.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtacondechi/sets/72157626872009361/

Lest we forget old friends - writer, journalist, gastronome and true gentle man Giorgio De'Angeli was honored in an exposition called Saberes y Sabores, roughly translated wisdom and taste, two things that Giorgio was always eager to share.

The event held at the Veracruzan Cultural Center, home to El Tajin restaurant, was a gathering with well known chefs, artisanal food producers, artisan craftsmen and an enthusiastic throng of budding Slow Food gastronomes.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtacondechi/sets/72157626996761844/

Not yet done on our "foodie" adventures what better way then to spend a morning with like minded friends then doing a recorrido/journey to some of my favorite breakfast places.

With Lesley Tellez of The Mija Chronicles and Ben Herrera of What's Cooking Mexico we spent the morning in Azcapotzalco home to two delicious and traditional Mexican restaurants. First on the list was Nico's where friend Chef Gerardo Vazquez Lugo took time to talk to Lelsey about her perfect concha search - for me it ends here at Nico's, until I get to the next "perfect" concha.

Lesley enjoying her Jugo Verde - green juice of cactus paddles, celery, xococnostle and orange juice...

and what better to follow up then a visit to La Nicolasa, Nico's Slow Food based "tienda" for the best in artisanal food products from the best olive oils, cheeses and beans to organic eggs and meats... and so much more.

and a little shopping as well........

Then off to El Bajio for a quick hello to Mayora Sandra who has been for 30 years the mainstay of El Bajio's kitchens

We can never leave without a tasting of atole and quesadillas.... for the trip back home!

Stay with us for the next blog post to finish May events - still to come wine tasting at Los Azteca vineyards in Queretaro and Patricia Quintanas Aromas y Sabores 2012 gastronomic journey through Mexico!

Pujol and Chef Enrique Olvera The World's 50 Best Restaurant Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 16:11:00 +0000

From the San Pellegrino site on Pujol:

"Head chef Enrique Olvera has switched from fancy dining to Mexican food “with soul” at Pujol with market-inspired dishes that nod to a strong cultural legacy.

Cooking in clay pots has ousted the water bath but the food is no less modern – think coffee, corn and flying ants toasted and ground into a powder, stuffed into a dried pumpkin and wrapped in corn leaves, then heated to evoke a balmy Mexican street scene."

And yes we heartily agree that Pujol has taken Mexican cuisine to the international arena of recognition. There were others who also recognized the talent and creativity that Chef Olvera was showing in Pujol - Stan Sesser in 2008 of the Wall Street Journal when he dubbed Mexico City

"The World's Greatest Food City" and again when Project Explorer went into the kitchen and interviewed Chef Olvera, ditto for Chef Deborah Schneider of SOL restaurant in California when she dined at Pujol.

Congratulations to Chef Enrique Olvera and his team at Pujol!

Chef José Ramón Castillo y KAKAW!

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 21:44:00 +0000

Presentación del libro "KAKAW"

Chef José Ramón Castillo los invita a la presentación del libro “KAKAW” que recientemente ganó el Premio como Mejor Libro y Material de la Humanidad en los Gourmand World Cookbook Awards en París, Francia.

Día: Miércoles 6 de Abril del 2011

Hora: 12 del medio día

Lugar: Cinemex, Antara Polanco, Ciudad de México

Valor del libro: $500 (en efectivo)

Todo el dinero de las ventas del libro, será donado a “Casa Hogar Auxilio A.C.” en Chiapas.

Los esperamos!

Chef José Ramón Castillo invites us to the presentation of his book "KAKAW" which recently won the Gourmand World Cookbook award as the Best in Category and Content in Paris, France.

TOMORROW Wednesday April6, 2011

Time: Noon

Place: Level Cinemex, Antara Polanco, Mexico City

Book price : $500 pesos ( cash only)

ALL MONIES FROM THE SALE OF THE BOOK WILL BE DONATED TO "CASA HOGAR AUXILIO A.C. IN CHAIPAS.

First Food & Wine Festival Ixtapa Zihuatanejo!

