Ep 7. Izamal -- Gold & God

Pati's Mexican Table is a cooking show that explores the vibrant and diverse world of Mexican cuisine. Host Pati Jinich travels all over Mexico, visiting different regions and meeting locals to learn about their food, culture, and traditions. In season 5 episode 7, titled Izamal -- Gold & God, Pati visits the charming town of Izamal, located on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Izamal is known as the "Yellow City" because of its brightly colored buildings, many of which are painted with a shade of yellow called "Izamal yellow." The town is also home to several important religious sites, including the Convent of San Antonio de Padua, which was built on top of a pre-Hispanic pyramid.

In this episode, Pati is joined by a local guide named Maria Elena Martínez to explore all that Izamal has to offer. They start their day at the market, where they shop for ingredients to make a traditional Yucatecan breakfast: huevos motuleños, a dish of fried tortillas topped with black beans, eggs, and a tomato-based sauce.

Next, Pati and Maria Elena head to a jewelry store to learn about the town's gold industry. Izamal has a long history of goldsmithing, dating back to pre-Columbian times, and many of the shops in town sell beautiful handmade pieces. The women meet with a jeweler who shows them how he creates intricate designs using traditional techniques.

After admiring all the shiny objects, Pati and Maria Elena visit the Convent of San Antonio de Padua, one of the most important religious sites in Izamal. The convent was built by the Franciscan order in the 16th century, and it contains a wealth of art and history. Pati is particularly interested in the architecture, which combines pre-Hispanic and colonial styles in a unique way.

For lunch, Pati and Maria Elena visit a local restaurant called Kinich, which serves Yucatecan cuisine with a modern twist. They try several dishes, including tikin xic, a grilled fish dish marinated in achiote paste, and cochinita pibil, a classic Yucatecan dish of slow-roasted pork.

After lunch, Pati and Maria Elena head to a local honey farm to learn about the region's beekeeping industry. Yucatecan honey is highly prized for its unique flavor and medicinal properties, and the women get to taste several varieties straight from the comb.

Finally, Pati and Maria Elena return to the convent for a special nighttime ceremony that involves the lighting of hundreds of candles. The ceremony is a beautiful tribute to the town's religious heritage and a fitting end to an action-packed day.

Overall, Izamal -- Gold & God is a fascinating exploration of a town that is steeped in both history and culture. Pati's enthusiasm and curiosity make her the perfect guide, and viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for all that Izamal has to offer.