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SLOW FOOD YUCATAN CULINARY ADVENTURE The international Slow Food movement started in Italy over 20 years ago as an initiative to enhance the enjoyment of food, while at the same time supporting local farming and artisanal production. In the Mérida tasting adventure, we will visit small producers of everything from rum and spirits, to herbs, honey and chicharrón (fried pig skin). And in the Valladolid adventure, we will explore smoked meats and sausages, as well as learn how to make the Maya version of marzipan, which employs squash seeds instead of almonds. This all-inclusive package also features visits to an organic bakery and a Belgian chocolatier where only native organic Criollo chocolate is employed. In addition, you will experience a Yucatecan classic: the delectable pork known as cochinita pibil that is slow-roasted overnight in underground pits. And in the Los Dos kitchen, we will work with organic produce and other locally grown foods from nearby farms to create regional recipes that preserve the rich Maya culinary heritage. A percentage of your class fee goes toward supporting local Slow Food projects.
ITINERARY
Day 0 Arrive Mérida International Airport; transfer airport/hotel Day 1 Continental breakfast at hotel. Transfer hotel/Los Dos
Day 2 Continental breakfast at hotel
But don’t eat too much, because you will soon be met by Chef Sterling, who will guide you to the best family-run food stalls of Mérida for a sampling of “real people’s food.” Lunch will follow at a local cocina económica. Afterward, a tour of this magnificent colonial city will help you get your bearings. Stroll around Plaza Principal; tour the Cathedral – the oldest in the continental Americas. At cocktail hour, we will travel to the romantic Hacienda Xcanatún, once a sisal plantation, now a luxurious resort, spa and restaurant. There, as we enjoy their signature “Lima Margarita”, the chef will present to us several regional ingredients, and describe how he has introduced a French twist to update Yucatecan classics. The presentation will segue into dinner; return to hotel.Day 3 Continental breakfast at hotel; pick-up hotel lobby
Today we’ll explore several interesting places in Mérida where artisanal production is the rule. The itinerary varies according to season and availability, but likely venues include a distillery that produces the famous Yucatecan honey/anise liqueur Xtabentun as well as a variety of incredible rums; an organic bakery; and a chocolatier where only the finest regional organic chocolate is employed in producing tempting bonbons and the traditional Maya chocolate beverage. Evening dinner at local restaurant.Day 4 Continental breakfast at hotel; transfer to Los Dos
Day 5 Continental breakfast at hotel; pick-up hotel lobby
Los Dos staff will accompany you on a romantic and exotic excursion into the heart of Maya Yucatán. An English-speaking guide will drive us to the charming colonial town of Valladolid, well known for fine smoked meats and sausages. We’ll have the chance to see how they are made and of course to sample them. And local families will instruct us in the delicate art of making the Maya version of marzipan. Lunch at Mesón del Marqués, featuring the finest in regional specialties. Next we will proceed to Chichén Itzá – certainly the most impressive of the Maya archaeological zones and recently named one of the seven new wonders of the world. After your tour, you will dine at the privately owned and romantic Hacienda Chichén.Day 6 ¡Adios! Transfer to Mérida airport for departure
PRICE INCLUDES Six nights' accommodation based on double occupancy; continental breakfast each morning of your stay; two additional meals a day; wine/beer service during the main meal at Los Dos; one alcoholic beverage at all other meals; workbook including all recipes we prepare in class; complimentary Los Dos apron; all transfers, excursions and entry fees; all taxes and tips except as noted. PRICE EXCLUDES Air fare between departure point and Mexico; service tips at hotel; service tips at evening meals. NOTES: Rates based on two-person minimum, double occupancy. Single supplements available. Available as a Standard Package or as a Luxury Package. The Luxury Package features the same itinerary as the Standard Package but includes an accommodation upgrade. Package subject to minimum enrollments. Prices are subject to change in January of each year when new tariffs are posted by third party service providers. Specific itinerary details are subject to change according to third party service providers. All terms subject to standard POLICIES which will be forwarded at the time of your booking. All prices in U.S. dollars. All classes at Los Dos must be reserved at least 48 hours in advance. Contact us
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But don’t eat too much, because you will soon be met by Chef Sterling, who will guide you to the best family-run food stalls of Mérida for a sampling of “real people’s food.” Lunch will follow at a local cocina económica. Afterward, a tour of this magnificent colonial city will help you get your bearings. Stroll around Plaza Principal; tour the Cathedral – the oldest in the continental Americas. At cocktail hour, we will travel to the romantic Hacienda Xcanatún, once a sisal plantation, now a luxurious resort, spa and restaurant. There, as we enjoy their signature “Lima Margarita”, the chef will present to us several regional ingredients, and describe how he has introduced a French twist to update Yucatecan classics. The presentation will segue into dinner; return to hotel.
Today we’ll explore several interesting places in Mérida where artisanal production is the rule. The itinerary varies according to season and availability, but likely venues include a distillery that produces the famous Yucatecan honey/anise liqueur Xtabentun as well as a variety of incredible rums; an organic bakery; and a chocolatier where only the finest regional organic chocolate is employed in producing tempting bonbons and the traditional Maya chocolate beverage. Evening dinner at local restaurant.
Los Dos staff will accompany you on a romantic and exotic excursion into the heart of Maya Yucatán. An English-speaking guide will drive us to the charming colonial town of Valladolid, well known for fine smoked meats and sausages. We’ll have the chance to see how they are made and of course to sample them. And local families will instruct us in the delicate art of making the Maya version of marzipan. Lunch at Mesón del Marqués, featuring the finest in regional specialties. Next we will proceed to Chichén Itzá – certainly the most impressive of the Maya archaeological zones and recently named one of the seven new wonders of the world. After your tour, you will dine at the privately owned and romantic Hacienda Chichén.