More than 40 years of life in Mexico give me an extraordinary perspective on life, cultures, and cuisines in this complex and glorious country.

I speak all but native-level Spanish and am a Mexican citizen. Mexican food, history, native and mestizo cultures, and Mexican esoterica are my passions. Want to know about a custom or a tradition or a festival? Just ask me!

I've eaten in regions of 28 of Mexico's 32 states (including the capital state--Mexico City) and continue to be a serious student of Mexico's cuisines. Need to know about a particular herb or regional dish or seasonal food or meal? Let me know.

I offer specialty guided tours in Mexico City, Oaxaca (the city and the surrounding areas), and the state of Michoacán, including the city of Morelia and its surrounding areas. I offer hands-on food market tours, meals at the homes of traditional Mexican cooks, extraordinary tours to the homes of artists and artisans, and off-the-tourist-track adventures in little known places that you will love. By all means contact me when you're ready for a Mexico you scarcely knew existed. If you're interested in touring with me, email me at patalarga@gmail.com

As you read my website, Mexico Cooks!, (https://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com) you'll discover your own passions about Mexico.