San Miguel to Host Two Food Festivals in June

From the passions of food lovers everywhere, the Food Network was born… along with TV shows like Top Chef and Rick Bayless – Mexico One Plate At A Time, a renewed interest in cookbooks, food magazines such as Bon Appétit, Saveur and Cook's Illustrated, the popularity of farmers' markets like the Saturday Organic Market, food websites like Chowzter’s Foodie Hub, food blogs like Nick Gilman's Good Food in Mexico City, stores like Williams-Sonoma and of course rock star celebrity chefs. Call it the culinary boom that’s not about to slow down anytime soon.

Traveling for the past three years, I have found Mexico to be full of food adventures. The promise is endless, even in the smallest pueblo tucked away in the most remote corner of Mexico. But this month, you don’t have to travel to get the experience. You get a double dose of indulgence with not one but two food festivals in San Miguel.

Mark your calendars for the 3^rd Annual Sabores San Miguel and the debut of the San Miguel Food Festival, both part of the Cumbre Internacional de la Gastronomía de Guanajuato.

http://www.guanajuato.mx/gtomx/eventos/gastronomico

The festivals feature a variety of chefs, restaurants and products that showcase the diversity and national influence of San Miguel’s culinary profile.

Come hungry. You’ll delight in the food samplings and although you’ll be tempted to stick with your favorites, there are plenty of new chefs and restaurant to check out.

And if really want to master the art of the food festival? Calories consumed while:

standing up;

sitting at a Chefs Table;

on vacation;

eating off someone’s plate;

on a holiday or a weekend;

partying on the patio at the Instituto until 3 AM;

someone else feeds you;

you’re listening to live music;

drinking out of a martini or margarita glass;

wearing your favorite color (why I have so many Rosa Mexicana outfits)

…don’t count. 

Buen Apetito and See You There! 

Sabores San Miguel

http://www.saboressanmiguel.com

The 3^rd Annual Sabores San Miguel will be held June 12-14, 2015.

What’s new this year? For the first time, the festival will include guest chefs from San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, Toronto and London. 

Carlo Mirarchi, Roberta's/Blanca, NYC

Photo: Food Fashionista

Carlo is the chef and owner of highly acclaimed Brooklyn restaurant Roberta's. His latest venture, Blanca, received a Michelin Star in 2012 and was recently named one of the country's top ten restaurants by the Times, Bon Appétit, and other publications worldwide. He was named one of Food and Wine's Best New Chefs of 2011.

Ted Torrado, Drake Hotel, Toronto

Photo: Where

Chef Ted Corrado joined Drake Hotel Properties as Corporate Executive Chef in 2013. Corrado won Chef of the Year in 2008 from the Compass Group Canada and was named a Top 10 Chef in Toronto for the Gold Medal Plates competitions between 2009 and 2011.

Neal Fraser, Redbird/Vibiana; Top Chef Masters and Iron Chef America, Los Angeles

Photo: Helist Collective

Recently, Neal Fraser expanded his repertoire with a fast-casual concept called Fritzi Dog, a healthier and higher-end hot dog stand at the Farmer’s Market at The Grove.

In late 2012, Fraser took over Vibiana and has passionately labored to breathe new life into the historic structure, and just recently opened Redbird.

Chef Fraser has been seen on the Food Network series Iron Chef America, as well as Top Chef Masters and Hell’s Kitchen, and most recently battled and beat Chef Bobby Flay on Beat Bobby Flay.

Joe Hargrave, Tacolicious/Chino, San Francisco

Photo: Facebook

Joe Hargrave is the CEO of Tacolicious Management Inc. Tacolicious operates four locations in San Francisco and a tequila bar called Mosto. He also recently opened Chino.

Sara Deseran, Food Writer, San Francisco 

Photo: Twitter

Sara Deseran is a food writer and co-owner of both Tacolicious and Chino.

Bret Thompson, Pez Cantina/Milk, Los Angeles

Photo: LA Times

Bret left the Patina group to pursue his dream of opening his first business, MILK, Ice cream, bakeshop and café in Hollywood. In 2014 Bret opened his newest restaurant Pez Cantina, a Coastal Mexican Kitchen in downtown Los Angeles. 

