All language subtitles for Eva.Longoria.Searching.For.Mexico.S01E02.1080p.AMZN.WEB-DL.DD2.0.H.264-Cinefeel

af Afrikaans
sq Albanian
am Amharic
ar Arabic
hy Armenian
az Azerbaijani
eu Basque
be Belarusian
bn Bengali
bs Bosnian
bg Bulgarian
ca Catalan
ceb Cebuano
ny Chichewa
zh-CN Chinese (Simplified)
zh-TW Chinese (Traditional)
co Corsican
hr Croatian
cs Czech
da Danish
nl Dutch Download
en English
eo Esperanto
et Estonian
tl Filipino
fi Finnish
fr French
fy Frisian
gl Galician
ka Georgian
de German
el Greek
gu Gujarati
ht Haitian Creole
ha Hausa
haw Hawaiian
iw Hebrew
hi Hindi
hmn Hmong
hu Hungarian
is Icelandic
ig Igbo
id Indonesian
ga Irish
it Italian
ja Japanese
jw Javanese
kn Kannada
kk Kazakh
km Khmer
ko Korean
ku Kurdish (Kurmanji)
ky Kyrgyz
lo Lao
la Latin
lv Latvian
lt Lithuanian
lb Luxembourgish
mk Macedonian
mg Malagasy
ms Malay
ml Malayalam
mt Maltese
mi Maori
mr Marathi
mn Mongolian
my Myanmar (Burmese)
ne Nepali
no Norwegian
ps Pashto
fa Persian
pl Polish
pt Portuguese
pa Punjabi
ro Romanian
ru Russian
sm Samoan
gd Scots Gaelic
sr Serbian
st Sesotho
sn Shona
sd Sindhi
si Sinhala
sk Slovak
sl Slovenian
so Somali
es Spanish
su Sundanese
sw Swahili
sv Swedish
tg Tajik
ta Tamil
te Telugu
th Thai
tr Turkish
uk Ukrainian
ur Urdu
uz Uzbek
vi Vietnamese
cy Welsh
xh Xhosa
yi Yiddish
yo Yoruba
zu Zulu
or Odia (Oriya)
rw Kinyarwanda
tk Turkmen
tt Tatar
ug Uyghur
Would you like to inspect the original subtitles? These are the user uploaded subtitles that are being translated: 1 00:00:15,885 --> 00:00:18,366 Oh, it's cold. It's cold. 2 00:00:20,237 --> 00:00:22,065 So this is called a cenote. 3 00:00:22,109 --> 00:00:23,893 It's a natural sinkhole. 4 00:00:23,936 --> 00:00:26,852 It's very unique to the Yucatán Peninsula. 5 00:00:26,896 --> 00:00:28,376 They were very sacred to the Mayans. 6 00:00:28,419 --> 00:00:31,553 They believed that this was a passage to the underworld. 7 00:00:40,605 --> 00:00:44,479 The Maya define the culture of Yucatán. 8 00:00:44,522 --> 00:00:45,958 As one of the great civilizations 9 00:00:46,002 --> 00:00:49,223 in Central America, their influence is everywhere. 10 00:00:49,266 --> 00:00:51,051 This is huge! 11 00:00:51,094 --> 00:00:53,618 Their DNA runs through every local dish. 12 00:00:56,491 --> 00:00:59,885 And their ancient ways are still a source of inspiration. 13 00:00:59,929 --> 00:01:02,453 Let's let it burn a little bit more, and... 14 00:01:02,497 --> 00:01:03,585 - More? - We grind. 15 00:01:03,628 --> 00:01:05,152 I'm Eva Longoria, 16 00:01:05,195 --> 00:01:07,763 born and bred in Texas with Mexican-American roots, 17 00:01:07,806 --> 00:01:10,070 which makes me a Texican. 18 00:01:10,113 --> 00:01:13,334 I'm exploring Mexico to see how the people, their lands, 19 00:01:13,377 --> 00:01:16,250 and their past have shaped a culinary tradition 20 00:01:16,293 --> 00:01:18,339 as diverse as its 32 states. 21 00:01:18,382 --> 00:01:20,906 I don't think I've ever seen an avocado this big. 22 00:01:20,950 --> 00:01:23,692 Here in Yucatán, there are so many great ingredients. 23 00:01:23,735 --> 00:01:27,087 With searingly hot weather all year round, 24 00:01:27,130 --> 00:01:29,437 time moves at a slower pace in Yucatán. 25 00:01:32,179 --> 00:01:35,486 When it's taken hundreds of years to build the pyramids, 26 00:01:35,530 --> 00:01:37,793 waiting a day for your dinner to cook is no big deal. 27 00:01:40,491 --> 00:01:41,971 Eight hours? 28 00:01:42,014 --> 00:01:44,104 I just hope I can be as patient as my hosts. 29 00:01:44,147 --> 00:01:46,584 I want to taste the pig! 30 00:02:04,428 --> 00:02:07,039 Yucatán state is cut off from the rest of Mexico 31 00:02:07,083 --> 00:02:10,086 by dense forest, but its long coastline 32 00:02:10,130 --> 00:02:13,307 has always linked it to the outside world. 33 00:02:13,350 --> 00:02:16,397 It has the largest Maya population in Mexico, 34 00:02:16,440 --> 00:02:19,226 dating back 4,000 years. 35 00:02:19,269 --> 00:02:23,012 The ancient Maya were pioneering and industrious. 36 00:02:23,055 --> 00:02:24,840 They thrived here until the arrival 37 00:02:24,883 --> 00:02:27,843 of the Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s. 38 00:02:29,366 --> 00:02:33,022 The region's turbulent history and unique geography 39 00:02:33,065 --> 00:02:34,893 have heavily influenced the cuisine. 40 00:02:40,203 --> 00:02:42,597 So today, I am trying cochinita pibil, 41 00:02:42,640 --> 00:02:45,904 which is probably the most famous dish from the Yucatán. 42 00:02:45,948 --> 00:02:48,690 You can't come here without having it. 43 00:02:48,733 --> 00:02:51,562 It's known worldwide. 44 00:02:51,606 --> 00:02:52,998 Hola. Hola. 45 00:02:53,042 --> 00:02:54,043 Buenos días. Hola. Buenos días. 46 00:02:54,086 --> 00:02:55,131 Buenos días. 47 00:02:59,091 --> 00:03:01,746 Now, there are variations on the recipe. 48 00:03:01,790 --> 00:03:04,053 But cochinita pibil is slow-cooked pork 49 00:03:04,096 --> 00:03:06,621 marinated in a tangy spice mix... 50 00:03:06,664 --> 00:03:08,405 Oh, wow. 51 00:03:08,449 --> 00:03:11,103 Traditionally served in a taco with pickled red onions. 52 00:03:11,147 --> 00:03:12,583 Look at that. 53 00:03:12,627 --> 00:03:14,716 You know it's good when there's pork fat dripping out. 54 00:03:17,632 --> 00:03:19,111 Mmm. 55 00:03:21,723 --> 00:03:25,205 I'm going to the award-winning restaurant, IXI'IM, 56 00:03:25,248 --> 00:03:29,426 where cochinita pibil is transformed into fine dining. 57 00:03:29,470 --> 00:03:31,515 It's run by Luis Ronzón, 58 00:03:31,559 --> 00:03:34,126 one of the region's most exciting chefs, 59 00:03:34,170 --> 00:03:36,128 who makes his cochinita pibil 60 00:03:36,172 --> 00:03:39,088 using both ancient and modern techniques. 61 00:03:39,131 --> 00:03:40,698 Hello! Hello. 62 00:03:40,742 --> 00:03:41,917 How you doing? Good. 63 00:03:41,960 --> 00:03:43,048 Soy Eva. 64 00:03:43,092 --> 00:03:45,050 Mucho gusto Nice meeting you. 65 00:03:45,094 --> 00:03:46,617 - Nice to meet you. - Welcome. 66 00:03:46,661 --> 00:03:47,923 Thank you. I'm excited. 67 00:03:47,966 --> 00:03:50,708 I've heard amazing things about your restaurant. 68 00:03:50,752 --> 00:03:52,754 Luis starts by cooking the pork 69 00:03:52,797 --> 00:03:56,105 the traditional Mayan way: outdoors. 