Tasting at Dona Urraca

Even before the shoot for Aaron’s new program with Aquiles was scheduled two of my sisters, Marina and Clarissa, and I had agreed to meet in Querétaro . I had asked Olivia Alegria to please help arrange a “a muestra gastronómica,” a tasting of local foods prepared by talented chef Carlos Arroyo. at the luxurious spa/hotel Doña Urraca. When the producers heard about our plan, they decided to shoot the family reunion. The new show (see family reunion is based on family relationships and events and each show has a “mision social” meaning that they try to something good for the community. They’ve been all over Mexico and some border towns and I’m sure the show will be fabulous.

Olivia and the chef decided on the menu and it was beautifully plated and quite good though all were not the traditional preparations I had hoped for. I have a problem with nueva cocina in general because the dishes are deconstructed and do not cook in the sauces but that is the trend in fancy restaurants and people eat with their eyes and many food critics and diners look down on homey presentations. Believe me I know! That’s not to say that there was anything wrong with the food but, having made the traditional recipe for chick peas, I know that there is a world of difference of flavor when the chick peas cook in the sauce that when simply put on top of it which has a more appealing look.

We stupidly did not take photographs of the tacos de nata which were not only traditional but delicious and pretty to look at. But not to worry. I’ve already developed the recipe and will be making them at my next dinner party and I’ll have both the recipe and the photo for you. They were exquisite. I make the Ensalada de Corpus Christi and use blueberries instead of capulines (wild blueberries) and it is very popular (see recipe)

Still the meal was a tremendous success and was perfect for television and that was the whole point.