THIS FALL GET READY TO ENJOY A TASTE OF MEXICO IN D.C.

• A week long event to experience Mexico through all your senses

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Washington, D.C., August 30^th 2008. – Mexico is excited to bring a complete journey to honor Mexico’s culture, travel destinations, cuisine, music, traditions and more.  The Mexico Tourism Board in conjunction with the Mexican Embassy, the Mexican Cultural Institute and the Ministry of Agriculture, will host “A Taste of Mexico in D.C.”, an authentic journey through the flavors of Mexico’s colorful and vast culture. Also, enjoy modern Mexican music in a concert series brought to you by Mexico Tourism and National Geographic Traveler magazine. From September 6th to the 12^th, residents of D.C. will have the opportunity to experience Mexico’s uniqueness and diversity with a variety of activities.  

 

Mexico has so much to offer a geographical diversity that varies from region to region, different climates and bordering oceans. This is reflected on the traditions of people as well as in the travel destinations, food, drinks, music and culinary arts. But overall, it is the rich culinary tradition of Mexico that gives to people around the world the chance to have a taste of the Mexican culture as a whole. For that reason, “A Taste of Mexico in D.C.” is perfect for those who are looking who enjoy new cultural experiences. 

“We are delighted to bring A Taste of Mexico to Washington, D.C. collaborating with fantastic local restaurants and culinary experts joining us from Mexico. This journey through travel destinations, culture, gastronomy, music and history will be a benchmark for Mexico’s presence within the US. We are confident that this experience will allow Washingtonians to have a better perspective of what the Mexican culture is comprised of.” said Mexico’s Ambassador to the United States, Arturo Sarukhan.

On September 6^th A Taste of Mexico in D.C. kicks off with an Open House  at the Mexican Cultural Institute. This day-long program which is open to public will give guests the opportunity to have a better taste of Mexican products. Special demonstrations, tasting sessions and lectures will take place throughout the day and visitors will know why corn is so commonly used in the Mexican cuisine, how Mexican chiles, salsas and guacamole can be prepared. Also, they will learn about the traditional chocolate beverage, the wide variety of Mexican wines as well as the origins of Tequila and Mezcal.

 

Mexican gastronomy will flood the D.C. area with local restaurants who will join together to welcome some of Mexico’s most important chefs and will give guests a rare opportunity to sample their exquisite cuisine.  It’s also important to mention that UNESCO is considering Mexican Gastronomy as an official World Heritage. This is the first time ever in history, that Mexican cuisine is being considered for such an important and distinguished category.

 

Get ready for a full agenda of events to celebrate Mexico:

 

• September 7^th
• Mexican Chocolate Day at Rosa Mexicano will dedicate a special menu based on Mexican Chocolate.

 

• September 8^th
•  Yucatan Day at Zengo will bring Yucatan’s very own Chef Beatriz Peralta to join chef Graham Bartlett with a special menu made according to the traditions of Yucatecan cuisine

 

• September 9^th  
• Puebla Day at Oyamel will include a special antojitos menu with typical Pueblan cuisine made in collaboration with Mexican chef Susanna Palazuelos and local chef Joe Raffa.
• National Geographic Traveler and The Mexico Tourism Board and the Mexican Cultural Institute will host a special concert event featuring Julieta Venegas. The winner of one Grammy Award and two Latin Grammys will perform at the Kennedy Center at 6:00pm. Admission is free.

 

• September 10^th,
• Oaxaca Day at Casa Oaxaca to present a special menu prepared by Master Chef Alfio and the special participation of Mexican Chef Carmelita Rosete from the State of Oaxaca.
• For the first time in Washington, D.C. the Authentic Flavors of Mexico Foundation will give a special recognition to ten Mexican Restaurants of the D.C. area that comply with recipes and ingredients that are typically Mexican and that use products originating from Mexico. Menu prepared by Roberto Santibanez for a private event at the Mexican Cultural Institute.

 

• September 11^th
• Mexican Table featuring Michoacan day. Join Mexican cooking instructor Patricia Jinich for a delightful Mexican night as she explores the gastronomy of the state of Michoacán through a live cooking demonstration at the Mexican Cultural Institute. Limited space and admission cost $70/$75 for Members of the Mexican Cultural Institute

 

 

 

 

• September 12^th
•  Puerto Vallarta Day at Mio. Enjoy a taste of Puerto Vallarta with a menu with specials from the Pacific Ocean region. Learn about this Mexican paradise, home to some of the best restaurants in the country.
• National Geographic Traveler and the Mexico Tourism Board will host a special concert event featuring legendary East LA rockers Los Lobos and NYC quartet Pistolera at the Birchmere Theater. Admission cost $49.50

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About National Geographic Traveler magazine

National Geographic Traveler, the only magazine that covers all travel all the time, is number one in reaching travelers who are passionate about experiencing the world. And because Traveler devotes nearly 90 percent of its editorial to the pursuit of leisure and cultural travel, 7.9 million readers consult its pages for the latest in where to go, what to do and how to enjoy it best. Traveler is published eight times a year and is the world’s most widely read travel magazine. Visit Traveler’s Web site at www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler; AOL Keyword: NatGeo Traveler

About the performers

Julieta Venegas was born in Long Beach, California and grew up in Tijuana, Mexico. She is an accomplished and acclaimed singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Her most recent recording, Limon y Sal earned her a Grammy award as the best Latin Pop Album in 2007.  For more information please visit julietavenegas.net.

Los Lobos, the legendary East Los Angeles band uses musical molds built on the blues, rockabilly, jazz, Latin and their own Mexican-American heritage. They have been creating music, releasing albums and touring since their formation in 1973. For more please visit loslobos.org.

Pistolera is a NYC based quartet drawing from traditional styles of Mexican music and fusing it with a pop-rock sensibility. For more information please visit pistolera.net.

About Mexico Tourism Board

 

The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments, municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico’s tourism attractions and destinations internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico’s tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Japan and Latin America. www.visitmexico.com

 

FOR PRESS ONLY: For additional ideas, help with a story or general travel and tourism information about Mexico, please contact the MTB’s U.S. Press Room directly at 1-800-929-4555, by e-mail at northamericanpress@visitmexico.com, or visit our press Web site at www.visitmexicopress.com.