Ep 2. Tijuana: Stories from the Border

Pati's Mexican Table season 7 episode 2, called "Tijuana: Stories from the Border," explores the rich culinary heritage of Tijuana, a city on the Mexico-United States border. Pati travels to Tijuana to discover the diverse flavors and ingredients that make up its vibrant food scene.

In this episode, Pati meets with several local chefs and food experts who share their stories and secrets with her. She visits street food vendors and restaurants to taste traditional dishes such as birria, fish tacos, and ceviche. Pati also discovers new twists on classic dishes, like a mushroom and spinach enchilada topped with a tangy tomatillo sauce.

Throughout the episode, Pati explores the cultural and historical influences that have shaped Tijuana's cuisine. She visits a market where she learns about the importance of indigenous ingredients like Oaxacan cheese and chiles from various regions of Mexico. She also visits a family-owned mezcal distillery to learn about the production process and sample the smoky liquor.

As she explores the city, Pati delves into the stories of Tijuana's people and how they have contributed to its culinary diversity. She visits a shelter for migrants and hears about the challenges they face as they try to make new lives in a foreign country. She also meets a local chef who has created a successful catering business despite facing discrimination for being a woman and a member of the LGBT community.

Overall, "Tijuana: Stories from the Border" offers a fascinating look at the cultural and culinary richness of this vibrant city. Through her travels and interviews, Pati showcases the passion and creativity of Tijuana's chefs and food entrepreneurs, and celebrates the diversity of Mexico's cuisine.