Oaxaca, where to start? I’ve heard many things about the state and while I’ve been to the coast before, I’ve never been to the capital. It has probably become one of my favorite cities in the country, seriously.
We flew into the capital and we couldn’t have chosen a better destination to spend Independence Day (specially this one!). The city is literally, magic. It’s the perfect reflection of Mexican culture and the perfect balance between Mexican fusion cuisine (and God, do I enjoy food!). The vibe in the city is unique. I’m a big fan of “pueblos mágicos”, but Oaxaca is the perfect balance between. The cuisine is exquisite, we eat at Criollo, a Mexican command of chef Luis Arellano, a chef with a spirit both attached to his roots and creative and evolutionary.
Enrique Olvera of Pujol fame has teamed up with fellow chef Luis Arellano and architect Javier Sánchez to bring his brand of cookery genius to the food city of Oaxaca. The focus at Criollo – open since mid-2016 – is on local and seasonal ingredients to create authentic Oaxaqueña cuisine. The seven-course tasting menu changes daily but always includes snacks, a salad, catch of the day and desserts. Located within a stylish, bohemian UNESCO heritage house, guests enter the courtyard dining room via the kitchen as tortillas are freshly prepared on one of four wood-burning ovens. Comfort food classics include tamale filled with Oaxacan cheese and homemade mole.
A couple of days after, we drove from Oaxaca to Zipolite. A long drive, but the views were breathtaking.
Unapologetic Thoughts 