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:57:00 +0000

Food and Wine magazines popular Foodie Fest comes to Mexico, its first ever Latin American venue. Classes, restaurant visits, exclusive house tours, catamaran twilight cruises.. what more is there. Oh yes Ixtapa Zihuatanejo's beaches, night life, golf courses and did I mention the fabulous restaurants - from market to alta cocina.

Celebrations are in order now that Ixtapa Zihuatanejo joins the prestigious list of cities and resorts that host Food and Wine Magazines' Festivals.

With the title of " MEXICO 32 TASTES. 1 HISTORY. 1 SOUL" Food and Wine pulled out all the stops to make this debut an event to be remembered.

Opening night at Casa Alegria

Star Chef Rick Bayless , Chef Stephan Pyles from the United States and from Mexico Chef Federico Lopez of Cancun, Chef Enrique Olvera Mexico City, and Chef Guillermo González Beristáin of Monterrey and TV personality Chef Alfredo Oropeza took center stage guiding the attendees and preparing classic and contemporary interpretations of Mexican Cuisine.

Mark your calendar's for next years chef studded Ixtapa Food and Wine Festival 2012 .

La Colonia Roma Hot Spot!

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:07:00 +0000

La Nacional La Botica La Nuclear

The Colonia Roma in Mexico City has always been a magnet for the famous and the infamous. Since its beginnings as a Porfiarto gem of european styles residences, for the wealthy elite, to its bohemian wild life, its was here that Kerouac and Burroughs wrote, ingested peyot and took pot shots at each other, the Roma has been a hot spot and mecca.

For the last decade or so its fame as an art gallery mecca for contemporary art has grown as has its penchant for high end restaurants, boutique hotels, and small artisan shops. Its "precious" attitude stops dead in its tracks on the corner of Calle Queretaro and Orizaba in the southern section of the Roma and acts as a loci for three extremely "Mexican" watering holes.

The first and longest established is La Nacional which specializes in the "other" beers of Mexico, truly a new focus since there are only two very large corporations that dominate the beer industry. With over 20 brands and some highly unusual flavors, barleywine, stout and abbey ale among others, La Nacional's gritty look and feel are an allure to the young and hip. But it doesn't end there since they also have a full dining menu.

Not the case for La Botica, another highly regarded boutique mezcal "chain". With just a hole in the wall look this over four year old "mezcaleria" attracts its own devotees and serves only small bites to accompany its small production mezcals bottled in what looks like 19th century apothecary jars.
Good flavors on both counts.

Now for the new kid on the block, actually around the corner on Quertaro. They're still hammering, painting and getting ready but La Nuclear but for now its looks like a new PULQUERIA is about to arrive. As soon as an opening date is set - we'll let you know. For now just the photos will tell the story. Enjoy!

Diana Kennedy Cookbook of the Year James Beard Winner Oaxaca al Gusto

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:15:00 +0000

And finally the James Beard Book Award winners - Cookbook of the Year

Oaxaca al Gusto: An Infinite Gastronomy
by Diana Kennedy

Hurrah for Diana

DIANA KENNEDY

Diana Kennedy will make one of her rare personal appearances Friday April 8th at the Auditorio del Jardin Botanico Exterior en Cuidad Universitaria.

Her book "Oaxaca al Gusto" will be available for purchase in English and Spanish. This appearance was scheduled before the announcement by the James Beard Foundation that "Oaxaca al Gusto" had been nominated for an award.

A not to be missed opportunity.

TEO - TALLER ENRIQUE OLVERA

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:14:00 +0000

.... and how do you spend your weekend? Relaxing, reading, going out, the movies?

Well now there's another option on how to spend a Saturday, with one of Mexico's most recognized chefs selecting, chopping and cooking what the local market has to offer. Chef Enrique Olvera offers a seasonal "Mercado a Cocina" class that takes you to the mercado San Juan, justly famous for its offerings, to poke prod and buy the best of ingredients.

Then its off to TEO, the teaching section of his operations on Calle Petrarca in Polanco, to create and invent with those fabulous ingredients.
No written recipes per se but a guide to flavors and his young and creative staff leading you while you combine and plan your own "Pujol" style mexican dish.

