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Oaxacan whiskey blends Mexican culture with international tradition

By
Anna Bruce
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Sierra Norte Whiskey
(All photos by Sierra Norte/Instagram)

Recently, Mexican whiskey has been finding its way into some of the country’s most interesting bars. Whiskeys produced in Mexico generally use Mexico’s favorite grain: corn. Oaxaca-based distiller Sierra Norte takes this focus a step further by focusing on individual species of maize. Their fascinating range of spirits is distilled from locally grown heirloom corn.

Sierra Norte’s selection currently showcases six expressions made from carefully selected corn cobs: black, white, yellow, red, purple and rainbow, the last of which comes from corn that grows with multi-colored cobs. Each has a unique flavor. Typically the expressions are finished at 45 percent after two years in toasted French oak barrels. 

multi-colored corn cobs ready to be distilled into whisky
Indigenous varieties of multi-colored corn are chosen for the production process.

Corn has been grown in Oaxaca for thousands of years and is the basis of much of the traditional diet. Therefore it is exciting that whiskey brands like Sierra Norte are finally emerging from the region, sharing the rich and delicious flavor of Oaxaca’s corn whiskey with the world. 

Founder Douglas French is better known for his mezcal brand Scorpion, which he launched in the mid-1990s with the help of a team of local women. Since then Scorpion has been produced at their distillery in San Agustín de las Juntas. Following a period of agave scarcity, French and his team began to explore distilling other Oaxacan products.

While scouring markets for agave, French met farmers from the Sierra Norte selling different colored corn cobs. He planted some of the grains in his own fields and shared the outcome with local growers. Now there are several producers he can buy the grains from, to produce Sierra Norte whiskey. 

The Sierra Norte distillery is located in San Agustín, about 30 minutes from downtown Oaxaca, hidden down a narrow dusty street, behind a large but unassuming gate. Once inside, however, visitors find a lush plant nursery, bursting at the seams with flowers and young agave plants. Literally tons of old industrial textile machine parts have been repurposed into sculptures and plant pots. 

There is also some rustic but impressive equipment for the production of mezcal and now whiskey. Alongside the big copper pots used for distillation, members of the Sierra Norte team go through hundreds of cobs of corn, separating the cobs into piles by color. Some pull kernels by hand.

Manager Rogelio Hernández Vez explains that to develop the Scorpion mezcal distillery for whiskey, “4000 liter-tanks were brought in, along with a steaming system, and new pot stills were added to the distillation area.”

The corn is then fermented in stainless steel tanks for around five days. At this stage malted barley is added to the corn; approximately 15 percent barley to 85 percent corn. According to Hernández Vez, barley has a higher sugar content than corn and is needed to stimulate the fermentation.

Sierra Norte is distilled twice, first in stainless steel and then in copper alembic stills. Initially coming out of the still the liquid is clear. What French describes as ‘moonshine.’ At this stage the whiskey has a rich smell and taste of the corn itself.

The stills in which the whiskey is first distilled.

The next step is aging in barrels. French is passionate about barrel aging and has an extensive range of barrel-aged mezcal, as well as whiskey. Both are aged in 230-liter French oak barrels, which he originally brought over from France to Oaxaca via the port of Veracruz. 

These barrels are charred using oak coals. Charring the inside of the barrel breaks down the structure of the oak, allowing easier penetration by the spirit. It also creates flavor. 

The barrels are laid to rest in concrete cellars. Although the cellars are meant to be cool, there is still considerable evaporation. In whiskey this evaporation during aging is referred to as the “angel’s share.” According to French, Oaxaca’s angels are particularly boozy. 

Sierra Norte whiskey is aged in these cellars for two years. The first barrels of whiskey were filled in 2014 and the Sierra Norte brand officially launched in 2016.

Sierra Norte Whiskey in casks
The whiskey is distilled in traditional casks, in line with U.S. regulations.

Typically, whiskey produced in Mexico is made from corn and follows United States regulations. This is partly due to much of the product being made to export. This is also true of Sierra Norte. The distiller began producing a mere 250 liters but now produce 8,000 liters and are enjoying global success, exporting Oaxacan whiskey to more than 12 countries. 

Charlie Prince, president of multi-country whiskey tasting club Drammers, says the organization’s international members have shown an interest in the new wave of Mexican corn whiskeys. “We actually bought three single barrels from [Sierra Norte]: a green corn whiskey, a rainbow corn whiskey and a yellow corn whiskey.”

