Hola Reader,

Whether you've been to Mexico already or you're planning a trip, you're probably aware of what a big deal food is in Mexico. In fact, it's such a big deal that alongside French cuisine, it was the first to be designated an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010.

I think for most people food experiences can have a major impact on a trip. Enjoying an amazing meal, tasting fantastic street food, and trying new ingredients and dishes are all excellent ways to make memories while travelling.

And I know for me, my trips always level up when I have an outstanding food or drink experience.

In my years of travelling Mexico I've become really good at finding incredible restaurants and eateries (if I do say so myself 👑). I connect with chefs I love and follow their lead on what spots they love and are excited about, which is a strategy that has yet to steer me wrong!

Then, I share those gems with my readers like you in articles and on social media.

A prime example of this strategy in action is when I stumbled upon Almoraduz Cocina de Autor in Puerto Escondido, a modern Oaxacan restaurant that blew me away.

I was headed on to Oaxaca City and after becoming friendly with the husband and wife chef team they told me to forget about the hype surrounding certain well-known restaurants and directed me to Los Danzantes.

Boy, did they know what they were talking about.

Los Danzantes was incredible and was my first introduction to Mexican mole when I decided to try the 5 Mexican Moles Tasting. I've had a lot of fantastic food in Mexico but Los Danzantes is still one of my favourites of all time.

So it came as no surprise to me that when the famed Michelin Guide finally awarded Michelin stars to restaurants in Mexico, my beloved Los Danzantes was on the list.

The Michelin Guide awarded stars to 18 restaurants across Mexico, including a Mexico City taco stand (give the people what they want! 🌮).

It also had some names many foodies expected to see like Pujol and Quintonil, two very expensive, very hard to get into Mexico City restaurants.

And one I don't think deserved to be on the list, the Netflix-famous Restaurante Rosetta in Mexico City which I dined at earlier this year.

While some people are excited the Michelin Guide is finally recognizing Mexico as a culinary powerhouse, some Mexican restauranteurs and critics aren't giving it such a warm welcome asking "What does Michelin know about Mexican food?".

So what do you think? Does Michelin have any business judging Mexican restaurants?

And will you be checking the guide for restaurant ideas before heading to Mexico?

You can see the full list of Michelin-starred Mexican restaurants here.

Hasta luego,

-Ashlea

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