70 00:04:03,634 --> 00:04:06,115 This pig is a descendant of the same breed 71 00:04:06,158 --> 00:04:08,944 that the Spanish prize for jamón ibérico, 72 00:04:08,987 --> 00:04:11,207 one of the world's finest hams. 73 00:04:15,951 --> 00:04:17,257 I've never seen this orange. 74 00:04:19,520 --> 00:04:20,782 Yeah. 75 00:04:20,825 --> 00:04:22,653 You use sour orange. 76 00:04:23,872 --> 00:04:26,048 The Spanish brought this citrus gem, 77 00:04:26,091 --> 00:04:28,485 which is now a Yucatán staple. 78 00:04:28,529 --> 00:04:30,008 Here, it's mixed with spices 79 00:04:30,052 --> 00:04:31,706 from the neighboring Caribbean. 80 00:04:31,749 --> 00:04:32,881 So... 81 00:04:36,711 --> 00:04:37,842 Mm-hmm. 82 00:04:48,200 --> 00:04:51,073 The marinated pig is entombed in a steel box 83 00:04:51,116 --> 00:04:53,510 before being put in the oven, 84 00:04:53,554 --> 00:04:56,992 which is literally a freshly dug hole in the ground. 85 00:04:57,035 --> 00:04:58,646 What do you call the oven? 86 00:04:58,689 --> 00:05:00,343 What is--P-I-B? P-I-B. 87 00:05:03,825 --> 00:05:05,000 Oh. 88 00:05:06,784 --> 00:05:07,829 - Pib style. - No? 89 00:05:16,925 --> 00:05:19,493 It is basically a crock pot in the ground. 90 00:05:19,536 --> 00:05:20,668 Yeah, kind of. Yeah. 91 00:05:20,711 --> 00:05:22,539 You couldn't have said it better. 92 00:05:22,583 --> 00:05:24,236 Wouldn't it be easier just to put it in a crock pot? 93 00:05:24,280 --> 00:05:27,196 Yeah. No, 'cause you don't have the flavor of the soil. 94 00:05:27,239 --> 00:05:28,589 - Yes, the flavor... - You know? 95 00:05:28,632 --> 00:05:30,155 - Of the region. - Of the branches 96 00:05:30,199 --> 00:05:31,461 and everything. Of the tierra. 97 00:05:31,505 --> 00:05:34,856 Right. And this is a romantic technique, no? 98 00:05:34,899 --> 00:05:36,379 - A very romantic technique. - It is. 99 00:05:36,423 --> 00:05:37,902 I mean, it's romantic because I'm not the one 100 00:05:37,946 --> 00:05:40,035 digging the dirt, but yeah. Yeah. 101 00:05:45,606 --> 00:05:48,609 This ancient way of slow-cooking is ingenious. 102 00:05:48,652 --> 00:05:51,655 Once buried, the pig needs no supervision, 103 00:05:51,699 --> 00:05:53,831 and the meat is protected from hungry animals. 104 00:05:53,875 --> 00:05:55,746 I mean, what's not to like? 105 00:05:55,790 --> 00:05:57,400 Oh, but there is a downside. 106 00:05:57,444 --> 00:06:00,708 So we're gonna leave it here for eight hours. 107 00:06:00,751 --> 00:06:02,187 - Eight hours? - Yeah. 108 00:06:04,929 --> 00:06:06,496 Thank goodness for that. 109 00:06:06,540 --> 00:06:08,933 I just wish our crew would hurry up and get over here. 110 00:06:08,977 --> 00:06:11,022 I'm dying to eat the pig, guys! 111 00:06:11,066 --> 00:06:13,634 - We're hungry. - Come on! 112 00:06:13,677 --> 00:06:16,245 I want to taste the pig! 113 00:06:18,726 --> 00:06:20,336 I mean, if you could smell this right now, 114 00:06:20,380 --> 00:06:22,904 you'd be yelling for it too. 115 00:06:22,947 --> 00:06:24,296 So this one, we buried yesterday. 116 00:06:24,340 --> 00:06:26,647 - The big reveal. - Yes. Yeah. 117 00:06:26,690 --> 00:06:29,389 Oh, wow. 118 00:06:32,087 --> 00:06:34,568 Can I take the banana leaf off? Yeah, please. 119 00:06:34,611 --> 00:06:36,091 Look at this! 120 00:06:36,134 --> 00:06:38,310 Look at that. Look at the juice. 121 00:06:40,312 --> 00:06:42,010 Oh, my God. 122 00:06:42,053 --> 00:06:44,273 It's just, like, falling off! 123 00:06:48,625 --> 00:06:50,105 Oh, my gosh. 124 00:06:50,148 --> 00:06:52,194 Oh, my gosh. Well, I need more now. 125 00:06:52,237 --> 00:06:56,372 I mean, you can taste the comino, the clove. 126 00:06:56,416 --> 00:06:58,766 That sour orange really is-- Yeah. 127 00:06:58,809 --> 00:07:02,030 Sour orange and the spices, no? 128 00:07:02,073 --> 00:07:04,206 Wow. Mm-hmm. 129 00:07:04,249 --> 00:07:06,034 Mmm! 130 00:07:06,077 --> 00:07:07,992 - My mouth is watering now. - Watching me? 131 00:07:08,036 --> 00:07:09,429 Yeah. 132 00:07:09,472 --> 00:07:11,822 So I wanted you to try, like, the normal way. 133 00:07:11,866 --> 00:07:12,910 - Mm-hmm. - And also, 134 00:07:12,954 --> 00:07:14,956 I want you to try my way, 135 00:07:14,999 --> 00:07:17,611 which is the way we serve it at the IXI'IM restaurant, so... 136 00:07:17,654 --> 00:07:19,961 OK. 137 00:07:20,004 --> 00:07:23,268 This is beautiful! 138 00:07:23,312 --> 00:07:25,401 Here in his kitchen garden, 139 00:07:25,445 --> 00:07:28,665 Luis grows his produce the same way as the Maya. 140 00:07:35,411 --> 00:07:37,761 Now, I'm sure the ancient Maya would feel at home 141 00:07:37,805 --> 00:07:40,111 in Luis's garden, but what would they think 142 00:07:40,155 --> 00:07:42,374 of his breathtaking dining room? 143 00:07:46,466 --> 00:07:49,077 But I'm at the heart of the action--in the kitchen. 144 00:07:53,211 --> 00:07:55,083 - What? Yes! - Yeah? OK. 145 00:07:55,126 --> 00:07:57,346 Yes. Don't threaten me with a good time. 146 00:07:59,043 --> 00:08:00,175 Salud. Cheers. 147 00:08:00,218 --> 00:08:01,655 Luis is from Mexico City, 148 00:08:01,698 --> 00:08:04,788 but it's Yucatán that's captured his heart. 149 00:08:04,832 --> 00:08:07,008 So what was your favorite thing about the cuisine 150 00:08:07,051 --> 00:08:09,097 when you moved here? 151 00:08:09,140 --> 00:08:11,360 - Yes? This dish? - Yeah, yeah. 152 00:08:12,840 --> 00:08:13,928 Oh, yeah. 153 00:08:17,322 --> 00:08:19,499 - Really? - Yeah. 154 00:08:19,542 --> 00:08:22,806 Luis has swapped out the traditional pickled red onions 155 00:08:22,850 --> 00:08:27,028 for his own sides of sweet potato, parsnip, and beets. 156 00:08:27,071 --> 00:08:29,160 Just a little bit of butter, guys. 157 00:08:29,204 --> 00:08:30,640 - Yeah. - Just a little bit of butter. 158 00:08:30,684 --> 00:08:31,641 Salt. 159 00:08:33,817 --> 00:08:35,906 - And that's it. - And that's it. 160 00:08:35,950 --> 00:08:39,301 I'm just gonna wait here while he roasts those beets. 161 00:08:41,651 --> 00:08:43,261 The pig from the pib 162 00:08:43,305 --> 00:08:46,047 is about to have a sophisticated makeover. 163 00:08:51,487 --> 00:08:53,576 Watch out. Aah! 164 00:08:53,620 --> 00:08:57,275 We're gonna make, like, a very crispy skin, no? 165 00:08:57,319 --> 00:08:59,408 - That's a good idea. - Yeah. 166 00:08:59,451 --> 00:09:01,018 I concur. 