Recently, French and his team have opened the doors of the distillery so visitors can learn about the process and have a full tour of the aging cellars, followed by a tasting of Sierra Norte’s whiskey, presented at different stages of aging. The team guides you through the nuanced flavors of the corn and influence of the barrel. To take a tour, contact Sierra Norte directly. Rambling Spirits can also incorporate a visit as part of a day of Oaxacan spirits.

Anna Bruce is an award-winning British photojournalist based in Oaxaca, Mexico. Just some of the media outlets she has worked with include Vice, The Financial Times, Time Out, Huffington Post, The Times of London, the BBC and Sony TV. Find out more about her work at her website or visit her on social media on Instagram or on Facebook.

Try a Mexican spin on Southern comfort with these corn fritters and homemade aioli

By
Stephen Randall
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Corn fritters with chili-lime aioli
(Canva)

Corn fritters, as we know them in their Tex-Mex glory, are the kind of food that feels like it’s been around forever, but in truth, they’re a fairly recent remix. Think of them as a culinary handshake between the U.S. South and the Tex-Mex borderlands: a marriage of crispy indulgence and bold, Southwestern flair.

It all boils down to corn, the backbone of Tex-Mex cuisine. From tortillas to atole, corn has been the star ingredient in Mexican and Tex-Mex cooking for centuries. But fritters? That’s a Southern twist. The South had its own deep connection to corn — think cornbread, hushpuppies and grits — but what they brought to the table was a love of frying. Fry anything in hot oil, and you’ve got comfort food gold. If you can do it to Oreos, no food is safe from the Southern frying pan.

Deep fried oreos
Deep fried oreos are the unholy union of Glasweigan cuisine and diabetes. But they’re probably quite tasty. (Grace Like Rain/Pinterest)

By the mid-20th century, as Tex-Mex cuisine gained traction beyond Texas cowboys, recipes for fritters started appearing in cookbooks, usually spiced up with chili powder, cumin or jalapeños for an extra kick. It wasn’t just about frying anymore; it was about packing every bite with a rodeo of flavor.

Tex-Mex corn fritters are a little more rebellious than their Southern cousins. They’re often loaded with sharp cheddar, green chilis or diced onions and served with dips that scream Southwest, like smoky chipotle crema or tangy chili-lime aioli. Restaurants along the border added them to menus as appetizers, the kind of thing you eat before a sizzling plate of fajitas or a margarita or two. Their versatility made them a hit— they could go sweet or savory, plain or piled high with toppings.

Now, corn fritters are a staple at backyard barbecues, food trucks and trendy brunch spots. They’ve become a canvas for experimentation, whether stuffed with queso fresco or served with a drizzle of hot honey. Tex-Mex corn fritters aren’t just a dish—they’re a celebration of the region’s melting pot of flavors, proof that even a humble fritter can still elevate a cuisine.

Corn Fritters with Chili-Lime Aioli

Ingredients

For the corn fritters

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornmeal
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups fresh corn kernels (or canned/drained, or frozen/thawed)
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped (optional)
  • ¼  cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 100g canned chipotles, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the chili-lime aioli

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • ½ tsp hot sauce 
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

Make the chili-lime aioli

  1. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, garlic, chili powder, lime zest, lime juice and hot sauce.
  2. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
  3. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Make the corn fritters

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar. In a separate bowl, beat eggs. Pour into dry ingredients and stir until combined. Fold in corn kernels, green onions, shredded cheese if using and chipotles.
  2. Heat about ¼ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Test the oil by dropping in a small bit of batter— it should sizzle immediately.
  3. Drop spoonfuls of batter, about 2 tbsp each, into the hot oil. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
  4. Arrange the fritters on a platter and serve hot with the chili-lime aioli for dipping.

Stephen Randall has lived in Mexico since 2018 by way of Kentucky, and before that, Germany. He’s an enthusiastic amateur chef who takes inspiration from many different cuisines, with favorites including Mexican and Mediterranean. He also runs the Recipe Rankers YouTube channel.

Sheinbaum brushes off Trump and Time magazine buzz: Tuesday’s mañanera recapped

By
MND Staff
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Claudia Sheinbaum, who's election was one of Mexico's biggest news stories in 2024
The election of Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico's first female president, was a watershed moment for the country in 2024. (Graciela López/Cuartoscuro)

The accolades keep coming for President Claudia Sheinbaum: The Financial Times last week included her on its “25 most influential women of 2024” list, while Time magazine announced Monday that she is among 10 finalists in the running for its 2024 “Person of the Year” designation.

Sheinbaum, who was sworn in as Mexico’s first female president 10 weeks ago, responded to Time’s announcement at her Tuesday morning press conference.

She also elaborated on her desire to not engage in a public slanging match with Donald Trump, and revealed that she and her husband have moved into the National Palace.

