Culture Through Cuisine Workshop (trip)

Culture Through Cuisine Workshop

  • Merida, Yucatán, Mexico
  • Learning
Yucatan
, Mexico, North America

from $2,100* per person7 DaysJuly, August, December
Luxury accommodations Exertion level: 1
Operator: MexicaChica Getaways 10 people max
MexicaChica Getaways proudly presents a very special Mexican cooking class for anyone who delights in preparing fresh and authentic Mexican food. This is more than a Mexican cooking demonstration. It is a full fledged, hands-on, interactive and totally participatory Mexican cooking workshop that takes place in two very exciting destinations.

You will get to learn dishes from various regions including Central Mexico, Oaxaca, Veracruz and Yucatan. Everyday you will go through the full process of preparing, cooking and eating delicious Mexican meals. During this time your instructor, Chef Brent Marsh will lead you every step of the way, and fill you in on the historic and cultural relevance of the food you are preparing. Chef Brent welcomes you into his kitchen as he shares his passion for fresh and delicious meals.

Our trip takes place in two very different destinations. During the first three days, we will be using Merida as our home base as we explore the flavors from various regions of Mexico. Merida is a vibrant city known for its stunning European style architecture, distinct Mayan influence and its many arts and cultural events.

On our last two days of our trip, we will be trading one luxurious accommodation for another while staying at a beautifully restroed private luxury villa in our  next destination of Izamal, the city of three cultures. Izamal is a charming town famous for its charming cobblestone streets, impressive Franciscan monastery, mayan ruins scattered throughout the town and wonderful yellow color that decorates many of its buildings.

Step outside the kitchen and visit ancient ruins, bustling bazaars, breathtaking scenery and much much more. All this awaits you on this fabulous trip to the Yucatan.  Our mission is to share the unique flavors of Mexico while providing a relaxing, fun and memorable vacation in two beautiful colonial settings. We believe that the art of local cuisine reveals its colorful culture, and we look forward to sharing knowledge, laughter and a special meal with you.

Foodies of all levels are welcome on this delicious adventure.

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Locations visited/nearby

Yucatan , Mexico, North America

0 testimonials about this trip.

3 testimonials about the provider, MexicaChica Getaways:

  • Reviewer: Yury P. located in Honolulu, Hawaii US
    Chef Brent was brilliant! I learned so much and had the most fantastic time preparing and eating amazing food during my culinary tour with MexicaChica.  I am a foodie at heart and pride myself on my cooking but the recipes I learned to prepare in beautiful Merida were something else. I cant wait to share with my friends back home!

  • Reviewer: Brandy located in Calgary ,AB
    I learned a lot about different dishes from around Mexico, how the food selection varies with each state. I was given MANY little hints that only an experienced chef could know and easily share. Brent's passion and enthusiasm was passed on to all who were present, showing us all that fabulous food is attainable in every kitchen. Thank you MexicaChica for making this possible through your Cooking Class with Chef Brent.
  • Reviewer: Anna,G located in Vancouver, BC
    The culinary tour with MexicaChica was fantastic. Fun and casual but well structured. I love to cook and I can't wait to try some of the dishes on my own at home.

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Itinerary

Day 1- Welcome!

MexicaChica Getaways takes you to Merida, Yucatan, also known as The White City. From ancient Maya temples to charming haciendas full of history, we celebrate the diversity that this region has to offer. This is a state rich in natural wonders and exciting adventures.

Join MexicaChica Getaways for a 7 day, 6 night trip that embraces the exuberant tapestry of Mexico. You will be met at the airport by a private transfer and will be taken directly to a five star boutique hotel known for its impeccable service, beautiful courtyard and famous gift shop and bakery. This will serve as our home base for the week as we delve into our creative activities and explorations of the area.

Once at the hotel, we will be greeted with welcome cocktails and appetizers followed by a brief orientation with Claudette. You will have time to explore before and after our delicious dinner in a beautiful Merida restaurant.

Our timely arrival could not be better orchestrated since that night we will play witness to one big authentic Mexican fiesta with live music, food and local crafts. Take the time to explore the city by night on one of the charming horse drawn carriages found only steps away from our hotel.

Meals- Welcome Drinks and Appetizers, Dinner Included.