167 00:09:01,062 --> 00:09:02,542 Do you hear that? 168 00:09:02,585 --> 00:09:03,847 - Yes. - That's a crispy skin. 169 00:09:03,891 --> 00:09:06,067 Yes! 170 00:09:06,110 --> 00:09:10,071 - And I'm gonna put it in here. - Oh, that's beautiful! 171 00:09:10,114 --> 00:09:11,376 So that's the way we plate it. 172 00:09:11,420 --> 00:09:12,726 - Look at that presentation. - Yeah. 173 00:09:15,642 --> 00:09:18,601 The puréed vegetables and habanero chili salsa 174 00:09:18,645 --> 00:09:21,778 turns this dish into a rainbow of color. 175 00:09:34,269 --> 00:09:37,185 I've never had a meal like this. 176 00:09:37,228 --> 00:09:38,969 One of the best meals of my life. 177 00:09:39,013 --> 00:09:40,101 Thank you. 178 00:09:42,582 --> 00:09:45,628 This is Luis' love letter to Yucatán, 179 00:09:45,672 --> 00:09:46,716 to the people 180 00:09:46,760 --> 00:09:49,937 and the land he now calls home. 181 00:09:49,980 --> 00:09:51,112 I'm just gonna-- don't mind me. 182 00:09:51,155 --> 00:09:53,418 I'm just gonna stay here in the kitchen. 183 00:09:53,462 --> 00:09:54,768 You have work to do. Go ahead. 184 00:09:56,770 --> 00:09:58,206 I'm so happy. 185 00:10:09,260 --> 00:10:14,222 Mérida is the capital of Yucatán, 186 00:10:14,265 --> 00:10:16,877 and it's a city that runs on its stomach. 187 00:10:16,920 --> 00:10:18,400 Hola. 188 00:10:18,443 --> 00:10:20,445 I'm here to meet one of Mérida's best chefs 189 00:10:20,489 --> 00:10:22,317 and gastronomic pioneers. 190 00:10:22,360 --> 00:10:23,971 - Mucho gusto. - Mucho gusto. 191 00:10:25,973 --> 00:10:28,323 This market sells all the spices that we will need 192 00:10:28,366 --> 00:10:30,499 to cook later on in the night. OK. OK. 193 00:10:30,542 --> 00:10:32,327 - So you want to take a look? - Yes. 194 00:10:32,370 --> 00:10:33,937 - Let's go. - I love a spice market. 195 00:10:33,981 --> 00:10:37,288 Chef Roberto Solís is famous for putting a new spin 196 00:10:37,332 --> 00:10:40,465 on the foundation of Yucatecan cuisine: 197 00:10:40,509 --> 00:10:41,641 el recado. 198 00:10:43,904 --> 00:10:45,383 What is el recado? 199 00:10:45,427 --> 00:10:47,647 I've never heard that word until I got to the Yucatán. 200 00:10:52,608 --> 00:10:54,349 El recado is a colored paste 201 00:10:54,392 --> 00:10:56,264 made from a combination of spices. 202 00:10:56,307 --> 00:10:58,353 They come in lots of different flavors 203 00:10:58,396 --> 00:11:00,485 and are used everywhere here, 204 00:11:00,529 --> 00:11:04,054 but you'll struggle to find el recado outside Yucatán. 205 00:11:05,621 --> 00:11:07,101 No. No. 206 00:11:07,144 --> 00:11:08,319 - No? - Just here. 207 00:11:08,363 --> 00:11:10,060 Why? That's so weird. 208 00:11:10,104 --> 00:11:12,584 That's weird. 209 00:11:12,628 --> 00:11:14,499 Because it feels like such a good idea. 210 00:11:14,543 --> 00:11:15,675 - Yeah. - Like, to do a paste 211 00:11:15,718 --> 00:11:18,199 on chicken and fish and pork. Yeah. 212 00:11:20,549 --> 00:11:23,160 Is this their family recipe? 213 00:11:25,510 --> 00:11:28,035 For generations, Don Enrique's family 214 00:11:28,078 --> 00:11:31,299 have been recado alchemists. 215 00:11:35,912 --> 00:11:37,044 Uh-huh. 216 00:11:57,107 --> 00:11:59,066 - It's much smokier. - Yes. 217 00:12:00,894 --> 00:12:02,896 No. 218 00:12:02,939 --> 00:12:05,072 Many of these spices came to the Yucatán 219 00:12:05,115 --> 00:12:06,638 over 500 years ago, 220 00:12:06,682 --> 00:12:09,554 when the region was colonized by the Spanish. 221 00:12:09,598 --> 00:12:11,861 And you can still see a strong European influence 222 00:12:11,905 --> 00:12:13,733 all around Mérida. 223 00:12:16,213 --> 00:12:19,347 Today, people flock to its thriving food scene. 224 00:12:19,390 --> 00:12:21,436 Twice voted capital of culture, 225 00:12:21,479 --> 00:12:23,438 it's a magnet for creativity. 226 00:12:26,136 --> 00:12:28,095 Roberto's been at the forefront 227 00:12:28,138 --> 00:12:31,228 of that creativity here in Mérida and in the Yucatán, 228 00:12:31,272 --> 00:12:33,448 so let's see what he's up to. 229 00:12:33,491 --> 00:12:35,537 Roberto's restaurant is called Huniik, 230 00:12:35,580 --> 00:12:38,670 which means "unique spirit" in Mayan. 231 00:12:38,714 --> 00:12:41,935 Here, it's all about turning ancient recipes on their head. 232 00:12:41,978 --> 00:12:43,110 Wow. 233 00:12:43,153 --> 00:12:46,722 Oh, this is beautiful! 234 00:12:46,766 --> 00:12:48,593 This is gorgeous! 235 00:12:48,637 --> 00:12:50,247 How are you? 236 00:12:50,291 --> 00:12:51,814 Oh, you look so handsome 237 00:12:51,858 --> 00:12:53,076 in your chef's clothes. Welcome. 238 00:12:54,556 --> 00:12:56,297 Known as the Recado King, 239 00:12:56,340 --> 00:13:00,562 Roberto's star of the menu tonight is his black recado. 240 00:13:00,605 --> 00:13:02,477 Are we doing the spices here? Well, yes. 241 00:13:02,520 --> 00:13:03,739 We're gonna grind the spices here. 242 00:13:03,783 --> 00:13:04,827 - All right. - But actually, 243 00:13:04,871 --> 00:13:06,873 we're gonna burn the spices here. 244 00:13:06,916 --> 00:13:08,657 Ooh! 245 00:13:08,700 --> 00:13:11,181 We have onion, oregano, cumin, garlic, 246 00:13:11,225 --> 00:13:14,271 annatto seeds, the pepper. Uh-huh. 247 00:13:14,315 --> 00:13:17,666 Roberto is making his recado negro from scratch... 248 00:13:17,709 --> 00:13:20,321 - So if you want to start... - Yeah. What do I do? 249 00:13:20,364 --> 00:13:21,975 With me as his wingman. 250 00:13:22,018 --> 00:13:23,150 We put it in here? Yeah. 251 00:13:23,193 --> 00:13:25,413 Oh, my God! 252 00:13:25,456 --> 00:13:26,370 - Good. - I already-- 253 00:13:26,414 --> 00:13:27,589 I already messed up. OK. 254 00:13:27,632 --> 00:13:29,156 Put some cumin. Just a little bit. 255 00:13:29,199 --> 00:13:30,679 - A little bit? - Like a spoon. 256 00:13:30,722 --> 00:13:32,072 Yeah, that's good. What is this one 257 00:13:32,115 --> 00:13:33,377 called again? Annatto seeds. 258 00:13:33,421 --> 00:13:35,118 You can put more, more, more, more, more, more. 259 00:13:35,162 --> 00:13:36,685 The spices are lightly toasted, 260 00:13:36,728 --> 00:13:38,513 but when it comes to the chili... 261 00:13:38,556 --> 00:13:40,863 It's burning! 