Quentin Frye, Big Bear Café, Washington DF

Photo: Midweek

Quinten took his first Executive Chef position at Hawaii’s “Best New Restaurant” of 2012 - SALT Bar & Kitchen. He was a James Beard Award Semi-Finalist for Rising Star Chef of the Year and Hawaii Rising Star Chef for Sustainability. Frye returned to the mainland in 2014, running the show at Big Bear Café. 

Lily Jones, The Lily Vanilli Bakery, London

Photo: hackneygazette.com.uk

Lily Jones has The Lily Vanilli Bakery on London's Columbia Road. Her clients include Elton John and Downing Street. She is one of the co-founders of the YBF Awards, now in its fourth year.

Dates: June 11 – 14, 2015

• Thursday from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Charity Event)

• Friday from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

• Saturday 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM

• Sunday 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM

On Thursday June 11, the guest chefs will do a benefit for Feed the Hungry San Miguel and Huertos Sustenables San Miguel at Casa del Parque at Calle Baeza #7, behind the park, from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. Chefs will have food stations, an open bar and live music. The cost is $650 pesos/$45 USD.

Kickoff for Sabores San Miguel will be on Friday, June 12. On Saturday, June 13, the chefs will offer samples of food to showcase the style of their restaurant. On Sunday, June 14, the chefs will recreate outdoor food markets as a tribute to street food.

Location: Parque Juárez, Calle Hermanos Aldama, Centro, San Miguel de Allende.

Cost: 25 pesos for all food and drink offerings. Entry to the food festival is free.

Many of San Miguel’s restaurants are participating including Augamiel, Casa Sierra Nevada, La Parada, The Restaurant, Hotel Matilda, The Rosewood, De Temporada and Aperi.

Events will feature cooking demonstrations, workshops, tastings, live music, children’s activities and other festivities which will include the producers of bread, cheese, olive oil, wine, beer, mezcals, meats and organic products from the region.

With all the rumors flying around about a certain chef sky diving into the park on Saturday to do her cake demo, half of San Miguel is likely to show up so get there early.

    

San Miguel Food Festival

www.smafoodfestival.com

Photos: San Miguel Food Festival (unless otherwise noted)

     Photo: Luxury Travel Advisor

This show makes its debut with a lot of high spirits and local flavors including San Miguel’s chef all-stars: Victor Palma (The Rosewood); Mateo Salas (Aperi); and Donnie Masterton (The Restaurant).

     Photo: Food and Wines from Spain

It’s all in the family with the celebrated trio of father, Bricio Domínguez (El Jardín de los Milagros); son, Alonso Domínguez (Nextia) and nephew Pablo Domínguez (13 cielos). Book them at the Chefs Table Saturday night to have an authentic family experience.

Also featured are local favorites Chef Davide Giribaldi (Mi Vida); Chef Allen Williams (The Food Factory), and Chef Marco Cruz (Bui Cocina de Campo).

Making appearances are esteemed chefs Dante Ferrero (Neuquen); Leonardo de La Sierra (Equipo de San Miguel Gourmet) and private chefs Jonathan Alvarado and Julián García.

Dates: June 26 – 28, 2015

• Friday from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM

• Saturday 12:00 PM to 3:00 AM

• Sunday 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Location:

All events will take place at the historic and picturesque Instituto Allende, Ancha de San Antonio 22, Centro, San Miguel de Allende. Be sure to take note of the stunning view from the back terrace; it’s one of the best in San Miguel.

Cost:

$120 pesos per bracelet

This is a great price because with the bracelet you can go in and out as many times and days as you want. Don’t lose that bracelet however or you’ll have to buy another one.

$500 pesos:

The VIP Roof Terrace Party on Saturday, starting at 10:00 PM ending at 1:00 AM. 

You are then welcomed to join the Fountain Patio Party that ends at 3:00 AM. Yes, you had better pack your PJ’s. It’s going to be a really late night.

