Chihuahua Querida: Press Party at Casa Mezcal

Hi foodies! Yesterday was the press party for Chihuahua Querida. This whole week Zarela Martinez is educating people on the beautiful culture of Chihuahua, Mexico. This week is also being sponsored by The Mexican Cultural Institute of New York, the Mexico Tourism Board, and Food is Art. At the bottom of this post the schedule of events are included.

The press party to kick off Chihuahua Querida was hosted by the Mexico Tourism Board. Zarela did a presentation of her life in Chihuahua entitled, "How I Learned to Cook, Break Horses and Cut Cattle.” She showed some wonderful photos of her childhood that captured the raw wonders of Chihuahua. Zarela's message is to get the word out that Chihuahua is not only beautiful, but also safe.

During Zarela's presentation she spoke about how she would complain to her mother about her name. Her mothers reply was that Zarela was unique and will look great in shining lights. Zarela said that somehow she must have known something about what Zarela has become today. This touching moment truley shows the deep connection Zarela has toward the food she makes and the family she comes from.

As a side note, RAEchel Running, is a freelance photographer, who showed a presentation of some amazing pictures of Chihuahua, brought the essence of this beautiful state to everyone. RAEchel told how she is constantly traveling around Mexico, alone, and never has run into danger, nor has she felt unsafe. In addition, performance artist Narciso Martinez as Pancho Villa was in character and taking pictures with the crowd.

Narciso Martinez and Zarela Martinez

The food was prepared by Julian Medina of Toloache, who is a good friend of Zarela. He served some delicious appetizers including a Pork and Corn Empanadas, Burritos with Brussels Sprouts and Poblano Rajas, Chorizo Sopes, and Carne Asada Tacos.

The Pork and Corn Empanada was a flavorful small bite.

The Burrito with Brussels Sprouts, Poblano Rajas and an Avocado Sauce was fresh and vibrant.

The Chorizo Sopes were amazing. The smokey chorizo went great with the creamy queso fresco.

The Carne Asada Tacos were in a scrumptious marinade and were wrapped in a delicate and tasty corn tortilla.

Chihuahua is rich in food and culture and Zarela Martinez is the right person to get the message out there. Here are the upcoming events:

Sunday June 3rd, 2012 - starts at 12pm - Zarela will be teaching a class on how to use and prepare a pig from head to feet at  Jimmy’s 43. She will teach how to make chorizo, carnitas, carne adobada, tamales, manteca, pickled pig feet and cueritos. A reservation is required. The price of the class is $65.00 plus tax and must be paid through Paypal or by calling 212-644-1646. A light lunch and a beverage is included.

Monday June 4th, 2012 - 6pm to 9pm -At Casa Mezcal, the Mexico Tourism Board hosts an invite-only press kick-off event with food by Julian Medina of Toloache. Zarela will give a presentation on “How I Learned to Cook, Break Horses and Cut Cattle,” featuring photographs of her life on the ranch and stories from her culinary autobiography, “Food from my Heart,” which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Invite only.

Tuesday June 5th, 2012 - 6pm to 8pm - In celebration of Pancho Villa’s 132nd birthday there will be performance artist Narciso Martinez as Pancho Villa along with photographer Raechel Running will also give a presentation of her magnificent photographs of Chihuahua at Casa Mezcal. Appetizers and drinks will be served for a price of admission of $25.

Wednesday June 6, 2012 - 6pm to 9pm - At Casa Mezcal with owner Ignacio Carballido, there will be a comparison of mezcal and sotol, a native Chihuahua spirit made from the Dasylirion wheeleri plant. The food will be prepared by Cafe Frida.

Thursday June 7, 2012 - 11am to 3pm - A full lineup of Chihuahua food and presentations at Centrico Restaurant. Anthropologist Elsa Rodriguez Garcia will speak about the ruins of Paquime and other important Chihuahua discoveries. Zarela’s son Aaron Sanchez of TV’s “Chopped” fame will be serving authentic Chihuahua chuck wagon-style food and agua fresca (a non-alcoholic hibiscus flower drink). Ron Bridgemon will discuss tourism in Chihuahua. Conservationist Carmela Wallace will introduce master pottery maker Diego Valles. And Dave Hensleigh will speak about the famed Raramuri runners and the Copper Canyon.The presentations and food  are free, but reservations must be made through Danielle Kim at Danielle@jigsawmgt.com or 571-334-6058.

Friday June 8, 2012 - 10am to 4pm - Diego Valles, master potter of Mata Ortiz, will be giving an all-day class. He will speak about his technique and his art will be on display at Greenwich Pottery House.

Saturday June 9, 2012 - 11am to 2pm - Zarela Martinez will teach all her favorite recipes she learned from her mother, including albondigas, carne con chile colorado, flour tortillas, frijoles charros and calabacitas at Suenos.

I truly have fell in love with Chihuahua and look forward to these events coming up! For more pictures of the press party at Casa Mezcal go to the Foodie Finders NYC Facebook page.

-Mike