262 00:13:40,907 --> 00:13:42,169 We crank up the heat. 263 00:13:42,212 --> 00:13:43,735 The more you burn the chili... 264 00:13:43,779 --> 00:13:45,825 - The less hot. - The less hot. 265 00:13:45,868 --> 00:13:48,262 Now, you can start smelling. Yeah. 266 00:13:48,305 --> 00:13:50,307 Oh, it's smoking. 267 00:13:50,351 --> 00:13:53,267 Wave it towards you. 268 00:13:53,310 --> 00:13:55,356 It smells amazing. 269 00:13:55,399 --> 00:13:58,185 Is this what makes it black, is that char? 270 00:13:58,228 --> 00:13:59,534 - Yeah. - Yeah? 271 00:13:59,577 --> 00:14:02,406 And he really does mean "burn the chili." 272 00:14:02,450 --> 00:14:03,843 Yeah, yeah. 273 00:14:09,631 --> 00:14:11,763 Are you guys OK? 274 00:14:11,807 --> 00:14:12,982 Is it just me? 275 00:14:15,811 --> 00:14:18,205 Let's let them burn a little bit more, and... 276 00:14:18,248 --> 00:14:19,597 - More? - We grind. 277 00:14:19,641 --> 00:14:22,600 This goes against all my instincts. 278 00:14:22,644 --> 00:14:25,473 And now, we grind it? Yeah, let's go. 279 00:14:27,823 --> 00:14:28,780 OK. 280 00:14:32,262 --> 00:14:33,524 Oh, my God. 281 00:14:33,568 --> 00:14:35,613 Are we sure this is gonna taste good? 282 00:14:35,657 --> 00:14:37,833 Yeah, of course. 283 00:14:37,877 --> 00:14:39,879 And all of this is just for the flavoring. 284 00:14:39,922 --> 00:14:41,315 We haven't even started cooking yet. 285 00:14:41,358 --> 00:14:42,490 Is this right? Yeah. 286 00:14:42,533 --> 00:14:44,057 Oh, yeah. The paste is coming. 287 00:14:44,100 --> 00:14:45,710 Yes. 288 00:14:48,583 --> 00:14:51,412 All right. I think I just pulled a muscle. 289 00:14:51,455 --> 00:14:53,544 I think we are, yeah, just finished. 290 00:14:53,588 --> 00:14:55,590 Amazing. 291 00:14:55,633 --> 00:14:58,288 How do you know if it has the right balance? 292 00:14:58,332 --> 00:15:01,291 Mmm. Ooh, that smells great. Yeah. 293 00:15:02,902 --> 00:15:04,077 It's good. 294 00:15:04,120 --> 00:15:05,295 - Now, we're gonna add... - The orange. 295 00:15:05,339 --> 00:15:06,906 The sour orange. 296 00:15:06,949 --> 00:15:08,733 Why am I doing all the work here? 297 00:15:10,779 --> 00:15:13,434 I don't know how much to put. 298 00:15:16,698 --> 00:15:18,613 - Then you mix it, no? - Yeah. 299 00:15:18,656 --> 00:15:21,181 It looks so weird, huh? No, it looks amazing. 300 00:15:21,224 --> 00:15:22,791 You're like, "Yeah." 301 00:15:24,793 --> 00:15:26,447 Oh, wow. Oh, my God. 302 00:15:26,490 --> 00:15:29,319 That is so complicated. 303 00:15:29,363 --> 00:15:30,799 Yes. 304 00:15:32,844 --> 00:15:35,412 - Let's put this on something. - Yes. 305 00:15:37,675 --> 00:15:39,764 So first, we're gonna get this white onion. 306 00:15:39,808 --> 00:15:41,027 Mm-hmm. 307 00:15:41,070 --> 00:15:43,812 Are we making Yucatán onion rings? 308 00:15:43,855 --> 00:15:45,770 I think it's a bit more than that, but... 309 00:15:45,814 --> 00:15:47,859 I'm just teasing. 310 00:15:47,903 --> 00:15:50,253 This is one of Roberto's signature dishes: 311 00:15:50,297 --> 00:15:51,646 onion tempura. 312 00:15:51,689 --> 00:15:53,778 With the recado? With the recado. 313 00:15:53,822 --> 00:15:55,302 Yeah. Why not, right? Oh, my God. 314 00:15:55,345 --> 00:15:59,175 Roberto adds the recado negro to the tempura batter. 315 00:15:59,219 --> 00:16:00,829 So I'm gonna dip this. 316 00:16:00,872 --> 00:16:03,353 And like everything else in Yucatán, 317 00:16:03,397 --> 00:16:05,399 it's a slow process. 318 00:16:09,403 --> 00:16:10,970 Yeah. 319 00:16:11,013 --> 00:16:13,102 - It's time-consuming. - Yeah, it is. 320 00:16:15,539 --> 00:16:18,499 Oh, my God. These are gorgeous. 321 00:16:18,542 --> 00:16:20,501 So the black doesn't mean it's burnt. 322 00:16:20,544 --> 00:16:21,981 It's just the color. Exactly. 323 00:16:23,069 --> 00:16:23,983 Mm-hmm. 324 00:16:29,814 --> 00:16:31,642 Oh. 325 00:16:34,471 --> 00:16:35,995 These beautiful blackened onions 326 00:16:36,038 --> 00:16:38,823 are presented on a bed of charcoal. 327 00:16:38,867 --> 00:16:40,521 Have you had to tell some clients 328 00:16:40,564 --> 00:16:42,044 not to eat the charcoal? You know, it's funny 329 00:16:42,088 --> 00:16:44,699 because some people just-- 'Cause it's the same color. 330 00:16:44,742 --> 00:16:47,484 And everybody like... 331 00:16:47,528 --> 00:16:48,877 It was so funny. 332 00:16:48,920 --> 00:16:51,053 - You want to confuse people? - Yeah. 333 00:16:51,097 --> 00:16:52,924 Well, I want to-- Is this the goal? 334 00:17:03,544 --> 00:17:05,198 Mmm. 335 00:17:05,241 --> 00:17:07,243 - You know? - Wow. 336 00:17:07,287 --> 00:17:11,117 For as complex as that paste was, it's not overwhelming. 337 00:17:11,160 --> 00:17:12,161 - No, it's not overwhelming. - You're not like-- 338 00:17:12,205 --> 00:17:13,641 It's just giving you some creaminess. 339 00:17:13,684 --> 00:17:15,599 - Mmm. - Crunch, creaminess. 340 00:17:15,643 --> 00:17:17,036 I've never had anything like this. 341 00:17:17,079 --> 00:17:20,909 This is gorgeous, and it's delicious. 342 00:17:20,952 --> 00:17:22,519 - Felicidades. - Gracias. 343 00:17:22,563 --> 00:17:26,132 I'm just gonna stand here while you make the next dish. 344 00:17:30,919 --> 00:17:33,835 Once more, Roberto's toying with my taste buds, 345 00:17:33,878 --> 00:17:36,446 serving coconut ice cream with grilled mango 346 00:17:36,490 --> 00:17:39,232 coated in his recado negro. 347 00:17:39,275 --> 00:17:41,843 Smoky with a hint of spice. 348 00:17:43,279 --> 00:17:45,325 Is it hot? Yeah. 349 00:17:45,368 --> 00:17:46,543 Oh. 350 00:17:53,724 --> 00:17:55,074 It is so good! 351 00:17:55,117 --> 00:17:56,423 - Yeah, it is. - I think I'm gonna cry! 352 00:17:59,208 --> 00:18:02,951 I thought that recado was gonna overpower this whole thing. 353 00:18:02,994 --> 00:18:05,084 You know what it reminds me? When you put marshmallow 354 00:18:05,127 --> 00:18:07,260 on the grill, you know? Yes, yes! 355 00:18:07,303 --> 00:18:09,044 It reminds me of that. The texture, you know? 356 00:18:09,088 --> 00:18:11,786 - It has a crispy texture. - Yes, exactly. 357 00:18:11,829 --> 00:18:13,831 - Oh, my God, this is like... - Exactly. 358 00:18:13,875 --> 00:18:16,486 I'm in heaven. 359 00:18:16,530 --> 00:18:19,707 Now I know why you're the king of the recado negro. 360 00:18:19,750 --> 00:18:21,926 - Yes, salud. - Gracias, Roberto. 