Flavors of Oaxaca: Cooking Class With No Set Menu and Local Market Tour

Oaxaca’s vibrant culinary culture comes alive in the "Flavors of Oaxaca" cooking class. Participants embark on a guided market tour, learning about traditional produce and spices. The hands-on session with Chef Oscar promotes collaboration and personalized instruction, allowing participants to select and prepare authentic dishes. The class culminates in a shared meal, celebrating the rich flavors and stories behind each carefully crafted dish. For those seeking an immersive culinary experience that goes beyond a set menu, this class offers a unique opportunity to dive into the heart of Oaxacan cuisine.

Key Points

• Immersive 4.5-hour culinary experience in Oaxaca City, hosted at Casa Crespo, with a maximum group size of 15 participants.
• Guided market tour to gather ingredients followed by a hands-on cooking session with no set menu, allowing participants to choose traditional dishes.
• Dietary accommodations available for gluten-free, vegetarian, and pescatarian diets, with complimentary drinks provided during cooking and dining.
• Led by Chef Oscar, known for expertise in Oaxacan cuisine, with a focus on the origins of dishes and various cooking techniques.
• Final shared meal enjoyed together, showcasing the prepared traditional Oaxacan dishes like mole negro, memelas, and tlayudas.

Overview of the Cooking Class

The Flavors of Oaxaca cooking class offers an immersive culinary experience in the heart of Oaxaca City.

Hosted at Casa Crespo, the class takes participants on a 4.5-hour journey through the vibrant flavors of Oaxacan cuisine.

With a maximum group size of 15, the class features a guided tour of a local market, followed by a hands-on cooking session with no set menu.

Participants can select traditional dishes to prepare, learning from the expertise of Chef Oscar.

Dietary accommodations are available, and complimentary drinks are provided during the cooking and dining portions of the experience.

The class culminates in a shared meal, allowing participants to savor the flavors they’ve created.

Experience Highlights

A key highlight of the Flavors of Oaxaca cooking class is the guided market tour, where participants gather ingredients and learn about the various spices, vegetables, and traditional Oaxacan cuisine.

The class also features:

1. A hands-on cooking experience with no set menu, allowing participants to select traditional dishes to prepare.
2. Dietary accommodations for gluten-free, vegetarian, and pescatarian diets.
3. Complimentary drinks available during cooking and dining.
4. A small group setting that promotes personalized attention from the experienced instructor, Chef Oscar.

After the cooking session, participants enjoy the meal they created together, seeing the flavors of Oaxaca.

Class Format and Instruction

Typically, the Flavors of Oaxaca cooking class is led by Chef Oscar, renowned for his extensive knowledge of Oaxacan cuisine and engaging teaching style. The small group setting promotes personalized attention, allowing participants to learn about the origins of each dish and various cooking techniques. During the hands-on experience, guests select traditional dishes to prepare, gaining insights into the diversity of Oaxacan cuisine.

Learning Environment	Cooking Techniques	Final Meal
Small group setting	Origins of each dish	Enjoy the meal created during the class
Personalized attention	Various cooking techniques	With fellow participants

At the end of the class, participants savor the delicious dishes they’ve crafted, further seeing the vibrant flavors of Oaxaca.

Participant Feedback

According to many reviews, participants often highlight the informative market tour, delicious food, and friendly atmosphere of the Flavors of Oaxaca cooking class.

Participants appreciated the hands-on involvement and the opportunity to learn about Oaxacan cuisine.

However, some feedback indicates that larger groups may lead to less individual cooking time.

A few participants noted that:

1. Portions served were small.
2. Recipe follow-ups were inconsistent.
3. The non-refundable cancellation policy was a concern.
4. The class not being wheelchair accessible was a limitation for some participants.

Important Information

The Flavors of Oaxaca cooking class has several important details participants should be aware of. First, the class is not wheelchair accessible, but it is stroller accessible and allows service animals. Plus, the class has a non-refundable cancellation policy, meaning no refunds are provided for cancellations. The meeting point for the class is Casa Crespo, located at Reforma 808 in the Centro district of Oaxaca de Juárez.

Accessibility	Cancellation Policy	Meeting Point
Not wheelchair accessible	Non-refundable	Casa Crespo, Reforma 808, Centro, Oaxaca de Juárez
Stroller accessible	No refunds for cancellations
Service animals allowed

The Local Market Tour

Participants begin the Flavors of Oaxaca cooking class with a visit to a local market, where they gather ingredients for the hands-on cooking portion of the experience.

The market tour provides an immersive introduction to Oaxacan cuisine, as Chef Oscar guides the group through the vibrant stalls. Key highlights include:

1. Exploring a diverse array of regional produce, including exotic fruits, vegetables, and spices.
2. Learning about the cultural significance and culinary applications of traditional ingredients.
3. Interacting with local vendors to select the freshest items for the day’s menu.
4. Gaining insider knowledge on where to find the best quality ingredients for authentic Oaxacan dishes.

This market visit sets the stage for a truly authentic cooking experience.

The Hands-on Cooking Class

After the insightful market tour, participants dive into the hands-on cooking class at Casa Crespo.

Led by the knowledgeable Chef Oscar, the small group learns about the origins and techniques of traditional Oaxacan dishes. Participants select the dishes they’ll prepare, working together to bring the flavors to life.

The instructor provides personalized guidance, ensuring everyone develops essential cooking skills. As the class progresses, the enticing aromas fill the air, whetting the appetite.

The Final Meal

With the cooking complete, the group gathers around the table to savor the fruits of their labor. The participants sit down to enjoy the traditional Oaxacan dishes they’ve prepared, each plate a vibrant display of color and aroma.

The meal includes:

1. Mole negro, a rich and complex sauce made with chili peppers, spices, and chocolate, drizzled over tender chicken.
2. Memelas, small corn cakes topped with refried beans, salsa, and queso fresco.
3. Tlayudas, a crispy, oversized tortilla layered with black beans, lettuce, tomato, and queso oaxaqueño.
4. Seasonal fresh juices, like jamaica or tamarind, to complement the flavors.

As they dine, the group shares stories and insights, savoring not just the food, but the entire Oaxacan culinary experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Receive a Recipe Book After the Class?

According to the information provided, it doesn’t seem that participants receive a recipe book after the class. The class is focused on the hands-on cooking experience, market tour, and enjoying the meal created during the session.

What Are the Parking Options Near the Class Location?

The class location, Casa Crespo, doesn’t have its own parking lot. However, there are several public parking options nearby, including street parking and a few paid parking lots within a short walking distance of the venue.

Is There Any Flexibility in the Start Time of the Class?

The class start time is fixed at 10:00 am. The description doesn’t mention any flexibility in the schedule. Participants should plan to arrive at the meeting point, Casa Crespo, on time for the start of the 4.5-hour experience.

Do Participants Get to Take Home the Food They Prepare?

Participants don’t take the food they prepare home. The class is focused on the hands-on cooking experience and enjoying the meal together during the class. Any leftovers are typically consumed by the group.

Are There Any Payment Plan Options Available for the Class?

The class website doesn’t mention any payment plan options. It only states the single price of $76.93 per person. Participants must pay the full amount upfront to secure their spot in the class.

The Sum Up

The "Flavors of Oaxaca" cooking class offers a unique and immersive culinary experience. Participants embark on a guided market tour, select fresh local ingredients, and collaborate with the chef to prepare authentic dishes. The hands-on session promotes personalized instruction, allowing participants to create their own culinary masterpieces. The class culminates in a shared meal, celebrating Oaxaca’s vibrant food culture.