Safety, Violence and Drug Wars in Oaxaca

For the latest on safety, violence and drug wars in Oaxaca, go to this link before changing your vacation plans, one way or the other:

http://mexican-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/drugs-violence-and-safety-in-oaxaca-mexico

Alvin Starkman - Casa Machaya Oaxaca Bed & Breakfast

Two Recipes for Mole Verde from Oaxaca, Very Different

Follow these two links for very different recipes for mole verde from Oaxaca. One is the traditional recipe using pork, with preparation and presentation just as found when prepared by the older generation of Oaxacan matriarchs. The other Oaxacan green mole recipe is much more contemporary, with distinctly different ingredients, preparation and presentation, with attention paid for the benefit of the health conscious. Note the commentaries as well:

http://dinner-recipes.suite101.com/article.cfm/modern-recipe-for-mole-verde-from-oaxaca

http://mexican-food.suite101.com/article.cfm/traditional_mole_verde_in_oaxaca_recipe_more

Alvin Starkman - Casa Machaya Oaxaca Bed & Breakfast

Mezcal in Oaxaca as a Green, Environmentally Friendly Industry

While at least one large corporation has recently been criticized for its methods and practices involved in the production of mezcal in Oaxaca, there's another side to the industry, involving producers who still manage small-scale production using a green, environmentally friendly and sustainable living model:

http://latin-american-culinary-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/mezcal-in-oaxaca--green-and-sustainable-living

Alvin Starkman - Casa Machaya Oaxaca Bed & Breakfast

The Greening of Oaxaca: Environment v. Survival

Go to the following link for a new article about Oaxaca regarding emissions control for vehicles, green programs, and the reality of each:

http://mexican-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/greening-of-oaxaca-the--environment-v-survival

Alvin Starkman - Casa Machaya Oaxaca Bed & Breakfast

Culinary and Graphic Arts Merge at Oaxaca Restaurant

Philanthropic Oaxacan artist Enrique Flores has partnered with chef Pilar Cabrera for an exhibition of Flores' art at Chef Pilar's downtown Oaxaca restaurant, La Olla:

http://mexican-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/culinary-and-graphic-arts-merge-in-oaxaca-diner

Chefs Tour of Oaxaca Scheduled for May, 2010

A Chefs Tour of Oaxaca has been scheduled for May, 2010, to includes visits to a few of the key sights in and around Oaxaca, but with emphasis on Oaxaca's great chefs and culinary traditions. The tour is designed for chefs, butchers and ardent food aficionados, and includes:

• classes with renowned Oaxacan chefs
• instruction on the use of natural dyes for plate presentation
• knifemaking for the chefs' kitchens
• dinners ranging from the best restaurants Oaxaca has to offer as presented by internationally acclaimed chefs, to meals prepared in rural homesteads, by the people for the people - not generally accessible by "regular" travelers to the city.

For further details, go to this link:

http://www.sizzlingcommunications.com/documents/ChefTourItineraryFINAL.pdf

Alvin Starkman - Casa Machaya Oaxaca Bed & Breakfast

Classic Recipe for Mole Negro Tamales from Oaxaca Available

Oaxacan chef Pilar Cabrera Arroyo's recipe for tamales de mole negro can now be downloaded from this site:

http://mexican-food.suite101.com/article.cfm/mole-negro-tamales---recipe-from-oaxaca

Alvin Starkman - Casa Machaya Oaxaca Bed & Breakfast