361 00:18:21,970 --> 00:18:23,145 - Gracias. - Muchas gracias. 362 00:18:23,189 --> 00:18:24,842 Wow. 363 00:18:34,330 --> 00:18:36,463 Most of us have heard of the Day of the Dead. 364 00:18:36,506 --> 00:18:38,769 It's one of Mexico's biggest celebrations, 365 00:18:38,813 --> 00:18:40,728 and my personal favorite, 366 00:18:40,771 --> 00:18:42,904 where spirits come back to eat, drink, 367 00:18:42,947 --> 00:18:44,558 and party with the living. 368 00:18:44,601 --> 00:18:47,996 This celebration is rooted in Aztec and Spanish cultures 369 00:18:48,039 --> 00:18:52,479 and share similarities with the Maya ceremony Hanal Pixan, 370 00:18:52,522 --> 00:18:54,263 meaning "food for the souls." 371 00:18:59,790 --> 00:19:02,010 Hola. Hola, Eva. 372 00:19:10,366 --> 00:19:12,716 Two-thirds of the population of Yucatán 373 00:19:12,760 --> 00:19:14,544 are of Mayan descent. 374 00:19:14,588 --> 00:19:15,937 And at the heart of the peninsula 375 00:19:15,980 --> 00:19:18,200 is the Maya town of Xocén. 376 00:19:23,118 --> 00:19:25,816 I've come to help Chef Alberto Cucu 377 00:19:25,860 --> 00:19:28,297 prepare one of the world's oldest dishes. 378 00:19:35,478 --> 00:19:36,610 Mm-hmm. 379 00:19:39,526 --> 00:19:40,614 Mm-hmm. 380 00:19:50,406 --> 00:19:51,320 Sí. 381 00:19:52,626 --> 00:19:53,757 Uh-huh. 382 00:19:57,108 --> 00:19:58,545 Mm-hmm. 383 00:19:58,588 --> 00:20:01,330 Red is incredibly symbolic to the Maya. 384 00:20:01,374 --> 00:20:04,115 The color of blood, it represents the sunrise 385 00:20:04,159 --> 00:20:06,074 and the rejection of darkness. 386 00:20:20,915 --> 00:20:22,438 I grew up making tamales. 387 00:20:22,482 --> 00:20:24,832 And in my home, it's still a family tradition. 388 00:20:24,875 --> 00:20:28,052 Oh, my God! It's peeling right off! 389 00:20:32,927 --> 00:20:34,755 - Hola. - Hola. 390 00:20:34,798 --> 00:20:36,191 Mucho gusto, señora. 391 00:20:36,235 --> 00:20:38,889 - ¿No? No habla español? - Uh-uh. 392 00:20:38,933 --> 00:20:42,371 My Spanish isn't great, but it's way better than my Mayan. 393 00:20:42,415 --> 00:20:45,766 I'm hoping the language of food is universal. 394 00:20:52,468 --> 00:20:54,122 OK, their tamale technique 395 00:20:54,165 --> 00:20:55,776 is totally different than mine. 396 00:20:55,819 --> 00:20:57,386 God, you guys are fast. 397 00:21:02,478 --> 00:21:04,393 Así. 398 00:21:04,437 --> 00:21:07,266 Oh. Oh, see? That's already a tip. 399 00:21:17,145 --> 00:21:19,887 These tamales are filled with a Maya corn sauce 400 00:21:19,930 --> 00:21:23,630 before adding tomatoes and shredded chicken. 401 00:21:23,673 --> 00:21:24,848 Mmm. 402 00:21:31,768 --> 00:21:33,204 - ¿Sí? Yeah! - Uh-huh. 403 00:21:37,121 --> 00:21:40,647 Being Maya tamales, there's only one way to cook them. 404 00:21:49,395 --> 00:21:51,440 I'm starting to appreciate just how much 405 00:21:51,484 --> 00:21:53,703 cooking underground matters to the Maya. 406 00:21:53,747 --> 00:21:57,881 It represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. 407 00:22:16,291 --> 00:22:17,901 Maybe it's because I grew up on a ranch 408 00:22:17,945 --> 00:22:19,512 cooking from scratch with my family 409 00:22:19,555 --> 00:22:21,862 or because I have some Mayan ancestry, 410 00:22:21,905 --> 00:22:26,040 I don't know, but this feels very comforting and familiar. 411 00:22:29,391 --> 00:22:31,872 Oh, wow. 412 00:22:38,182 --> 00:22:39,923 Look at that. That's super crispy. 413 00:22:39,967 --> 00:22:41,882 These are a very different texture 414 00:22:41,925 --> 00:22:43,362 from the steamed ones I make. 415 00:22:49,411 --> 00:22:51,587 Wow. 416 00:22:51,631 --> 00:22:53,372 You guys, look at this. 417 00:22:57,245 --> 00:22:59,290 Mmm. 418 00:22:59,334 --> 00:23:03,207 It's crispy on the outside but really soft on the inside. 419 00:23:03,251 --> 00:23:04,208 Wow. 420 00:23:05,688 --> 00:23:07,647 Mmm. 421 00:23:07,690 --> 00:23:09,518 Pollo. 422 00:23:11,738 --> 00:23:13,392 Mmm. 423 00:23:13,435 --> 00:23:16,569 I might have to start cooking my tamales underground, y'all. 424 00:23:16,612 --> 00:23:18,745 The Maya tradition of cooking underground 425 00:23:18,788 --> 00:23:20,181 is still alive today, 426 00:23:20,224 --> 00:23:22,575 and it keeps them connected to their land, 427 00:23:22,618 --> 00:23:25,273 to their history, and their culture. 428 00:23:28,755 --> 00:23:29,886 Uh-huh. 429 00:23:35,762 --> 00:23:37,154 Mm. 430 00:23:40,636 --> 00:23:42,464 Mm-hmm. 431 00:23:42,508 --> 00:23:44,684 Uh-huh. 432 00:23:44,727 --> 00:23:45,946 - Uh-huh. - Muchas gracias. 433 00:23:45,989 --> 00:23:47,948 The more I learn about Yucatán culture, 434 00:23:47,991 --> 00:23:50,037 the more I fall in love with it. 435 00:23:50,080 --> 00:23:52,213 Muchas gracias. Uh-huh. 436 00:24:04,660 --> 00:24:06,532 It's my turn to get starstruck 437 00:24:06,575 --> 00:24:08,925 and meet a chef I've admired for years: 438 00:24:08,969 --> 00:24:10,536 Regina Escalante. 439 00:24:12,189 --> 00:24:14,627 - Hola. Mucho gusto. - It's so nice to meet you. 440 00:24:14,670 --> 00:24:16,324 I'm such a fan! 441 00:24:16,367 --> 00:24:18,457 Oh, thank you for coming to Merci! 442 00:24:18,500 --> 00:24:20,067 Please, have a seat. Yes, of course. 443 00:24:20,110 --> 00:24:21,982 Regina trained as a chef in France 444 00:24:22,025 --> 00:24:23,636 before returning home to Mérida 445 00:24:23,679 --> 00:24:26,987 to open her wildly popular restaurant, Merci. 446 00:24:27,030 --> 00:24:28,336 The thing I love about her is 447 00:24:28,379 --> 00:24:30,686 she obsesses about every detail 448 00:24:30,730 --> 00:24:34,864 but particularly the mother of all ingredients: salt. 449 00:24:34,908 --> 00:24:37,780 And you know what's funny? That when I was in France, 450 00:24:37,824 --> 00:24:40,261 I learned about all these different types of salt. 451 00:24:40,304 --> 00:24:42,002 And for my surprise, when I came to Mérida 452 00:24:42,045 --> 00:24:43,786 and I learned that the quality of the product 453 00:24:43,830 --> 00:24:45,832 that we have here was just, like, 454 00:24:45,875 --> 00:24:48,095 really above and beyond on-- 455 00:24:48,138 --> 00:24:50,227 - A global level? - Yes, on a global level. 