I read this blog post below and then the first thing I did was ask Pilar if I could take a cooking class with her when I get to Oaxaca in early March. I am waiting to hear and keeping my fingers crossed. Anyone want to go with me?
Pilar just completed teaching a series of cooking classes in Stratford, Ontario, Canada. These photos of the dishes she created are extraordinary.
Pilar stands among the leading culinary figures of Oaxaca, Mexico where Mole (moh-lay) is king. Her command center is the kitchen and dining room at La Olla Restaurant, adjacent to Casa Las Bugambilias B&B, on Av. Reforma between Av. Constitucion and Av. Abasolo just around the corner from the Ethnobotanical Gardens and Santo Domingo Church.
Her food is innovation yet traditional. I love the torta vegetariana on pan integral, a beautiful whole wheat bun that is flavorful and healthy, stuffed with quesillo, avocado, and sprouts. Her squash blossom soup is among the best I have ever tasted, smooth, rich and creamy, a blossom floating on the surface like the elegant, edible flower that it is. My pet peeve is lukewarm soup. I can always rely on a hot, steaming bowl of liquid to arrive at my table at La Olla.
Now, I am eagerly awaiting Pilar’s reply for the possibility of my participating in her cooking class. Stay tuned!