$120 pesos: 

Fountain Patio Party starting on Saturday at 10:00 PM and ending at 3:00 AM. People who already purchased the bracelet to get in are welcomed to join the party.

$1500 pesos: 

The VIP ticket. You can enter as many times as you want during the festival weekend. It also includes the VIP Roof Terrace Party on Saturday and one Chefs Table at either lunch or dinner. The bonus: You get to choose your chefs.

       Photo: Explore and Go Mexico

Here’s a nibble of what you’ll get at the Chef Tables:

Friday Lunch: Leonardo de La Sierra and SMA Gourmet

Friday Dinner: Donnie Masterton, Marco Cruz, +1

Saturday Lunch: Victor Palma and Mateo Salas

Saturday Dinner: The Dominguez Family 

Sunday Brunch: Allen Williams and Julian Garcia

Sunday Grill Out: Dante Ferrero

Check the website for an updated list of events.

Who will be there? Restaurateurs • Chefs • Hotels and Tourism officials • Designers • Art and Artists • Event Planners • Your entourage.

      Photo: Cupcakes and Crablegs

Enjoy: Live Music – Elliot the Furniture, Los Rumberos De Massachusetts, Rabeats, and Alex Cross • Children's area • Mojigangas • Wine • Beer • Beverages • Mezcal • Gourmet Products • Free Wifi.

      Photo: Casita Linda

Casita Linda: The San Miguel Food Festival has generously donated a portion of the ticket sales to Casita Linda. Casita Linda builds homes for the poor in San Miguel. Look for the Casita Linda booth at the Festival.

The Chefs Tables:

Go ahead and splurge. You’ve always wanted to book a Chefs Table but as we all know, there are not that many in San Miguel.

Chefs Tables are the front row seat to all the action and you’ll have an opportunity to get up front and personal with the chefs.

There is nothing a chef loves more than to have people at his table that are as committed to the food as he is. It makes for inspiring conversation and chances are you’ll learn a lot.

Can’t decide which chefs to single out? No help here. Like any great chef, this group breaks all the rules when it comes to cooking.

Savor every bite. It’s definitely worth the price of a VIP ticket just to catch this experience.

How to Spend a Perfect Day in San Miguel

Travelers, sometimes with not more than 5-8 hours, come to San Miguel to get a taste of the city's well-preserved colonial architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, extraordinary culture, delicious flavors and of course the enchanting light.

There’s something almost divine about the light in San Miguel, particularly in the late afternoon.

So how do you get the most out of San Miguel in just one day?

If you're lucky, you spent the night before at Casa Del Parque Bed and Breakfast to get an early start on your day.

Being on the grounds of Casa Del Parque Bed and Breakfast is serene but don’t get too comfortable. You’ll want to take a walk because the gardens are stunning; wrapped in the tranquility of budding vines and towering trees. It’s the secret garden you always dreamed about except this one you’ll want to share because it’s one of the most picturesque hotel properties in San Miguel.

In addition to the remarkable, personal service you get from owner Maika and all the staff, you can select any one the numerous tables scattered across the lawn for breakfast. Take in the vistas and order off a limited breakfast menu for a flat fee of 150 pesos.

Start out with French press coffee, fresh-squeezed juice, fruit in season, yogurt with granola, and a basket of bread. After all of that, you have your choice of Chilaquiles, Eggs, Enfrijoladas or a Tortilla filled with broccoli.

As you look up, a hot air balloon passes overhead. You envision the sky views of San Miguel and vow that when you come back, and it will be soon, you’ll take a morning ride.

At latitude 20º55’00’’ north and longitude 100º45’00’’ west, with an altitude of more than 6400 feet, the sky is so intensely blue it takes your breath away.

You think to yourself that it’s always good to look up in San Miguel because that’s when you catch all of the exquisite details …and there are many.

Take a trip to the Mirador de San Miguel de Allende and discover another view of the city. It’s so gorgeous from the hill. You wish you had been here when the Jacaranda trees were in bloom.

The light in San Miguel is exquisite all day but in the golden hour, the first hour of light after sunrise and the last hour of light before sunset, it’s magical. That’s why you see so many photographers roaming the streets.

