Culinary Tours and Field Trips
As an explorer of all interesting aspects of cuisine, love traveling and discovering new things. And whenever people find out where I am from and where I have traveled, the response is usually the same: “Oh, I want to go there with you!” So, I decided to offer small guided tours (6-12 people) of some of the best culinary destinations that I am familiar with. All you need is an adventurous spirit! We offer you a chance to experience safe, guided tours of Mexico City and surrounding areas; the coast of Quintana Roo, known as the Riviera Maya; the Valle de Guadalupe wine region in Baja California; the Costa do Cacau in Bahia, Northeastern Brazil, and of course, the growing gastronomic scene in Austin, Texas.
A seaside lunch in Praia do Forte, state of Bahia, Northeastern Brazil. Let's go!
Despite the terrible violence that we read daily about Mexico, Mexico City remains a pretty safe plece, not more dangerous than any other large world metropolis. I would love to take you on a week-long introduction tour of Mexico City its main cultural, historical, and gastronomical attractions. How do artisanal mezcal tastings, a visit to the ruins of Teotihuacan with an archeologist currently working at the site, informal talks and presentations from food historians and chefs, and visits to neighborhood gems, famous cantinas, and other points of interest sound? We can cover the full spectrum of the fabric that weaves Mexico D.F, from lunch on a boat in the canals of Xochimilco with a local family, to a five-course dinner paired with Mexican wines at a highly regarded chef-driven restaurant. Guided visits to food and arts markets, walking tours of La Condesa, Coyoacan, and Chapultepec neighborhoods, and a cooking demonstration with a local home cook are also on the menu. We will concentrate on lesser known attractions and day trips to nearby cities and towns, with the added bonus of traveling during specific fiestas and food fairs. I promise plenty of activity but also time for leisure, shopping, and relaxing for those who wish to slow down.
Lunchtime at a classic cantina in Mexico, D.F. is not to be missed.
Traveling with the guidance of a fully bilingual and bi-cultural native as your host ensures you will avoid tourist traps, dangerous places, and foods that can make you sick. Instead you will see these places through the eyes of their inhabitants. You will staying in boutique hotels, peruse markets, learn from the locals, and have a fun-filled, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our tours are designed for 6-12 people, so everyone can enjoy a personal, laid-back experience instead of feeling like a herd of cattle. Most of all, I want to bring you these amazing tours on the best budget possible without sacrificing quality.
Buñuelos filled with roast duck, topped with black mole poured at the table at Azul Condesa, one of the best new restaurants in D.F.
If you still prefer to stay at home, Austin has lots to offer, whether you are visiting from out of town or are looking to discover new and exciting gastronomic adventures at home. Although Austin is well-known amongst visitors as a destination for Tex-Mex restaurants and legendary BBQ joints, the dining scene has come a long way from this well-earned reputation. The Capital city is now home to a growing variety of cuisines: world-class upscale interior Mexican; modern and traditional South American; cutting-edge Japanese; Mediterranean, and outstanding award-winning examples of New American, traditional American and a strong influence of farm-to-table philosophy, with many talented local chefs who have garnered national accolades and attention, from spots in Iron Chef America to top honors in publications like Food & Wine and Bon Appetit. Gastronomically speaking, Austin is now a national contender.
Uchiko: grilled kurobuta pork belly, carrot puree and greens, pecan soil
I’ll take you from small ethnic restaurants and markets to award-winning, cutting edge restaurants where some of Austin’s most renowned, adventurous, and up-and-coming chefs will delight you with their creations. Ask about our local tours with guided visits to ethnic grocery stores, followed by a sampling of foods with local chefs and home cooks. I have recently partnered with Rae Wilson, certified sommelier and owner of Wine for the People, to include wine tasting and pairing during some of our field trips, and we are happy to customize a field trip for you if you tell us what you are interested in discovering.
You can read the latest info on the regular postings on the Culinary Tours & Field Trips category.