456 00:24:50,271 --> 00:24:52,534 So you traveled the world just to return home 457 00:24:52,578 --> 00:24:54,536 and find you guys have the best salt in the world. 458 00:24:54,580 --> 00:24:55,537 Yes. 459 00:24:55,581 --> 00:24:57,844 Oh, yes. I definitely think so. 460 00:25:02,152 --> 00:25:05,808 50 miles west of Mérida is Celestún, 461 00:25:05,852 --> 00:25:07,636 an Instagrammer's paradise. 462 00:25:07,680 --> 00:25:10,204 Pink lakes, flamingos, blue skies, 463 00:25:10,247 --> 00:25:13,990 and blinding white salt flats. 464 00:25:14,034 --> 00:25:16,079 Were you born in Yucatán? Yes. 465 00:25:16,123 --> 00:25:18,212 I was born and raised in Mérida. 466 00:25:18,255 --> 00:25:19,866 Well, my mother came to live here 467 00:25:19,909 --> 00:25:23,217 when she was from the U.S., when she was 18 years old. 468 00:25:23,260 --> 00:25:24,827 She was born in Pennsylvania. 469 00:25:24,871 --> 00:25:26,176 - So she's American. - Yeah. 470 00:25:26,220 --> 00:25:28,396 - We're both Mexican-American. - Yes! 471 00:25:28,439 --> 00:25:31,921 Do you ever find it difficult to navigate that identity, 472 00:25:31,965 --> 00:25:33,357 or you love it? 473 00:25:33,401 --> 00:25:35,403 Growing up in Mérida, for me, 474 00:25:35,446 --> 00:25:37,361 I used to be very shy about it. 475 00:25:37,405 --> 00:25:38,928 I was a fish out of water. 476 00:25:38,972 --> 00:25:40,103 You know, people always say, like, 477 00:25:40,147 --> 00:25:42,366 "Oh, you're half Mexican, half American?" 478 00:25:42,410 --> 00:25:44,325 I'm like, "No. I'm 100% Mexican..." 479 00:25:44,368 --> 00:25:46,414 - Yes, I know. - "And 100% American 480 00:25:46,457 --> 00:25:48,590 at the same time, all the time." 481 00:25:48,634 --> 00:25:50,287 That's what I try to do with my cooking, 482 00:25:50,331 --> 00:25:51,941 just to be unapologetic 483 00:25:51,985 --> 00:25:55,075 and just like the confidence that you give out to the world. 484 00:25:55,118 --> 00:25:56,946 Oh, are these the salt lakes? 485 00:25:56,990 --> 00:25:58,992 Yes, this is where it starts. 486 00:26:01,081 --> 00:26:05,215 The salt flats of Celestún produce many forms of salt, 487 00:26:05,259 --> 00:26:07,827 but flor de sal is the purest. 488 00:26:07,870 --> 00:26:11,395 It's the magical result of climate and geography. 489 00:26:11,439 --> 00:26:14,268 Salty seawater combines with sweet rain, 490 00:26:14,311 --> 00:26:16,531 slowly evaporating in the tropical heat. 491 00:26:16,575 --> 00:26:20,666 And it leaves behind this pinkish-colored crystal. 492 00:26:22,232 --> 00:26:23,538 - Hola, Manuel. - Hola. Buenos días. 493 00:26:23,582 --> 00:26:24,757 Presentó Eva. 494 00:26:24,800 --> 00:26:26,454 - Hola. Eva. Mucho gusto. - Mucho gusto. 495 00:26:46,474 --> 00:26:47,910 Oh, wow. 496 00:26:47,954 --> 00:26:49,346 Sí. 497 00:26:49,390 --> 00:26:51,827 The crystals here, they're much bigger 498 00:26:51,871 --> 00:26:53,742 than, like, a regular salt... Yeah, yeah. 499 00:26:53,786 --> 00:26:55,352 - That you would have. - They're huge. 500 00:26:55,396 --> 00:26:58,181 But it takes much longer to dissolve when you eat it. 501 00:26:58,225 --> 00:27:00,053 This salt will not leave us 502 00:27:00,096 --> 00:27:02,272 with, like, a real metallic flavor. 503 00:27:14,371 --> 00:27:15,938 And this is also linked 504 00:27:15,982 --> 00:27:18,637 to when the flamingos come and visit Celestún. 505 00:27:18,680 --> 00:27:20,943 It's said that the flamingos get this pink color 506 00:27:20,987 --> 00:27:22,641 because they eat the artemia. 507 00:27:22,684 --> 00:27:26,253 The harvesting of the flor de sal is so delicate, 508 00:27:26,296 --> 00:27:27,515 it has to be done by hand. 509 00:27:27,558 --> 00:27:29,038 Oh, God. I'm gonna mess it up. 510 00:27:29,082 --> 00:27:30,518 They say if you don't scoop it right, 511 00:27:30,561 --> 00:27:33,434 then it just becomes normal salt! 512 00:27:33,477 --> 00:27:36,350 No wonder it's the most expensive salt in the world. 513 00:27:37,612 --> 00:27:40,484 - Brilliant! - I did it. 514 00:27:43,313 --> 00:27:46,490 Now, this is a perfect spot for lunch. 515 00:27:46,534 --> 00:27:48,667 Wow! So this is a sea bass. 516 00:27:48,710 --> 00:27:50,320 You don't understand how excited I am 517 00:27:50,364 --> 00:27:53,367 to finally eat fish on a beach in the Yucatán. 518 00:27:53,410 --> 00:27:55,282 Do you know what? I'm surprised 519 00:27:55,325 --> 00:27:57,197 that there isn't more seafood 520 00:27:57,240 --> 00:27:59,373 in the Yucatán cuisine. I know. 521 00:27:59,416 --> 00:28:01,636 Back in the day, people didn't have the ability 522 00:28:01,680 --> 00:28:03,551 to refrigerate food at their homes. 523 00:28:03,594 --> 00:28:05,292 - Mm-hmm. - My grandmother would tell me 524 00:28:05,335 --> 00:28:06,815 that when she grew up, people thought 525 00:28:06,859 --> 00:28:09,296 that they were gonna get sick of eating fish 526 00:28:09,339 --> 00:28:10,732 that was caught, like, in the morning. 527 00:28:10,776 --> 00:28:13,561 And with the heat, the food would spoil really fast. 528 00:28:13,604 --> 00:28:16,912 The fish is stuffed with garlic, rosemary, thyme, 529 00:28:16,956 --> 00:28:19,349 that Yucatán favorite, sour orange, 530 00:28:19,393 --> 00:28:21,787 and of course, a healthy dose of salt. 531 00:28:21,830 --> 00:28:25,399 When you have ingredients this fresh, simplicity is key. 532 00:28:25,442 --> 00:28:27,880 You have specialized in, like, opening up 533 00:28:27,923 --> 00:28:31,971 the gastronomy here outside of the traditional Yucatán dishes. 534 00:28:32,014 --> 00:28:33,233 I feel that here in Yucatán, 535 00:28:33,276 --> 00:28:35,626 there are so many great ingredients 536 00:28:35,670 --> 00:28:38,804 that I want to just let the ingredients speak for itself. 537 00:28:38,847 --> 00:28:42,372 We're gonna put some oil on it to start out. 538 00:28:42,416 --> 00:28:44,418 We're gonna prepare the brush. 539 00:28:44,461 --> 00:28:47,900 And this brush is gonna be our secret weapon 540 00:28:47,943 --> 00:28:50,424 to just layer up all these herbs. 541 00:28:50,467 --> 00:28:52,905 This is a great idea, an herb brush. 542 00:28:52,948 --> 00:28:55,690 Oh, that smells so good. 543 00:28:55,734 --> 00:28:58,649 A brush made of parsley, rosemary, and thyme 544 00:28:58,693 --> 00:29:01,914 is also a neat way to apply the garlic purée. 545 00:29:01,957 --> 00:29:04,525 Oh, that's gorgeous. 