Flavors of Mexico: Chef Tania Cienfuegos' Heritage Culinary Journey

Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico

CR
Chef Richard Gruica
  • Email address verified
17 reviews
Feb 9 - 16, 2025
Group size: 1 - 20
Flavors of Mexico: Chef Tania Cienfuegos' Heritage Culinary Journey
Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico

Chef Richard Gruica
  • Email address verified
17 reviews

Feb 9 - 16, 2025
Group size: 1 - 20

About this trip

Flavors of Mexico: Chef Tania Cienfuegos' Heritage Journey

February 9-16, 2025


Greenville, South Carolina-based pastry chef Tania Cienfuegos, with Chef Richard Gruica , and The Gourmet Vacation, invite you to explore her roots with visits to her birthplace of Mexico City and the culinary capital of Oaxaca. This unique journey offers a rare opportunity to experience Mexico through the eyes of a native chef, delving into the rich cultural and culinary traditions that have shaped her career. The dates are February 9th to 16th of 2025. 


We'll start our adventure in the vibrant metropolis of Mexico City, where ancient history and modern flair coexist beautifully. The city’s culinary scene is renowned, offering everything from street food delicacies like tacos and tamales to world-class Michelin-starred dining. Some highlights of our stay include indulging in tacos and tequila, VIP seats at a thrilling Lucha Libre match, exploring the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan, crafting spirit animals, and dining in a mystical cave restaurant. You’ll also savor pastries from the famed Rosetta Bakery, visit the iconic Frida Kahlo Museum, wander through top food and artisanal markets, and enjoy a surprise Michelin-starred dinner.


Our journey continues to Oaxaca, the gastronomic heart of Mexico, offering a vibrant tapestry of flavors and traditions. Here, every dish tells a story of indigenous roots and colonial influences. Highlights include an artist workshop where you'll create your own piece of art to take home, exploring vibrant food markets, and touring the city’s famous street art. You'll visit the Tree of Tule, learn about Oaxaca's renowned textiles, and enjoy a sustainable farm tour with a hands-on tortilla-making class taught by an abuela. We’ll also taste mezcal at a boutique mezcaleria and dine at charming local spots.


Returning to Mexico City, the adventure concludes with a serene floating gardens tour by boat and a farewell dinner serenaded by mariachis. Experience hands-on time with Chef Tania in her homeland and Chef Richard blending culinary expertise with rich cultural heritage for an unforgettable adventure. This journey offers a unique and intimate glimpse into the heart of Mexican cuisine and culture, making it a truly special and truly unique experience.


This journey is perfect for those looking to go beyond typical travel experiences. You’ll connect deeply with Mexico’s traditions, guided by chefs who know them best. From ancient history to modern flavors, this tour provides a rare opportunity to experience Mexico in a way that’s personal, authentic, and unforgettable. Book now for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure from February 9-16, 2025!


What’s included

  • Chef Time
    The chance to eat, drink, explore, experience, interact and learn alongside Chef Tania and Chef Richard personally throughout the trip.
  • 7 Night’s Accommodation
    Luxury accommodation in Mexico City and Oaxaca
  • All Excursions
    Including food, tastings & activities
  • Meals
    All Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinner, including a Michelin meal
  • Private Transportation
    All transportation throughout the duration of the trip is included
  • Airfare in Mexico
    Airfare from Mexico City to Oaxaca and back to Mexico City is included
  • Private Guide
    Your guide (Chef Richard Gruica) is an expert on Mexico, is bilingual and also a chef!

What’s not included

  • Airfare to Mexico
    Airfare to Mexico City is not included. We highly recommend getting in by Sat, Feb 8th in order to take part in the Pre-tour kick off.
  • Travel Insurance
    This is very STRONGLY recommended
  • Tips/Gratuities
    These would be optional additional tips for guides/hosts/servers/drivers
  • Extra Food/Drink
    Any other food/drink not provided on the tour
  • Airport Transfers
    Arrival/Departure airport transfers are not included

Available Packages

Chef Tania's Flavors of Mexico Journey
Deposit:$900
Available until January 10, 2025
$4,349
Deposit:$900

Itinerary

Pre-Tour
Tacos, Tequila, and Lucha Libre: A Pre-Tour Kickoff Celebration

Pre-Tour


Tacos, Tequila, and Lucha Libre: A Pre-Tour Kickoff Celebration


To ensure a smooth start to our adventure, we ask all guests to arrive in Mexico City by Saturday, February 8th. We will gather in the evening for an unforgettable pre-tour kick-off to Chef Tania’s Flavors of Mexico Tour! We’ll dive right into the local scene with a delicious meal of tacos and tequila (or beer, juices, or cola), followed by an exhilarating night of Mexican Lucha Libre. With VIP front-row seats, you’ll be right in the heart of the action, witnessing the vibrant and high-flying spectacle of Mexican wrestling. Feel the adrenaline as masked luchadores perform daring acrobatics and dramatic feats of strength. To make the night even more special, you'll get to pick your own keepsake Lucha Libre mask to wear and take home as a souvenir. This thrilling evening sets the perfect tone for our journey through the rich flavors and vibrant culture of Mexico City!


