Ep 10. How I Got to Now

In this episode of Pati's Mexican Table, titled How I Got to Now, host Pati Jinich dives into the history and evolution of traditional Mexican cuisine. As an immigrant from Mexico who now lives in the United States, Pati reflects on her own journey and the role that food played in connecting her to her culture and community.

Pati begins by taking viewers on a tour of her childhood home in Mexico, sharing memories of the sights and smells of the market where her family bought fresh ingredients for their meals and the ways in which her mother and grandmother passed down their cooking traditions to her. She then travels to Mexico City to explore the city's vibrant food scene and meet with chefs who are putting innovative twists on classic dishes.

Throughout the episode, Pati highlights the ways in which Mexican cuisine has adapted and changed over time, incorporating ingredients and techniques from other cultures. She showcases dishes such as chiles rellenos, which originated in Spain but were adapted by Mexican cooks to feature local ingredients like poblanos and queso fresco. She also shows how Mexico's long history of immigration has led to the incorporation of ingredients like tomato and chocolate into traditional dishes.

As Pati explores the past and present of Mexican cuisine, she also reflects on the role that food plays in cultural identity and the ways in which it can bring people together. She meets with a group of young Mexican-American chefs who are using their food to celebrate and explore their heritage and to build connections between different communities.

In addition to showcasing the diversity of Mexican cuisine, this episode of Pati's Mexican Table also highlights the importance of preserving food traditions and passing them down to future generations. Pati observes a group of women in Mexico who are working to revitalize heirloom varieties of corn and shares her own experience of teaching her children to cook and appreciate traditional Mexican dishes.

Throughout the episode, Pati's passion for Mexican cuisine and culture is palpable, and viewers are sure to come away with a deeper appreciation for this rich and multifaceted cuisine. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Mexican food or simply curious about its history and evolution, How I Got to Now is a must-watch episode of Pati's Mexican Table.