546 00:29:04,568 --> 00:29:08,007 We're gonna do some mangoes, also grilled. 547 00:29:08,050 --> 00:29:10,226 And salt! 548 00:29:10,270 --> 00:29:11,967 This is my idea of food heaven. 549 00:29:12,011 --> 00:29:15,971 Truly, I'd have this as my last meal on Earth. 550 00:29:16,015 --> 00:29:17,581 - I'm gonna bring some of the-- - Bring the salt! 551 00:29:17,625 --> 00:29:19,105 - Flor. - Bring the salt. 552 00:29:26,155 --> 00:29:28,984 Fish on a beach. Now, I feel like I'm in Mexico. 553 00:29:29,028 --> 00:29:31,291 I put my onions first. 554 00:29:31,334 --> 00:29:33,162 Now, for the star ingredient. 555 00:29:33,206 --> 00:29:36,296 - This is the flor de sal, so-- - This is the flor de-- 556 00:29:36,339 --> 00:29:37,514 - Yeah. - This is what we harvested. 557 00:29:37,558 --> 00:29:39,778 You're just gonna put a little, tiny bit. 558 00:29:39,821 --> 00:29:41,867 So what's the secret in all of this? 559 00:29:41,910 --> 00:29:45,653 It's to season to perfection all the ingredients 560 00:29:45,696 --> 00:29:48,612 so that when you add the flor de sal, you don't overseason. 561 00:29:48,656 --> 00:29:50,614 - Yeah, mm-hmm. - OK? 562 00:29:56,795 --> 00:29:57,970 Mmm. 563 00:29:59,754 --> 00:30:01,538 Wow. 564 00:30:01,582 --> 00:30:04,324 Mmm, that fish is amazing! 565 00:30:04,367 --> 00:30:08,241 The contrast of the crunchy salt and the soft, sweet fish 566 00:30:08,284 --> 00:30:09,503 is just sublime. 567 00:30:09,546 --> 00:30:11,548 I feel like the Yucatán 568 00:30:11,592 --> 00:30:15,161 has the most appreciation for the land and the rain 569 00:30:15,204 --> 00:30:16,640 and the natural elements 570 00:30:16,684 --> 00:30:18,338 and the fruit that comes from the tree. 571 00:30:18,381 --> 00:30:21,123 Like, there's such a thank you to... 572 00:30:21,167 --> 00:30:22,733 - Yes. - La tierra. 573 00:30:22,777 --> 00:30:25,301 We have delicious ingredients. 574 00:30:25,345 --> 00:30:28,652 And with delicious ingredients, we can make delicious recipes. 575 00:30:44,059 --> 00:30:46,105 This is huge! 576 00:30:50,326 --> 00:30:54,809 Part of the magic of Yucatán is its world-famous pyramids, 577 00:30:54,853 --> 00:30:57,072 a reminder that the Maya have been shaping 578 00:30:57,116 --> 00:31:00,554 the landscape and culture here for the last 4,000 years. 579 00:31:03,383 --> 00:31:06,299 In honor of my own Mayan ancestry, 580 00:31:06,342 --> 00:31:08,954 I'm making a pilgrimage to Uxmal. 581 00:31:08,997 --> 00:31:11,521 Only 40 minutes' drive from Mérida, 582 00:31:11,565 --> 00:31:13,915 but it feels like a world away. 583 00:31:13,959 --> 00:31:15,395 Don Pepe! Ah. 584 00:31:15,438 --> 00:31:17,179 Don Pepe is a Mayan archaeologist, 585 00:31:17,223 --> 00:31:20,661 and he knows the secrets to this sacred site. 586 00:31:20,704 --> 00:31:23,403 And it's probably why he got the cool hat and I didn't. 587 00:31:33,195 --> 00:31:37,983 No. 588 00:31:40,333 --> 00:31:42,944 Uxmal was built around 500 AD, 589 00:31:42,988 --> 00:31:45,773 and the level of detail here is mind-blowing. 590 00:32:09,231 --> 00:32:11,538 Little wonder they worship the god of rain. 591 00:32:11,581 --> 00:32:12,974 Apart from the cenotes, 592 00:32:13,018 --> 00:32:16,804 there are no lakes or rivers in Yucatán. 593 00:32:45,180 --> 00:32:48,879 This ability to collect water and irrigate crops 594 00:32:48,923 --> 00:32:51,230 allowed the ancient Maya to put down roots here 595 00:32:51,273 --> 00:32:53,406 and call it home. 596 00:32:58,977 --> 00:33:01,544 So I've heard that Don Pepe is a great cook. 597 00:33:01,588 --> 00:33:03,807 He and his wife, Maria, make this signature 598 00:33:03,851 --> 00:33:06,941 pork and bean broth inspired by Yucatán's history. 599 00:33:08,943 --> 00:33:11,598 The pork, a nod to the later arrival 600 00:33:11,641 --> 00:33:13,339 of the Spanish conquistadores. 601 00:33:23,131 --> 00:33:24,045 Uh-huh. 602 00:33:27,483 --> 00:33:28,658 Uh-huh. 603 00:33:32,880 --> 00:33:34,708 In honor of the Mayan rain god, 604 00:33:34,751 --> 00:33:36,927 water plays a key part. 605 00:33:39,191 --> 00:33:42,716 Epazote is a bitter herb that many Mexicans swear 606 00:33:42,759 --> 00:33:44,848 stops the gassy side effects of beans. 607 00:33:44,892 --> 00:33:46,807 Oh, my gosh, I love beans, 608 00:33:46,850 --> 00:33:48,548 so I know I'm gonna love this one. 609 00:33:51,246 --> 00:33:52,595 Oh, sal. OK. 610 00:34:00,908 --> 00:34:01,952 Uh-huh. 611 00:34:08,916 --> 00:34:10,004 Sí. 612 00:34:10,048 --> 00:34:12,006 Of course it's cooked underground. 613 00:34:12,050 --> 00:34:14,965 This is Yucatán. 614 00:34:15,009 --> 00:34:17,881 Thankfully, Don Pepe already has one in the oven. 615 00:34:17,925 --> 00:34:19,231 Wow, I think you win... Sí. 616 00:34:19,274 --> 00:34:21,929 the underground contest of most hours. 617 00:34:24,105 --> 00:34:25,672 El olor, yeah. 618 00:34:25,715 --> 00:34:27,456 Oh, that smells good. 619 00:34:32,374 --> 00:34:33,680 Wow. 620 00:34:33,723 --> 00:34:37,249 Mmm, it tastes like barbecue in a soup. 621 00:34:37,292 --> 00:34:38,641 Smells amazing. 622 00:34:38,685 --> 00:34:40,078 Oh, look at that. Look at that. 623 00:34:41,470 --> 00:34:43,603 This is the pork. 624 00:34:44,821 --> 00:34:46,127 Oh, my gosh! Sí. 625 00:34:46,171 --> 00:34:47,955 I'm so excited about this. 626 00:34:52,090 --> 00:34:54,135 Wow, this is, like, 627 00:34:54,179 --> 00:34:56,485 definitely slow-cooked. 628 00:34:56,529 --> 00:34:58,922 This is just falling apart. 629 00:34:58,966 --> 00:35:00,272 Look at this one. Lookit. Lookit. 630 00:35:00,315 --> 00:35:01,534 Oh. 631 00:35:09,977 --> 00:35:11,283 Mmm. 632 00:35:11,326 --> 00:35:12,762 Mmm. 633 00:35:21,728 --> 00:35:23,295 - OK. - ¿Claro? 634 00:35:23,338 --> 00:35:26,080 Wow, you can really taste the smokiness. 635 00:35:32,956 --> 00:35:34,741 In the U.S., we get jittery 636 00:35:34,784 --> 00:35:36,656 if our fast food isn't fast enough, 637 00:35:36,699 --> 00:35:38,353 but here in Yucatán, 638 00:35:38,397 --> 00:35:41,269 no one bats an eye if dinner takes two days to cook. 639 00:35:41,313 --> 00:35:42,618 Mmm. 640 00:35:42,662 --> 00:35:44,838 Sitting in the shadow of Uxmal, 641 00:35:44,881 --> 00:35:46,753 their pyramids are a constant reminder 642 00:35:46,796 --> 00:35:48,929 that good things take time. 643 00:36:03,552 --> 00:36:06,076 I'm arriving in Izamal. 