Overnight Stay-Luxury Hotel in the Polanco Area of Mexico City

Your Organizer


CR
Chef Richard Gruica
17 reviews
From an early age, Chef Richard Gruica saw how food and drink could unite people, regardless of their backgrounds, making everyone happy. With his passion for gastronomy, he decided to create the most incredible of edible journeys. Through extensive research, he presents some of the finest examples of tradition, craft and small producers from across the globe to the guests of his tours. More significantly, guests get to meet and enjoy the people that have a true passion for what they do. Forget ordinary, experience extraordinary!

Reviews

Each Day was the Best Day Ever! I made new friends, learned about beautiful new cultures and loved each minute of the food and wine tour. This was an experience of a lifetime for someone who enjoys the culinary world and Chef Richard and Chef Craig made it happen for me. I can't wait to join another tour in the future!
By Cheryl C for The Chef Craig Kuhns Flavors of the Adriatic Culinary Tour on Dec 01, 2024
Had a wonderful time visiting Slovenia & Croatia! Richard is a consummate tour guide!
By Susan F for The Chef Craig Kuhns Flavors of the Adriatic Culinary Tour on Nov 20, 2024
JR
This was my second tour with Chef Richard's organization, and I can say with certainty that it won't be my last. From the moment I signed up for this tour, I knew I was in for something special. Chef Bob's deep desire to know more of Irish food and culture, combined with his infectious enthusiasm, created an experience that transcended the typical tourist route. We ventured off the beaten path, immersing ourselves in the vibrant food scene that lies beyond the well-trodden streets of Dublin. The tour began in the bustling markets of the capital, where Chef Richard & Bob introduced us to artisanal producers, guiding us through the art of traditional Irish bread-making and the nuances of award-winning farmhouse cheeses. His insider connections opened doors to hidden gems, like a family-run distillery, hand-crafted knives, and farms that left our palates forever changed. As we journeyed westward, the landscapes became more rugged and the flavors more wild. In Galway, we savored the briny bounty of the Atlantic in the form of the freshest oysters I've ever tasted. We discovered the joys of farm-to-table dining, reveling in the perfect harmony of seasonality, provenance, and innovative technique. Throughout the tour, Chef Richard & Bob's unwavering passion for Irish cuisine and their deep connections with local food producers shone through. His curated experiences allowed us to peel back the layers, revealing the rich tapestry of history, tradition, and innovation that underpins this remarkable culinary landscape. I left Ireland with a profound appreciation for the country's food culture, a suitcase full of artisanal treats, and a heart overflowing with gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this truly remarkable journey. If you're seeking an immersive, unforgettable culinary adventure, I cannot recommend Chef Bob Cook's Ireland tour, hosted by Chef Richard Gruica, highly enough. It's an experience that will forever shape the way I approach and enjoy food. Don't miss out on future tours with Chef Richard's renowned culinary community. Sign up today to stay up-to-date on all the exciting upcoming adventures!
By Julia R for Chef Bob Cook's Emerald Isle Culinary Adventure on Sep 24, 2024
Richard is the host extraordinaire! Bob Cook’s Emerald Isle was an adventure beyond my expectations. Our days were full of fascinating experiences, fabulous food and sights that I will cherish forever. Expertly planned to fill our days with adventure without ever feeling rushed or short on time. I would gladly take another trip with our guide, Richard Gruica.
By Denise D for Chef Bob Cook's Emerald Isle Culinary Adventure on Sep 21, 2024
It is amazing how much food and activity gets packed into this tour without seeming super rushed and rarely getting up early. Hotels are top of the line. Food experiences are all unique and special and vary from home cooked meals on a farm, cooked by the farmer to Michellin starred 24 course adventures. Many excursions are off the beaten path and avoid the crowds while still accomplishing the "must-dos". The addition of amazing chefs sets these apart! Bob Cook is a super nice, very knowledgeable and extremely helpful chef!
By Kirk t for Chef Bob Cook's Emerald Isle Culinary Adventure on Sep 17, 2024
Show More Reviews

References

What a trip! Richard created an amazing itinerary that included something for everyone. His connections to local chefs, farmers, tour guides, etc made this an unforgettable trip. Accommodations were first class, beautiful hotels and very comfortable transportation along the way. We look forward to another trip with him!
By Lewis W on 10 May, 2023