Our Crew

Its an experience that I couldn't say no to and so this past Saturday I spent the day with Chef Enrique and a group of 16 non and pro gastronomes learning, testing and finally savoring our creations.

Supreb!

Museo Soumaya

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 14:03:00 +0000

Ready, get set, GO! Where?

To the opening of the new and extraordinary Museo Soumaya, and extraordinary because of its design and two year long notoriety as the $70 million USD ( not pesos) museum built to house Mexico's, and Carlos Slim's, "world class" art collection.

Thanks to UrbanSketchers mexico

With its design that left passersby scratching heads and muttering under their breaths the opening date of the FREE admission museum is upon us. On March 29th all will be revealed as the doors open to the general public. Sixty six thousand pieces of art works and the second largest Rodin collection in the world will be rivaled by the interest in the inner construction of what for many looks like an "oversize mushroom". But the party has already begun with an official opening attended by President Calderon and the creme de la creme of Mexican society and you can have a sneak preview as well thanks to the BBC News desk.

ST. Valentine's and the Xoloitzcuintli

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:27:00 +0000

Today is St. Valentine's Day and for weeks here in Mexico we've been bombarded with cute red hearts, chocolate ads and cocktails combining any number of sickening sweet ingredients. With lists of Mexico City restaurants offering "Aphrodisiac Tasting menus" I was sure that this mornings news reports would all be in the same vein.

But no, this mornings news brought us joy and a love in the form of a canine whose history was more on the "point of extinction" then of a pup beloved by everyone.

Made famous by association to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera the Xoloitzcuintli a Mexican grey, hairless breed with a 3,000 year history is making an unexpected celebrity comeback. This mornings New York Times report of its inclusion in the exclusive AKC ( American Kennel Club ) lists will see rocketing popularity worldwide and perhaps less disparaging remarks.

Thanks to the Museo Dolores Olmedo a group of Xolooitzcuintle have had a home, albeit a public one, on the grounds of the museum as part of the museum logo.

QUE VIVA EL XOLOITZCUINTLI!

Candelaria!

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:50:00 +0000

One of the most enjoyable of Mexico's traditional feast days is Candelaria or the Presentation at the Temple celebrated with tables ladened with Tamales of different fillings, wrappings and seasonings and served with atoles as varied as the tamales they accompany.

Tamales, from the nahuatl meaning wrapped, have a primordial place in Mexican culinary culture serving as a celebratory dish and sometimes as a religious offering. They range from simple finger sized corn wrapped snacks filled with just beans or quelites - wild greens - to the imposing and enormous - reaching 80 kilos - mythical Zacahuil wrapped with banan leaves and filled with large pieces of turkey and pork.

Tonight Tuesday Slow Food celebrates with the Tamalada and Atole Laboratorio del Gusto at the Fonda San Angel beginning at 7 PM. Its a celebration as well of the UNESCO designation of Mexican Cuisine to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. If your in Mexico City don't miss it.

And not to forget the most important figure of Candelaria, the infant Jesus, who on this day receives new garments here is a chance to dress your own Nino .

Slow Food Laboratorio del Gusto

Las cocineras tradicionales de la Huasteca dicen que "La Huasteca llega donde hay zacahuil. Es el platillo huasteco por excelencia y, como el huapango, la expresión de cultura popular que identifica a la población de las seis huastecas".

En esta tradicional fiesta de la candelaria también se podrán degustar, Tamales de picadillo de camarón de Sinaloa, Tamales de Puerco de Nuevo León, Tamales de veracruzanos, así como uchepos y corundas michoacanas.

Durante el evento estarán presentes Gloria López Morales, presidenta del Conservatorio de la Cultura Gastronómica Mexicana; Alicia Gironella, presidenta del movimiento Slow Food México, el investigador José Iturrega y Sol Rubín de la Borbolla entre otras personalidades.

