Enjoy pickup from your hotel from your chef-instructor, who takes you to Casa Crespo, a restored colonial home in Oaxaca’s historic district, for your 3.5-hour cooking class. A world-class restaurant, Casa Crespo also boasts a cooking school, and both have received acclaim in Bon Appétit and the New York Times.
While many cooking classes have set dishes planned, this Oaxaca cooking lesson starts off differently. Over a cup of coffee or tea, your small group decides, with the help of your chef, which regional dishes you’d like to make that day. Typical Oaxacan fare you might try include salsa, tacos and rose petal ice cream. Learn to make a main course like mole negro Oaxaqueño (Oaxacan black mole) or caldo de piedra (spicy seafood soup) on the stove, roll up empanadas or grind guacamole with a mortar and pestle.
Once the menu’s decided, set out on foot to the nearby Sánchez Pascuas food market. Your chef picks up the necessary ingredients (included), and shows you a variety of dried and fresh chiles and specialties like grasshopper. Sample local fruits before you leave.
Back in Casa Crespo, start preparing your 4-course meal under the guidance of your instructors, including a sous-chef who explains each step during your hands-on class.
Afterward, settle down at a table and enjoy the lunch you’ve cooked together, accompanied by a beverage such as beer, mescal, water or a soft drink. Enjoy another cup of coffee or tea after lunch, completing your tour with drop-off at your hotel.
