Chileconmiel

Building out the rows to the huerta that will feed our family this summer. My grandmother gave me a list of seeds she wanted. One of which was flor de chicharo or pea flower.

My uncle and grandfather tilled the soil. Horse manure was mixed in to fertilize. Carmen and Lupe put down seeds in Ama's side garden while Nick put up tomato trellises reinforced with steel wire. My grandfather directed the operation and corrected our methods as per usual.

Spring showers have been good to us so far! 🤞🏽

Natalias Quinceañera

Two lambs were harvested. I arrived a day after so they were already broken down and tucked into giant pots with chiles. Birria and earthy asado de boda were made by Nati's tias who flew in from Valparaíso, Zacatecas to cook.

My grandmother worked the barbacoa which I brought in fresh California bay leaf for. She also made agua de jamaica which I don't recommend schlepping when wearing white pants.

My tia Minga made a gorgeous tiered cake topped with fresh pink roses and baby's breathe. My cousin carmen brought in her dancing horses, one of which was used in the grand entrance. There was live tamborazo and I made about a hundred hot dogs cooked in leftover pork fat with my tia Luz at midnight.

Cooking and learning from Chef Pau of which is an important culinary space created by Chef .levadura

The entire process reminded why I fell in love with cooking. It's in a beautiful setting with a courtyard in which heirloom herbs and ingredients native to Oaxaca are being grown. The produce used is harvested from the chefs family farm not too far from the city.

The experience was a birthday gift to myself and a much needed reminder of how important it is for culinary artists to continue the preservation and evolution of their ancestral practices. A reminder to be involved and in touch with one's heritage and how important it is for strengthening identity and sense of self.

It was inspiring to be in a culinary setting that presented ancestral inspired cuisine with such beauty and pride. Cuisine that was not pretentious and overworked but one that was rich in soul and allowed for the evolution of generational practices.

Thank you .levadura for creating this space and sharing your story and that of Oaxaca. It was an unforgettable experience.

Solo in Oaxaca. Spending an unexpected amount of time in its churches

My relationship with Catholicism was always rocky. I feel more spiritual than religious. I must get this from my grandmother who is very spiritual in her religion. She ends every sentence that involves the promise of her future presence in "si dios quiere" if god is willing. Even if it's just me telling her i'll see her next weekend.

I started wandering into the massive churches whenever I needed to ground myself. Kneeling down and praying to a higher being for the health of my loved ones and clarity to questions that must be answered in these next stages of life, career and purpose.

Solito in Oaxaca ❤️‍🔥

Building pretty things, always

Building pretty things