Ep 1. One Day in Oaxaca

Pati's Mexican Table season 6 episode 1, entitled "One Day in Oaxaca," takes us on a culinary journey through one of Mexico's most celebrated food regions. From markets to kitchens, and from street vendors to high-end restaurants, Pati explores Oaxaca's eclectic and delicious food scene.

The episode begins with Pati at the bustling Benito Juarez market, where she meets local vendors and tries some of their unique and traditional snacks. From roasted grasshoppers to Oaxacan chocolate, Pati experiences the diversity and complexity of Oaxacan cuisine.

Next, Pati visits a family-owned restaurant where she observes how traditional moles are made from scratch. She helps prepare ingredients and gets hands-on experience grinding spices and chilies with the metate, a traditional grinding stone used by indigenous people in the region.

Afterward, Pati heads to a street food market, where she tastes some of the best street food Oaxaca has to offer. She tries tlayudas, a Oaxacan specialty that's often called the "Mexican pizza," and quesadillas stuffed with Oaxaca cheese and huitlacoche, a prized corn fungus that's a delicacy in Mexico.

Pati then heads to a local restaurant that's known for serving innovative takes on traditional Oaxacan dishes. She meets the chef and learns about his culinary philosophy and how he incorporates local ingredients into his dishes. Pati samples some of the restaurant's signature dishes, including grasshopper-infused guacamole and a mole negro that's made with over 30 different ingredients.

Finally, Pati wraps up her day in Oaxaca by visiting a traditional bakery that specializes in pan de yema, a rich and sweet bread that's popular in the region. She watches as the bakers handcraft the loaves, and then gets to taste the final product, which is served fresh out of the oven.

Throughout the episode, Pati highlights how Oaxacan cuisine is deeply rooted in the region's history and culture. She shares stories about local traditions and the people who keep them alive, giving viewers an immersive and authentic look at the food and culture of Oaxaca.

Overall, "One Day in Oaxaca" is a mouthwatering and informative episode that showcases the vibrancy and diversity of Oaxacan cuisine. From traditional moles to innovative street food, Pati takes viewers on a delicious journey through one of Mexico's most fascinating culinary regions.