You go up to El Charco del Ingenio, a remarkable nature preserve where there is an enormous botanical collection of cacti and other Mexican plants…another view you’ve seen today that is simply incredible.

It’s Saturday so head back down to the Organic Market on the grounds of the Rosewood Hotel. An engaging farmers market, it’s one of the best places in town to meet new people. 

You linger for awhile, enjoy a cup of coffee and sit at one of the communal tables. The aroma of fresh tortillas frying on the griddles will tempt you to pick up a mid-morning snack or even another breakfast. You give in. It’s vacation and like the rule says, you can do anything you want on vacation, even eat another breakfast. You leave with a list of new friends; people you want to meet up with the next time you come to town. 

 

Right around the corner from the market, you can’t resist purchasing a small bouquet and handing it off to a 90+ year old woman who looks like she needs the flowers more than you do. Her smile makes your day and reminds you of your mothers. In fact, you think to yourself how much your mom would love San Miguel.

You realize at that moment that you’ve become captivated by this picturesque town. Already you’re thinking about a trip back.

Take a short walk down Cardo over to Juarez Park. You’ll see a number of San Miguel artists like Julyanna and Mauricio who produce gifted masterpieces and sell them at next-to-nothing prices. You delight in the way Julyanna captured Frida Kahlo’s eyes and how Mauricio constructed the 3D pieces on all of the dogs in Juarez Park. Two pieces are yours before you leave the park.

Go on a self guided tour of SMA, walking in either direction from the landmark La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel and you'll hit many of the highlights.

Time for lunch; you share the appetizers at The Restaurant at Sollano 16. The mouth-watering small plates will be just enough to get you through the rest of the day until it’s time for cena. 

You indulge in one of their pineapple margaritas. They’re so good but you resist ordering a second. Afterall, you’re saving yourself for the rooftops.

You wander down to Fábrica La Aurora which houses the largest collection of contemporary art galleries and design studios. You’re totally inspired. It’s the first Saturday of the month so there’s an art walk. You get a chance to meet some of the great artists who make their home here…Dee Ropers, Rae Miller and Merry Calderoni.

You are amazed at the number of talented women in this town and wish you were part of the sisterhood. It’s strong…like business owners Patrice Wynn (Abrazos); Yolanda Varela (Yaruke); and Giovanna Canela Miranda (Ave Maria). You don’t find anything ordinary in their shops. They reflect the women who own them. You suddenly realize that they love Mexico as much as you do.

You sit on the gringo bench in Jardin for awhile. Because it’s Saturday, there is a wedding at La Parroquia. You share in the joy and dance in the wedding parade through the streets of San Miguel. It’s intoxicating.

You love parades and San Miguel is the city of pop-up parades. You see another one as you cross San Francisco just long enough to sniff the ice cream from the windows at Helados Dolphy. You love ice cream but don’t give into the temptation… it’s not on your menu today.

It’s time to hit the rooftops and catch the city views…

You climb the stairs to one of the best rooftops in town, La Azotea, which has a fantastic staff and a killer view of La Parroquia.

It also has two of the best small plates you’ve ever savored: a Jicama Taco; a Jicama shell with lightly breaded shrimp topped with fried leeks, chipotle mayo and tamarind sauce and the Tuna Tostada; a thick-cut potato chip with a slab of tuna and a balsamic vinegar reduction.

You head down to Luna at the Rosewood Hotel. The panoramic view of San Miguel at is renowned. You decide to stay and catch the sunset. You want to remember this exact picture of San Miguel because it leaves you breathless.

On your way back to town, you wander by Hotel Sautto and catch the tail end of a jazz group called Spy BoyZ with Jesse Moore. You stay a lot longer than you should. You don’t care. The music’s great and this is your day…your perfect day in San Miguel.

You wrap it up with the fireworks and mariachis in the Jardin. You love the fact that there are hundreds of people to share this moment with you.

Finally, you’re exhausted. You sleepily sit back, think about the day and smile. You arrived here full of expectations and you leave wanting to stay forever.

And it’s in that moment that San Miguel reaches out and steals your heart.  

Buen Apetito!