I have just returned from three weeks in Mexico and wanted to share some wonderful culinary experiences.The Baja was the first stop and upon arrival I quickly ventured to the local market where I was introduced to Mole Poblano a fragrant blend of spices, nuts and chocolate.Combined with ground chorizo,queso fresco, salsa verde and tortillas fresh off the press and we were off to a fantastic start.Many great meals were to follow but one my most memorable was introducing my friend Jeff to Mexican street food.The afternoon started with my twist on the greyhound.Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice ,tequila aged in oak barrels and a splash of fresca(yes that 70's pop) light and refreshing and....A short walk up the hill to the plaza found us sitting on the church stairs enjoying tamales served to us out of coolers doubling as hotboxes.Steamming chicken and beef  tamales with garlic salsa and to finish off a tamale with honey and sundried fruit.The lady next door was selling tostadas with all the trimmings. 

Next leg was a short flight over to Mazatlan to join my girlfriends on a roadtrip south.Saturday nights on the plaza in the centro historico is a great night where local artisans set up shop ,musicians stroll...well its just got a great buzz.At Pedro y Lolas we sipped on fresh lime margaritas and ate pulpo(grilled octopus) with chilis and garlic and corn truffles baked in light crepes oh of course flan to finish off.

It seemed quite clear early on that our mission was to seek out not only really great regional cuisine but great margaritas.

Mornings started with two musts-lala coconut yoghurt and freshly squeezed orange juice.Our first stop via San Blas was the funky surfing paradise of sayulita.We wondered up the hill from the beach and went to the The Sayulita Fish Taco Co  for margs(by the way these were the best I have ever had) and some great tacos.We then meandered to The Sayulita Cafe for Chile Rellenos garnished teh tradiotional way makong a with the Mexican flag using fresh pomegranate seeds,crema and salsa verde.If you ever get the chance this made it to my top ten food experiences.

Next stop Puerto Vallarta where our friend Cassandra Shaw has just set up shop selling her amazing bone jewelry and fantastic art.We grazed on birria a Mexican stew of goat and pozole (Mexican version of chicken soup) with hominy garnished with radish ,cilantro and avocado.

Next stop ,one of those last yet to be discovered gems of the Costalegre -Tenacitita.Crystal blue waters,fine sand beaches and gentle waves made for great for bodysurfing.Lunch at the Oceanside palapa restaurant Cato started with fresh coconuts followed by margs,marlin tacos,ceviche and filet de pescado. We finished off the afternoon with some great snorkeling and games of scrabble. 

Our journey ended in Barra de Navidad where we dined on Tortas(the Mexican panini) with carne asada ,fresh cheese,avocado ,pickled jalapenos and mayo.One last sunset marg ,chips guacamole and salsa  and we parted ways.

 The people of Mexico ,the diversity and freshness of the food never cease to amaze me.Make sure and take a trip to the local market to really experience the cuisine of Mexico.Some of the best food still can be found on the second floor where the comida economica(homestyle food) cafes are. .Remember to step outside the box and always sample something new wherever you travel.

Good Eats and Travels

Chef Claire