 
Day 2- Central Mexico Cuisine and City Bus Tour

Our day begins with a delicious breakfast at the famous Tala restaurant and bakery within our hotel. The city´s main market will be our first adventure this week with Chef Brent Marsh as our guide. He will be teaching us about the history of the dishes we will prepare, as we shop for the freshest ingredients we can find. You will learn how to pick them and what to look for. This fascinating visit to the market offers a glimpse into the bustling center of activity that is at the heart of every Mexican city.

After our shopping, the real fun begins when we arrive at our gorgeous colonial home that will serve as our classroom. Today we will be preparing a Central Mexican favorite- tacos! These are no ordinary tacos. You will never look at a taco the same way again as you sample a wonderful combination of flavors not known to many outside of Mexico. Please see our menu section for more details.

The afternoon is a time for your to explore on your own or take an afternoon siesta in your hotel hammock. Our group reunites later that day to embark on a city wide tour on a charming colorful open bus known as the gua gua. The gua gua will take us on a delightful tour of the city´s most important avenues where we will be able to appreciate the finest examples of French, Spanish and Moorish architecture this colonial city is famous for.

This day ends with a trip for your senses as we visit the beautifully restored Xcanatun hacienda for dinner.

Meals-Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 
Day 3-Coastal Cuisine and Liquor Tasting Tour

After our breakfast at the hotel, we will head to our favorite colonial kitchen with Chef Brent. Today we will spend our morning learning about and preparing fare from the coastal regions of Mexico. Please see our menu tab for more details. An afternoon  break will be taken after our meal in the home's lush courtyard.

We will reunite to venture off to a local liquor producing hacienda. Enjoy a lively and interesting presentation from our guide as we learn about the history and processing of the liquors. Many varieties are made including tropical fruit flavored ones and even Mayan chocolate.  The cacao tree was first grown in Mexico and was widely used by the Mayas of the region.

We will provide some useful suggestions for dinner and explorations on your own this evening.

Meals- Breakfast and Lunch

 
Day 4-Maya Archeological Site and Puebla Cuisine

We head off to Dzibichaltun, Place of Inscribed Flat Stones. This archeological site was first settled around 1500 BC, and is known to be the longest functioning city of the Mayan world.  It was still inhabited at first contact, unlike other abandoned cities that were only visited for ritual and ceremony. This is why missionaries tore down Mayan temples and began constructing a church, which was left unfinished.

The most notable structure is the The Temple of Seven Dolls. It is an observatory, which maps the movement of stars, the sun and moon.  There is a wonderful small museum and a beautiful open crystal clear cenote for swimming. We will be eating a gourmet picnic lunch on site.

We will rest upon our return to Merida before our evening session at our favorite kitchen in town. The menu today will include specialties from the Puebla region of the country.  Please see our menu for full details.

Meals- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 
Day 5- The City of Three Cultures

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will head out of the city to a magical little town about 45 minutes away. Izamal, The City of Three Cultures, brings together elements of the Prehispanic, colonial and contemporary eras. The town is known for its distinct  yellow color that decorates a large portion of the town,  creating a very charming and unique effect. Numerous Prehispanic constructions, some currently under restoration, are located within the city, providing a contrast next to the remains of the colonial era.

We will take a guided tour of the notable Franciscan monastery before an opportunity to explore on your own. You will be provided with many useful suggestions for lunch and sightseeing.

Our evening cooking session will take place in the famed Kinich restaurant known for its lush surroundings, impeccable service and authentic Yucatecan food. Chef Jose Luis will guide us in this evening´s class. Kinich employs traditional methods of preparing Yucatean food apparent in its impressive standards to quality and authenticity. Most are surprised to know that Yucatecan cuisine is a fusion of Mayan influences, Spanish and Caribbean.

Meals- Breakfast and Dinner

 
Day 6-Class, Artisans and Farewell Party

We will travel to Izamal for our morning session with Chef Jose Luis, after our hotel breakfast. Today we will be preparing a delightful treats from the Yucatan region of Mexico. Please see our menu for additional details.

After enjoying our fruits of our labor, we will leave the kitchen to visit some wonderful local artisans working in their studios. An afternoon rest will follow at the hotel before our very special farewell dinner party.

Our evening festivities will take place in an unforgettable setting within the private villa. We will share a delicious dinner together. This will be a time to share our learned experiences and toast to our most recent accomplishments.

Meals- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 
Day 7-Adios!
The time has come to say goodbye. You will be provided private transportation to the Merida airport. Buen viaje y Adios!

 

Meals- Breakfast

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