Flavors of the Sun

Sabores San Miguel

Festival Gastronómico

2015

Flavors of San Miguel--a Brief Glimpse of an  International Food Festival

by Victoria Challancin

San Miguel de Allende has it all:  Old World charm and modern conveniences, rich history with a thoroughly modern overlay, lively markets and modern super stores, taco stands and food stalls--and now international culinary events.  Yep, we have it all. 

To call this event a mere Food Festival sells it short.  Truly, it is an international gastronomical happening, with chefs flying in from as far away as London to showcase their skills at a star-studded evening of culinary magic.  And for those not lucky enough to participate in this evening of gustatory pleasure, there are one evening and two days of special activities in the local Juarez Park, which include live music, tastings (tequila, wine, mezcal, olive oil, cheeses, and so much more), demonstrations, and activities for kids.  Entry to the park events is free and the cost of the food is 25 pesos (approximately US$1.60) per item.

So much has been written about this event, that I won't bother adding to that, but I will try to give you a small glimpse of some of what the opening evening in the park had to offer.  

To read more and see more photos, visit Sabores San Miguel's Facebook page.

Glenn Griffin also wrote about the visiting international star chefs here.

And Susan York of CupcakesandCrablegs also wrote about the event here.

A Food Festival in the Park

What could be found under the beautiful draped tent in the park?

Purely Mexican Offerings...como no

 Chiles (Jalapeñons) Toreados

 A Taco Stand Menu

 Artesanal Mezcal Infusions

   A Cold Meat Salad called Salpicón  (see my recipe here)

 Taco Toppers

 A Quintessential Salsa Verde, made with tomatillos and serrano chiles

 Another salsa

Tortas (Sandwiches) and Tostadas (Crispy Tortillas)

Chocolate:  One of Mexico's gifts to the world--a cacao bean, cocoa nibs, and raw chocolate with local honey

My Very Own Guava Margarita

Something for the Health Conscious...

 A Sugarless Sweet Potato Brownie

Quinoa Salad with Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus drink)

 Libations...oh, many (and I haven't covered the beers--the glorious Mexican beers)

 Homemade, smoky Mezcal--the indigenous Zapotec people who make these only name them by the Nahuatl word of the plant it contains

Wine

A variety of cocktails...

Specialty margaritas, including this one made with fresh guavas

Meats...Mexico is a meat-loving country indeed

 Argentine-style grilled sausages

 Ribs, barbecue, and micheladas (the local name is chela)--see my recipe here

 Suckling Pig Hamburger --with grilled sweet potato

My own suckling pig hamburger, or slider, with a guava margarita

Could I pass up a Los Angeles-Style In n' Out Burger?  I think not!

Some International Fare...

 Locally-made prosciutto

 Cheeses from the divine Luna de Queso (yes, if this company goes public, I will buy stock)

Spanish tapas

Rice with squid ink and aioli on toasted bread

And Sweets...of course... lovely sweets

Lovely chocolates...

Chocolates with edible Frida Kahlos

And banana muffins with Diego Rivero, lest he be left out...

Hibiscus gelatin with cream cheese...

A large cream puff with strawberries and whipped cream (yes, I had one of these)

A lavender-scented dessert concoction...and yes, I took one of these home with me

 Parting Shot:  A Quirky Countertop

Victoria Challancin

Flavors of the Sun International Cooking School and Travel

San Miguel de Allende, México

©Victoria Challancin.   All Rights Reserved.