A Mexican Expedition: Cook in the Yucatan

My wife and I, as did our two daughters and their husbands....could not have enjoyed the Hacienda any more that we did. The rooms are very spacious and comfortable, with a large bathroom and a spacious and comfortable patio equipped with an outdoor Jacuzzi...the grounds are beautiful, all full of tropical flowers and plants. David accompanied and we thoroughly enjoyed his company. The cooking classes at Los Dos were very well handled and the. The beautifulcourtyard and “dipping” pool at his house adds a special touch. The booklet David provided us in connection with the cooking was so well organized with the menus and the recipes, which you would expect,but it also had useful information on Yucatecan ingredients, terminology and more. Our driver/tour guide for our day-time tours and for the evening trips to the restaurants was very knowledgeable, polite and friendly. He had a great enthusiasm for Yucatan and its history and people, and it showed in his presentations to us. He really opened our eyes to the land and its uniqueness. All in all, a great trip. This one was more or less to mark the milestone of my wife’s 60th. She really cherished the experience, both from the viewpoint of the activities and exploration, but especially, for the chance to share these experiences with our daughters and their husbands. Finally, thanks to you, Robyn, for all your arrangements of details. As they say, sometimes it’s in the details where the devil resides, but none of that with this trip. All worked out well. Sincerely, John H. (CA)

Your school goes beyond the idea of the typical holiday in Mexico by offering an experience of the culture first hand through taste and a hands-on activity. Now I'm able to go home and say I traveled to the Yucatán and experienced unique cuisine and also got a chance to cook it for myself mdash; all in a stunning setting in the private old colonial mansion of a cook from New York! What's more, I not only worked hard and learned how to cook a lot of new things, but I also felt pampered by the setting, the service & the ambiance. Gail G., Toronto, Canada

As a mixed French-Italian couple, we believe that culture includes gastronomy mdash; so we had to try to learn about Yucatan cuisine. We all enjoyed this wonderful house restored with such taste and fidelity, the warmth of the welcome and the quality of what we heard and made: not only do you learn about making this delicious cuisine but also you get a personal view from sensitive and intelligent hosts who love México and Yucatán. This was a perfect complementary view of the marvelous sites of this area. Fabien and Marina C., Paris, France

If there was one highlight of our trip to Mexico mdash; and with everything Mexico has to offer, it can be hard to choose mdash; it was attending your school. From my initial inquiries to the final dinner, I was overwhelmed by David's friendly, professional and helpful approach to answering my questions, arranging a menu, and, most important, teaching us how to cook such wonderful food. Thank you, both David and Keith, for an unforgettable trip to Mérida, for your enthusiasm and hospitality, and for making us feel like we were at home. I will not hesitate to sign up for more classes next time we come to Mérida! Blair and Lauren L., Shanghai, China

Just a quick note to say thanks for the fun day we spent cooking, eating and chatting together in Mérida mdash; we really enjoyed it. I think I must be still suffering a bit of jet lag. It's 2 a.m. and yet I'm raring to go! Maybe I should get in the kitchen and rustle up a salsa or three. You'll be pleased to know I recreated Moros y Cristianos this evening, although with peas (I didn't have any black beans), so it was more like Martians and Christians than Moors and Christians. Best wishes to you all and thanks again. Graham and Jozef, Brussels, Belgium

We arrived back in California Thursday evening in one piece, and have been catching up since our return. It was indeed a pleasure meeting you and spending quality time learning about the unique foods and fine cuisine of Yucatan. We learned much from your overview about the differences between Mexican and Yucatan cooking ingredients and methods of food preparation. The markets you took us to, both new and old, were eye-opening and became far less intimidating to us after your knowledgeable introduction. In fact, we were so inspired that we cooked cochinita pibil yesterday, using the Annatto paste we bought from you mdash; and it was quite good! Finally, we commend you on the wonderful job you and Keith have done on your awesome Mérida home. You have given it new life as well as created a very inviting and rich environment for culinary students and guests. Diana and Fred G., CA

Dear Chef David, your cooking course was practical, informative and lots of fun. I really enjoyed the trip to the markets and meeting all your contacts. I wish there had been time for a more extensive course. I give you top billing for your teaching skills, cooking expertise, personal warmth and graciousness. With fond memories, Lis. Lis M., Australia

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our day of cooking and eating. As a person who loves to cook and has participated in other cooking schools in North America, this by far was the most entertaining and knowledgeable day I have experienced. A tour of Mérida's wonderful mercado lead by David was a real highlight. I was then able to go back the next day and purchase with confidence. Even the husband enjoyed the day! David provided a great deal of background on the history and culture of the Yucatán relative to the cuisine. Thank you both, David and Keith! Maureen D., Calgary, Canada

Thank you for a fantastic day spent at Los Dos last week. Michael and I both had a wonderful time hearing about Mayan and Yucatan cooking, and then having the opportunity to make (and eat!) such simple, beautiful and extraordinarily flavorful dishes. In a million years, I never thought I'd get Michael to eat onions pickled with an entire head of charred garlic, not to mention ANYTHING cooked in lard – but the flavors and the presentation were so fantastic, how could one not indulge? Hopefully, the dishes I make back here in San Francisco with the spices we bought at the fabulous Galvez market will come out half as good! Again, a heartfelt Mayan yum botic to both you and Keith. We've already recommended Los Dos to a number of our friends and will continue to do so. Brian P., CA