CULINARY CLASSES

Many people who come to Oaxaca want to know more about the wonderful unique food from this region especially the variety of "mole" sauces, the banana leaf-wrapped tamales and he vast array of soups, all using typical Oaxaca ingredients.

Experienced chef, and owner of La Olla Pilar Cabrera and her husband Luis offer you the opportunity to learn hands-on about the complex cuisine of Oaxaca. Pilar´s cooking classes, held in El Jardín de Los Sabores (Garden of Flavors), are set in her spacious, newly remodeled traditionally appointed Oaxacan kitchen located in the shadow of the San Felipe Mountains. In his inviting atmosphere, you will learn to create the traditional Oaxacan dishes of your choice, made famous throughout Mexico and increasingly worldwide.

Pilar chopping chocolate

Pilar and Ofelia selecting the ingredients

Pilar cooking Black Mole

As you cook with Pilar in her kitchen, you will find yourself working in the midst of herb and flower gardens, from which the property derives it´s name. In this garden you will enjoy the 5-course meal you yourself have prepared. Within the garden sits a traditional "comal" (large wood-heated baking dish) and an adobe fireplace where you will bake your fresh tortillas and traditional breads the way it has been done for centuries.

Market Scene

Pilar will teach you her family´s generations-tested cooking secrets in this setting so you can sample and enjoy oaxacan culinary legacy.

• A short tour of "La Olla" Restaurant.

• Transportation to El Jardín de los Sabores during which time Pilar will share interesting facts about Oaxaca´s background. This will be subject to change(transportation fee is not included).

• Spend approximately 3 to 4 hours at hands-on food preparation.;

• Enjoy your meal in the quaint, secluded outdoor patio.

• After your gastronomic interlude, return to "La Olla" Restaurant.

Class reservations can be made by phone or e-mail, then confirmed by a deposit of 50% of the class cost. All classes paid in advance. Also we have gift certificates available.

Refund an Cancellation Policy: Cancellation for the cooking classes must be made 48 hours in advance to receive full reimbursement. Itinerary and availability are subject to change without notice. No refunds will be made for services reserved and not used.

Also if you wish, Pilar can accompany you to one of Oaxaca´s many fresh produce markets. There she sill help you select the best quality products for your meal. Along the way she sill teach you about the uses of many unusual spices, chiles, vegetables, flowers, herbs and fruits. This is an additional $15 USD/per person and is a fantastic way to acquaint yourself with this important facet of Oaxaca Life.

"La Olla" Restaurant and Gallery can also host your important events in Oaxaca. We provide full catering services on our beautiful terrace with full views of many of the Historical center´s most attractive sites such as the Santo Domingo Church and Botanical Gardens, Fortin hill, the San Felipe Mountains and even the Monte Alban hilltop ruins. If you wish we can even host your party off-site at the location of your choice.

We look forward to seeing you soon in Oaxaca!