Mexico: Esperanza Resort introduces new culinary program

Esperanza Resort, Cabo San Lucas, holds beachfront seafood preparation classes. (Esperanza Resort)

By Rosemary McClure

July 30, 2013, 7:00 a.m.

Eat, drink and enjoy the flavors of Mexico with a new culinary program at Esperanza Resort.

Esperanza, a Cabo San Lucas hotel and spa, has kicked off a hands-on Food of Place program reflecting the flavors and culture of Baja. Guests will learn cooking and cocktail-making skills in a variety of classes that will include wine and tequila tastings and special dinners hosted by guest chefs.

The lineup includes:

• A margarita-making class, taught by Esperanza?s head bartender. The free class is available daily.
• A ceviche preparation class, taught by Gonzalo Cerda, the resort?s executive chef, which teaches guests about ocean life found in the Sea of Cortez while they learn to prepare an indigenous ?chocolata? clam ceviche. ($115 per person; available Thursdays).
• A seafood paella cooking class offered by Cerda will feature an assortment of local seafood. (Complimentary; available daily).
• Mexican-style clambakes take place on the resort?s private beach, featuring Pacific clams, chocolata clams, black mussels and scallops accented with chorizo. ($135 per person; reservation required.)
• Tequila takes center stage twice weekly when Esperanza?s master tequilero leads a class delving into the origins of tequila. ($65 per person; available Tuesdays and Saturdays).
• Special dinners will be offered Oct. 25 and 26 at Cocina del Mar oceanfront restaurant featuring Chef Margarita Carrillo, who specializes in local Mexican food culture. (Complimentary).
• Champagne will be the beverage of choice Nov. 15 and 16 during a special weekend featuring small plates, bubbly and cocktails at the Lounge followed by dinner at Cocina del Mar, which will showcase Louis Roederer?s Champagne portfolio. (Complimentary).

Esperanza, a 57-room resort and spa, is set on bluffs overlooking two coves at Punta Ballena near Cabo San Lucas. Rates start at $695, double occupancy.

Info: U.S. toll free number: (866) 311-2226.

Source: http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-mexico-esperanza-culinary-program-20130729,0,1150943.story?track=rss

Raquel Pomplun