The Real Traditional Oaxaca Cooking class

This experience was the highlight of our week-long trip in and around Oaxaca. I’ve been to Oaxaca twice before and cannot recall a more enjoyable day here. My wife, my son (11), and I had a fabulous time. The entire staff is warm and welcoming and the grounds where one spends the day is an oasis. Miguel, the chef/owner, is extremely knowledgable, friendly, and funny. He is a classically trained chef whose goal is to teach his customers about real Oaxacan food (not the interesting but less-than-authentic foods in the restaurants catering to tourists). He does so in a very relaxed atmosphere where there are no set rules and there are no mistakes—just experiments. He discusses the pre-colonial foods and how they changed and morphed with time and Europeans. Then you cook traditional foods over open, wood-fired ovens/stoves. There is plenty of water for hot days as well as a giant supply of beer (gratis) and even mezcal for the more daring. We especially liked being able to play with Miguel’s three super-friendly (and mellow) dogs. The whole thing is worth the price because one won’t forget the experience. And what one learns can be translated into experiments back home.