As this year comes to a close, I gratefully remember the wonderful things it has brought. Lots and lots of changes, and some transitions that went along with it, but all in all a really prosperous and rich year that I would never take back. I look forward to what this new year will bring, and can already feel the food adventures bubbling up, but before we go on, let me remind you of the big 2011 milestones that affected Fooditka.
1. My Big Name Change - Of course the most significant thing this year for me was my big name change from the Foodista to Fooditka. As you may remember, my new name ties in closely to my heritage and allows me to stand out more. I happily unveiled this new site name and re-launch at a big party, graciously hosted by my good friends at 5 Napkin Burger.
2. My Big Travels - I've been fortunate to travel the world this year, living the dream of participating in a cooking program in Tuscany, where I learned about the wonders of clean, simple and delicious Italian cuisine. But the fun didn't end there, as the year also brought exciting food adventures in Paris, London, Munich, Slovakia and Mexico. I couldn't be happier to explore the cultures of these beautiful countries, and hope to take it to the next level in 2012. Fooditka goes international again!
3. My Big Love of Astoria/LIC - No matter where I go, what I see, and the fantastic things I eat, my passion continues to rest close to home. And although this year has been fantastic when it comes to international food adventures, what keeps me going are the fabulous food-things percolating at home. I love that this year has brought on exciting changes to the nabe such as new restaurants, cafes and more. Some of the most notable ones that come to mind are The Queens Kickshaw, Sugarfreak, Bear, Veslo, Alobar, Astor Room, among others.
It's been an absolute pleasure Astoria...thanks as always for your support, and I can't wait to do it all over again in 2012. Hope you had a happy, healthy and delicious one as well!
I mentioned to you last week, that Dan and I recently took a vacation to Mexico. Well...it was much needed and also very fabulous! Our home for the week was the beautiful Playa del Carmen, which is located just 45 minutes South of Cancun, and in that way it was so convenient. In just under 4 hours, we were sitting on a sunny beach, sipping on deliciously chilled cocktails and munching on some of the best Mexican grub we've ever had.
But aside from all the beach going and lounging, we also experienced Mexico's rich culture, through a day trip to Chichen Itza, the famous Maya archaeological site that's considered one of the wonders of the world. On our trip, which was about 3 hours away from Playa , we learned about ancient Maya customs, their heritage, language and about the spiritual significance of Chichen Itza. The whole thing was truly amazing and something we've only seen up to this point in movies (Apocalypto anyone?). We had a helpful guide who recited interesting tid-bits about each ruin besides the famous Temple of Kukulcan, and it was truly amazing to visualize the civilization that thrived here nearly twelve hundred years ago.
After we explored the site and soaked in all that history, we were pretty hungry and headed to lunch at Mayaland Hotel, also on the Chicken Itza property. While we indulged in a buffet lunch, which usually doesn't spell quality, the food was quite tasty and I took special notice of the freshly made tacos. They were spectacular, and the best part about them, was that they were made before our eyes. I absolutely loved the connection between the artisan and her craft. The Maya woman making these was truly skilled, making perfectly round, airy tortillas, which she produced with finesse and a smile. Here's how they tasted:
Barbacoa Tacos - The tacos here were unlike any tacos I've ever had, and the secret was definitely in the tortilla. It was the second that I sunk my teeth into the tender, corn shell, I immediately sang my praises to the Mayas. "How amaaazing are these tortillas?!" I said to Dan. He totally agreed and the fact they were doubled up, allowing to properly hold the juicy shredded pork was just perfect. They had a slightly charred taste and were still warm, reminding me of just how fresh they were. Aside from the pork, the taco was very simply embellished with raw or pickled onions and the hot sauce of your choice. I loved that our servers warned us about the super spicy sauce (and Dan of course went for it), but I chose the milder tomatillo salsa, which I didn't regret. These were truly tacos to remember.
Service:
Our Chichen Itza tour and lunch experience, further imprinted on us the friendliness and generosity of the Maya people. Warm and hospitable, they were always there to make sure we were enjoying everything, and even performed a traditional dance that perked people up from their delicious food coma.
3 Mmmms
Mayaland Hotel - Chichen Itza 97751, Mexico
www.mayaland.com
