Hey First name / friend,

 

It's that time of year when I pack up the family and make our annual trek to Mexico for the summer. I've just touched down at my husband's family home, and there's no place I'd rather spend my vacation/workcation than right here.

 

A Mexican-inspired newsletter felt like the perfect way to kick off the holiday.

 

Whether you're shaking up margaritas on your terrace or just looking for a solid excuse to call chips, guac, and tequila "dinner," let's bring a little slice of Mexico into your home.

 

👉 Here's what I love most about Mexico: Beyond the obvious warm hospitality and the dreamy coastlines, this country is bursting with culinary traditions that tell the story of its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and wildly distinct regional flavors.

Each bite connects you to centuries of history, local ingredients that vary dramatically from coast to mountain to desert, and cooking techniques passed down through generations of abuelas who knew exactly what they were doing.

 

So today, I'm serving up three flavorful regions of Mexico that you can explore right from your kitchen, complete with easy food + drink pairings, a perfect stay, and a peek at what kind of traveler each region calls to.

 

Ready to take your taste buds on a trip?

📍 The Regional Vibe: Artisanal markets, ancient ruins, and bold, complex flavors, Oaxaca is a dream for travelers who want to soak up culture and sauce. It was even dubbed “undoubtedly one of the best food and drink destinations on the planet” by Travel + Leisure.

 

Dish to Try at Home – Chicken Tinga Tostadas: Shredded chicken in a chipotle-tomato sauce, served on crispy tostadas with crema and avocado. So good, you might find yourself booking a ticket straight to Mexico once your plate is cleared (you make the meal, I'll handle the tickets).

 

Drink Pairing – Mezcal Margarita: The same limey goodness as a classic marg, but with a smoky twist courtesy of mezcal. Or do it like I do and sip it straight from a snifter.

 

Stay: Escondido Oaxaca - A restored colonial mansion turned boutique hotel in the heart of the city, where historic architecture meets contemporary design. Just 12 rooms, a rooftop pool with city views, and a restaurant that creates weekly tasting menus using organic ingredients from local markets. Perfect base for exploring Oaxaca's artisan workshops…you're steps from Santo Domingo and the main plaza.

📍 The Regional Vibe: With crystal-clear waters, soft sandy beaches, and lush jungle surroundings, the Riviera Maya is made for unwinding. It’s ideal for honeymooners, sun-seekers, or anyone who wants their biggest daily decision to be “pool or beach?”

 

Dish to Try at Home – Shrimp Ceviche: Fresh, light, and citrusy. Marinate shrimp in lime juice with diced tomato, red onion, cilantro, and a little jalapeño for kick. Serve with tortilla chips and pretend (the best that you can) your kitchen is an oceanfront villa.

 

Drink Pairing – Classic Paloma: Grapefruit soda, lime juice, and tequila over ice with a salty rim. Effortless and endlessly refreshing, even if it's being sipped in the suburbs.

 

Stay: Hotel Esencia - Once an Italian duchess's private retreat, now a 50-acre beachfront escape with 51 rooms scattered through jungle paths. Pristine Xpu-Ha beach where sea turtles nest, days spent in swimwear, lagoon SUP adventures, and a speakeasy by night. One of my top Mexican recommendations.

📍 The Regional Vibe: Mexico City is a vibrant blend of street food, historic architecture, cutting-edge art, and leafy parks. It's made for the curious traveler, the one who wants to explore by foot, taste everything in sight, and soak up a little bit of everything.

 

Dish to Try at Home – Chilaquiles Verde: Crispy tortilla chips simmered in salsa verde, topped with a fried egg, crema, cheese, and maybe a little avocado on top.

 

Drink Pairing – Michelada: A zesty mix of beer, lime juice, hot sauce, and spices. It's like a Bloody Mary's chill Mexican cousin and perfect for brunch or anytime you need a savory sip.

 

Stay: La Valise - A cutie and client favorite, La Valise in Roma Norte housed in a 1920s French townhouse. Just eight uniquely designed suites (each occupying its own floor), Mexican antiques, and one-of-a-kind art pieces. The Polaris Suite's bed rolls onto a private terrace for sleeping under the stars. Mexico City magic.

Whether you're recreating a favorite dish from a past trip or dreaming of where to go next, there's always a way to bring a little travel magic into everyday life. And when you're ready to take the flavors off your plate and into real life, I'd love to help plan a trip that fits your travel style—whether that's truffle hunting in Tuscany, spice markets in Marrakech, or yes, mezcal tastings in Oaxaca.

 

Just hit reply and tell me what's got your taste buds wandering! ✈️

 

P.S. Forgive me for any typos in this one…writing during siesta time, post-comida, in 100ºF heat with my head bobbing. ¡Salud!