644 00:36:06,120 --> 00:36:10,080 This town used to be known for a Mayan pilgrimage. 645 00:36:10,124 --> 00:36:12,866 There's a lot of pyramids around. 646 00:36:12,909 --> 00:36:14,955 But now, it's really a food destination. 647 00:36:14,998 --> 00:36:16,826 So today, we are going to be making 648 00:36:16,870 --> 00:36:19,612 our food pilgrimage here. 649 00:36:19,655 --> 00:36:22,354 40 miles east of Mérida is Izamal, 650 00:36:22,397 --> 00:36:26,271 known as the Yellow City. 651 00:36:26,314 --> 00:36:28,055 You know you've arrived when you're surrounded 652 00:36:28,098 --> 00:36:30,492 with golden yellow walls on every street, 653 00:36:30,536 --> 00:36:33,974 on every building. 654 00:36:34,017 --> 00:36:35,454 Even the city's largest 655 00:36:35,497 --> 00:36:37,412 and most important building is yellow: 656 00:36:37,456 --> 00:36:40,241 the Monastery of St. Anthony of Padua. 657 00:36:42,809 --> 00:36:46,247 Hola. 658 00:36:46,291 --> 00:36:48,728 Local restaurateur and Miriam Azcorra 659 00:36:48,771 --> 00:36:50,904 was born and raised in Izamal. 660 00:36:53,689 --> 00:36:55,125 Oh. 661 00:37:00,566 --> 00:37:01,697 Mm-hmm. 662 00:37:02,916 --> 00:37:04,352 - Oh, my gosh. - Sí. 663 00:37:04,396 --> 00:37:06,180 When the Spanish conquered Izamal, 664 00:37:06,224 --> 00:37:08,051 they dismantled the pyramids, 665 00:37:08,095 --> 00:37:11,098 forcing the Maya to repurpose the stones. 666 00:37:13,753 --> 00:37:14,884 ¿No? 667 00:37:22,979 --> 00:37:24,242 - Con las piedras. - Con las piedras. 668 00:37:32,337 --> 00:37:34,904 The monastery was built for a Christian god, 669 00:37:34,948 --> 00:37:36,645 but it remained holy to the Maya, 670 00:37:36,689 --> 00:37:40,780 who worshipped the sacred stones of their former temple. 671 00:37:43,652 --> 00:37:44,740 Mm-hmm. 672 00:37:52,705 --> 00:37:54,620 Así. Wow. 673 00:38:04,499 --> 00:38:07,415 There are many theories of why the town is yellow. 674 00:38:07,459 --> 00:38:10,113 The most likely is because the largest pyramid in the area 675 00:38:10,157 --> 00:38:12,464 was dedicated to the sun god, 676 00:38:12,507 --> 00:38:16,729 but that's not the only yellow ball deified here. 677 00:38:18,992 --> 00:38:20,863 - Es queso. - Wow. 678 00:38:26,173 --> 00:38:29,437 Amazingly, Dutch cheese is the main ingredient 679 00:38:29,481 --> 00:38:32,353 of queso relleno. 680 00:38:32,397 --> 00:38:34,747 It's the signature dish at Miriam's restaurant, Kinich, 681 00:38:34,790 --> 00:38:37,924 which specializes in home-cooked comfort food. 682 00:38:42,711 --> 00:38:44,496 How did Dutch cheese get here 683 00:38:44,539 --> 00:38:47,150 and become the most famous dish of this region? 684 00:38:52,460 --> 00:38:53,374 Uh-huh. 685 00:38:55,245 --> 00:38:56,812 But unlike the Europeans 686 00:38:56,856 --> 00:39:00,250 who prized these golden globes for the cheese inside, 687 00:39:00,294 --> 00:39:01,948 here, it's all about the part 688 00:39:01,991 --> 00:39:03,428 that I would usually throw away. 689 00:39:03,471 --> 00:39:05,821 So you're not gonna use the inside of the cheese? 690 00:39:05,865 --> 00:39:07,345 You're gonna use the outside of the cheese? 691 00:39:07,388 --> 00:39:08,346 The outside. 692 00:39:09,695 --> 00:39:11,523 It's said that once the wealthy merchants 693 00:39:11,566 --> 00:39:13,351 had scooped out the creamy cheese, 694 00:39:13,394 --> 00:39:15,483 their servants found an ingenious use 695 00:39:15,527 --> 00:39:17,180 for the discarded rind. 696 00:39:17,224 --> 00:39:18,486 OK. 697 00:39:19,705 --> 00:39:20,880 OK. 698 00:39:24,797 --> 00:39:28,496 The meat of choice? A familiar favorite: pork. 699 00:39:32,761 --> 00:39:33,936 Sí, igual. 700 00:39:35,416 --> 00:39:36,374 Uh-huh. 701 00:39:51,389 --> 00:39:52,477 Mm. 702 00:39:59,614 --> 00:40:01,660 Mm-hmm. 703 00:40:01,703 --> 00:40:02,878 - Capers. - Alcaparras. 704 00:40:02,922 --> 00:40:06,055 I love capers, so let's put more. 705 00:40:06,099 --> 00:40:07,492 Oh, this is almonds? 706 00:40:07,535 --> 00:40:09,842 Mediterranean bay leaves and olives 707 00:40:09,885 --> 00:40:13,367 also go into the pot, and then it's cooked again. 708 00:40:17,327 --> 00:40:19,417 So we close it back in a cheesecloth. 709 00:40:22,463 --> 00:40:24,944 So it's just gonna take a bath. 710 00:40:28,382 --> 00:40:29,339 Mm. 711 00:40:30,906 --> 00:40:32,604 Sí. 712 00:40:32,647 --> 00:40:33,779 Yeah. 713 00:40:36,999 --> 00:40:39,001 Oh, yeah. That's soft. 714 00:40:39,045 --> 00:40:41,874 At last, our queso relleno is ready. 715 00:40:41,917 --> 00:40:44,964 Now, I understand what bursting with flavor means. 716 00:40:45,007 --> 00:40:47,140 Ooh, can I touch it? 717 00:40:47,183 --> 00:40:48,141 Yes. 718 00:40:50,491 --> 00:40:52,406 Oh, my goodness. 719 00:40:52,450 --> 00:40:55,453 That looks really good! 720 00:40:55,496 --> 00:40:58,847 Over 16 ingredients and three stages later, 721 00:40:58,891 --> 00:41:03,852 it's finished with a Mayan corn sauce and tomato salsa. 722 00:41:03,896 --> 00:41:06,638 This is one intricate dish, 723 00:41:06,681 --> 00:41:10,772 and I can see why diners come here to enjoy its complexity. 724 00:41:10,816 --> 00:41:12,382 Gracias. 725 00:41:15,647 --> 00:41:16,909 Mmm. 726 00:41:16,952 --> 00:41:18,171 Mm. 727 00:41:19,694 --> 00:41:20,913 Wow. 728 00:41:20,956 --> 00:41:22,480 Mmm. Mmm. 729 00:41:24,525 --> 00:41:26,527 Oh, that's so good. 730 00:41:27,572 --> 00:41:28,573 Mm-hmm. 731 00:41:37,756 --> 00:41:41,977 For me, this is the dish that sums up Yucatán. 732 00:41:42,021 --> 00:41:44,371 It's a region that isn't afraid 733 00:41:44,414 --> 00:41:46,286 to embrace different cultures. 734 00:41:46,329 --> 00:41:48,593 The people here are so secure 735 00:41:48,636 --> 00:41:51,378 in who they are and where they come from. 736 00:41:51,421 --> 00:41:54,163 New influences are simply blended with the ancient 737 00:41:54,207 --> 00:41:56,165 to create something unique. 738 00:41:56,209 --> 00:41:58,037 In Yucatán, there's an appreciation 739 00:41:58,080 --> 00:42:00,909 that good things are worth the wait. 53066

Can't find what you're looking for?
Get subtitles in any language from opensubtitles.com, and translate them here.