Forums > Specific Focus > Mexican Kitchen

1chilehead

May 1, 2006, 10:38 PM

Post #1 of 13 (2291 views)

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Any referrals?

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Hola All,

I've been lurking for a bit here, looking at all the great posts. I've been going Mexico for years now and love it, totally enamored. I've also been a foodie for awhile too, even breaking away from corporate drone-dome (just kill me now) to take cooking classes and some catering. I would like to start a company specializing in culinary tours of Mexico, the six regions plus the annual Culinary Festival in Pto Vallarta in November and the International Seafood Competition in Ensenada combined with a Baja Winery tour - so we are looking at eight packages (we are headed for Ensenada and wine country for the first time in about 2 weeks - I can't wait).

Anyway, I've been doing my research and have found some chefs that also hold classes, but have yet to contact them. I was wondering if any of you had contacts with local chefs - I'm looking for traditional types for the regions, not haute cuisine. I want my clients to get the real Mexico (or as close as is realistic for this industry). I've read about Rolly's Dona Martha, but she may not be interested in teaching a bunch of heathen Gringos (though it would be really cool if she did).

Any advice and contacts are greatly appreciated.

Theresa

Camille

May 2, 2006, 12:18 PM

Post #2 of 13 (2267 views)

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Re: [1chilehead] Any referrals?

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Talk to ZoeQ! She's not only a chef, but also has a lovely B&B in Queretaro which would be perfect for your tours.......

1chilehead

May 2, 2006, 5:43 PM

Post #3 of 13 (2252 views)

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Re: [Camille] Any referrals?

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Thanks Camille!

Any way to help the locals is on my list of priorities!

Anonimo

May 3, 2006, 4:02 AM

Post #4 of 13 (2234 views)

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Re: [1chilehead] Any referrals?

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I don't think ZoeQ is a "local", in the sense of "Mexicana".

Saludos,
Anonimo

Bubba

May 6, 2006, 10:24 AM

Post #5 of 13 (2176 views)

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Re: [1chilehead] Any referrals?

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I'm looking for traditional types for the regions, not haute cuisine. I want my clients to get the real Mexico

If you are not looking for "haute cuisine" then you are coming to the right country.This is the place to realize low expectations.

(This post was edited by Bubba on May 6, 2006, 10:26 AM)

Rolly

May 6, 2006, 10:30 AM

Post #6 of 13 (2171 views)

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Re: [Bubba] Any referrals?

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Oh Bubba, you crack me up!

Rolly Pirate

1chilehead

May 6, 2006, 10:34 AM

Post #7 of 13 (2171 views)

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Re: [Bubba] Any referrals?

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I don't know about that Bubba, I've had many very excellent meals SOB - many far better than I get a Mexican food places here in the Southwest. From my research, Mexico is increasingly attracting top caliber chefs from around the world and I've come across some excellent native chefs as well.

Pto Vallarta hosts an annual Culinary Festival in November (thank God) that has grown every year, I believe it's in it's 11th year.

1chilehead

May 6, 2006, 10:57 AM

Post #8 of 13 (2167 views)

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Re: [1chilehead] Any referrals?

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Of course - I've also been to some real dives! Probably the very places you are referring to...and stay away from the $1 margaritas!

Cheers all

zoeq1000

May 9, 2006, 3:37 PM

Post #9 of 13 (2112 views)

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Re: [1chilehead] Any referrals?

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I'm a trained chef and I have a large, gorgeous kitchen designed teaching classes. The dining room is connected so it is a perfect place to learn and to share the comida. My cookbook is based on cooking several dishes at once. However, I have several cooks that would love to share their local cuisine. All I need is an itinerary. Just let me know and I can arrange it. I have a B&B that sleeps up to 11. For larger groups, there are accommodations within two blocks. Take a look at my website http://quintazoe.com I'm a foodie of long standing and love foodies of all types of cuisines.

Edited to make the link clickable.

(This post was edited by Rolly on May 9, 2006, 4:59 PM)

zoeq1000

May 9, 2006, 3:57 PM

Post #10 of 13 (2109 views)

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Re: [Anonimo] Any referrals?

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Hey,hey, I object. Once you know the basics of cooking, you can easily follow any recipe as long as you have the ingredients. Besides, I've got some dynamite Mexican cooks for friends. Any one of them would be happy to do a class or three.

1chilehead

May 9, 2006, 4:47 PM

Post #11 of 13 (2104 views)

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Re: [zoeq1000] Any referrals?

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Thanks much Zoe,

I would love to put you as one of the packages. I'll have the site up on the weekend, still a work in progress, but I want potential partners (chefs, schools, lodging) to see it. We can work on details when I get back from Ensenada and wine country on 5/24. I can't wait to get the project off the ground!

I visited your site many months ago and you really did get alot done. Can't wait to visit!

Anonimo

May 10, 2006, 7:46 AM

Post #12 of 13 (2078 views)

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Re: [zoeq1000] Any referrals?

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Quote

I'm sorry, Zoe; I hope I haven't offended you in some way.
I am, of course, aware that once you know the basics, you can follow (almost) any recipe. I worked in the bakery and restaurant industry my entire career.

I had a look at your website, and your B&B is very attractive.

Buen provecho,
Anonimo

zoeq1000

May 10, 2006, 7:55 AM

Post #13 of 13 (2074 views)

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Re: [Anonimo] Any referrals?

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I studied baking and baking for over 300 people at a school for some time. I love cake decorating the most. Doing baking professionally is a pretty tough job. You have to have a lot of stamina. Hang in there and keep cooking.