Chef's Travels

Category Archives: Chef’s Travels

A Menu Made of Adventure

There are many different ways the Topolobampo creative team find inspiration for their next offering. And with six tasting menus planned out for the calendar year (amidst other special events), it is absolutely paramount that the team constantly explore, question, and, ultimately, discover new sources of inspiration to build each culinary story.  To capture their … Continue reading A Menu Made of Adventure

My Latest Trip to Baja

Having just returned from a research trip to northern Baja after having been away for a couple of years, I am amazed at what has happened. Tijuana continues to evolve as a major place for great dining (if your image of Tijuana is still that ’80s hideousness that pandered to ugly American tourists, you won’t … Continue reading My Latest Trip to Baja

A Photo Album From Our Staff Trip in the Yucatán

When we depart for Frontera's annual staff trip to Mexico , we know we're in for a whirlwind of food and culture. We always return to Chicago full of energy, and our chefs at Frontera Grill, Topolobampo and XOCO create insanely great menus inspired by our annual destination. This year, we traveled to the Yucatán Peninsula, … Continue reading A Photo Album From Our Staff Trip in the Yucatán

My Very Idiosyncratic Guide to Some Near-Downtown Mexico City Food-Lovers’ Favorites

Tepito (Sunday Morning only) One of my favorite places, but one I recommend to folks who are adventurers and who are looking for a glimpse into Mexico City’s past. Lots of antiques, relics and paraphernalia.  Adjacent to a large, working class Sunday market with clothing, cds, household goods, etc. Have the taxi driver take you … Continue reading My Very Idiosyncratic Guide to Some Near-Downtown Mexico City Food-Lovers’ Favorites

Chef’s Travelogue: A Tour of the Market in San Cristóbal de las Casas

Topolobampo culinary director Andres Padilla, Chef Rick Bayless and Deann Bayless recently returned from a trip to the Mexican state of Chiapas, the country’s southernmost state that will serve as inspiration for Toplobampo’s next menu. Here, Padilla shares his experience visiting San Cristóbal’s city market, with its hog butchers, pastry vendors and some of the … Continue reading Chef’s Travelogue: A Tour of the Market in San Cristóbal de las Casas