365 Projects - A Food Odyssey

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 15:26:00 +0000

"365 Projects are simple, you take one photo every day for a year. It can be anything, something you've done, a self portrait, your shoes! Anything! "

And thats exactly what I've been doing for the past few weeks - posting a picture a day of my wanderings and meanderings through Mexico City's food world.

So here is my 365 Project - keep checking back often, follow me and see what your missing ....

Or better yet - find one of those super airline offers and come wander with me...

No snow except on the tops of the volcano, and we Chilango's ( by choice) think lows of 40 degrees are frigid and of course the midday highs are in the high 70 degree range.

Patricia Quintana of Izote restaurant and I at the Mercado San Juan - read more about our city
here - the Wall Street Journals Stan Sessers article on Mexico City - The World's Greatest Food City.

Diana Kennedy Spitfire/Charmer/ Queen of Mexican Cuisine Part II

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 10:25:00 +0000

Thanks to Diana Kennedy for sharing this recent photo.

Her message attached to the photo which I most throughly agree with -

"just to show you I don't look like that
awful picture in the Washington Post photos."

So glad to see you obviously over the flu!

Diana Kennedy Spitfire/Charmer/ Queen of Mexican Cuisine

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth T. Alegria) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 23:16:00 +0000

Through the years the recognized authority and chronicler of Mexican Cuisine Diana Kennedy has been interviewed countless times. In fact when you Google search her name 259,00 results are returned in 0.08 seconds. Impressive.

And impressive she is when you meet, speak or take classes with Mrs. Kennedy who has had numerous recognitions from the Mexican government's Order of the Aztec Eagle to her native country's Member of the British Empire.

She has devoted herself to researching and recording Mexico's culinary heritage in at times less then hospitable circumstances, but nothing stops her from her exacting and precise research.

Her current book "Oaxaca al Gusto - An Infinite Gastronomy" published by the University of Texas Press as part of The William and Bettye Nowlin Series in Art, History, and Culture of the Western Hemisphere is for some the definitive book on Oaxaca to date.

As an author Mrs. Kennedy has given countless interviews but the interview conducted by William Booth of the Washington Post is as Mrs. Kennedy calls it "character assassination".

Here is Mrs. Kennedy's response to Mr. Booth:

Letter to: William Booth, Washington Post – Fiery Chronicler –11th January, 2011

After three arduous trips in the US to promote my book,

Oaxaca al Gusto, I was persuaded by a respected acquaintance, photographer Keith Dannemiller, to accept that you come to do an interview in my Mexican home. (It is not usual or correct to take your wife along to an interview without mentioning it

or asking if it is OK.) Yes, I was tired and mad. Trouble is I am too damned

frank.

This article smacks of character assassination (although I am not surprised,

The Washington Post had me dead abut 25 years ago and never had the

courtesy to apologize when they found out I was very much alive and

kicking.)

My helpers are always introduced to visitors (Ambassadors, scientists, even Prince Charles etc.) where were you? ..But then I see it is convenient to say so because you go on to insult one of my helpers by calling him a “serf”. They have been with me for many years and, as everyone who has been to my many classes knows, they are treated with respect and affection.

I object to “withering appraisal of competitors”, and “wrangling home cooks to

reveal etc”....those are rather nasty and untruthful interpretations! And what’s a “killer mole” for goodness sake!

You were, I thought, supposed to come and talk about the book and see how

I live in my Michoacan abode, but instead you repeat that silly, gossipy

book Arrugula USA about something that happened 32 years ago.

In the first place, I didn’t have a car so how could I have dumped him out???? A pure lie.

I also said how much I admired him as an exemplary restaurateur who sources ingredients locally, and takes his staff every 7th July weekend to a great gastronomic experience in Mexico. And yes, I make no secret of the fact that I thought the White House menu totally inappropriate, but I did add that many of the ideas came from a committee and not directly from Rick.

Why is it that everyone delights in trying to put a wedge in between Rick and me.!

And why the hell did you drink that coffee!

It will be very difficult, if not impossible, for another reporter to visit me and I will

quote your article as a reason why.

Saludos dk

From the New Oxford American Dictionary:
You can malign someone, which is to say or write something evil without necessarily lying.