How Mexico Changed the Way I Think about Food

In early 2020, I traveled through Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, and Mazatlán. I returned home with great memories, a camera roll full of photos, and a completely different perspective on food. One of my favorite memories was a day trip to Quimixto, where we rode horses through the mountains to a waterfall tucked deep in the jungle. Nearby, a small outdoor café served traditional Mexican dishes surrounded by the sounds of rushing water and tropical birds. It wasn't a luxury experience. It was simple, beautiful, and unforgettable.

Further south, I spent a day at Playa Pizota, a remote beach where lunch was cooked over an open flame with the ocean as our backdrop. The food wasn't complicated, but it reflected a deep connection to place.

A few days later in Mazatlán, I joined a beachside cooking class where we learned to make fire-roasted salsas, pico de gallo, and guacamole. What stayed with me wasn't just the food itself, but the pride, generosity, and traditions behind it.

The entire trip sparked a curiosity that has stayed with me ever since. It changed the way I think about ingredients, culture, and the stories food can tell. Years later, I still find inspiration in those experiences and the reminder that some of the most memorable meals have very little to do with luxury and everything to do with place, people, and perspective.