Inclusion on Time’s shortlist is not ‘a personal recognition,’ says Sheinbaum 

A reporter asked Sheinbaum about Time’s announcement that she is on the shortlist for the magazine’s 2024 “Person of the Year” designation. He also noted that former president Enrique Peña Nieto once appeared on the cover of Time — in 2014 with the headline “Saving Mexico” superimposed on his image.

“One thing is one thing and another thing is another thing,” Sheinbaum said in response to the reporter’s mention of Peña Nieto’s appearance on the cover of Time.

With regard to her inclusion on Time’s “2024 Person of the Year” shortlist, the president declared that it wasn’t “a personal recognition,” but rather an acknowledgment of the work the government is doing as a team.

That work, she added, “provides continuity to a model of development and a vision of how to govern.”

Sheinbaum was referring to the governance of her political mentor and predecessor Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who made the provision of support for Mexico’s most disadvantaged citizens and the responsible administration of public resources central objectives of his administration.

Claudia Sheinbaum, mañanera December 10, 2024
The president declared that Time’s consideration of her for “Person of the Year” wasn’t “a personal recognition,” but rather an acknowledgment of the work the government is doing as a team. (Graciela López/Cuartoscuro)

“We govern with closeness [to the people], with honesty … and provide results, first and foremost, for those who have the least,” the president told reporters.

“That is the vision of the fourth transformation,” Sheinbaum said, using the nickname for the political project that was initiated by López Obrador and of which she claims to be building the “second story.”

Time, which will announce its “Person of the Year” this Thursday, noted in an article announcing the 10 finalists that Sheinbaum “made history when she was sworn in as Mexico’s first-ever female President.”

“Sheinbaum, a lifelong leftist, is also the first Jewish leader in the country’s more than 200 years of independence,” the magazine added.

“Sheinbaum focused her campaign on fighting for the poor, and has taken office at a time when Mexico faces issues ranging from a struggling economy to rising organized violence,” Time said.

The other nine contenders for Time’s 2024 “Person of the Year” are Kamala Harris, Kate Middleton, Elon Musk, Yulia Navalnaya, Benjamin Netanyahu, Jerome Powell, Joe Rogan, Donald Trump and Mark Zuckerberg.

Sheinbaum says she won’t engage in tit-for-tat public dialogue with Trump 

Asked on Monday about Trump’s suggestion that Mexico should become a state of the United States due to the trade imbalance between the two countries, Sheinbaum expressed her desire to cease “dialogue” with the former and future U.S. president “through the media.”

On Tuesday, she explained that what she meant was that her government won’t respond to every “declaration” made by Trump with a public statement of its own.

Two photos, one of Donald Trump and one of Claudia Sheinbaum
United States President-elect Donald Trump suggested Sunday that Mexico should become a state of the U.S. due to a trade imbalance between the two countries. (Donald Trump/Facebook, Cuartoscuro)

Trump is well known for making provocative and inflammatory remarks, especially on social media. In a post to Truth Social early Tuesday, he taunted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by referring to him as the “governor” of the “great state of Canada,” a reference to his suggestion that Canada could become a state of the U.S. as well.

Sheinbaum said Tuesday that her government will “always” defend Mexico as a “free, sovereign and independent country” in the face of insults, accusations and attacks, but emphasized that “everyone has a different way of communicating.”

“This question of entering into permanent dialogue … [by responding to] every statement that is made [by Trump], I don’t think that helps us in the bilateral relationship, right?” she said.

Home sweet palace!

“I’ve already moved. Now I’ve given you another story. A few days ago my husband and I moved here,” Sheinbaum told reporters at the tail end of her press conference in the Treasury Hall of the National Palace.

“We’re going to spend Christmas and the New Year here, and I hope to spend it with family,” she said.

Sheinbaum confirmed in September that she would follow in the footsteps of López Obrador and make her residence in the National Palace.

Located in the historic center of Mexico City, the colonial-era building was fitted out with an apartment during AMLO’s presidency. López Obrador ended the tradition of Mexican presidents living in “Los Pinos,” turning the erstwhile official residence of Mexico’s head of state into a cultural complex that is open to the public.

By Mexico News Daily chief staff writer Peter Davies (peter.davies@mexiconewsdaily.com)

Mexico postpones new US $42 cruise passenger fee

By
Caitlin Cooper
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Cruise ship in Acapulco port, surrounded by the Acapulco city skyline
The international tourist fee, which didn't previously apply to cruise ship passengers stopping in Mexican ports, will be required whether or not a passenger disembarks in Mexico. (Carlos Alberto Carbajal/Cuartoscuro)

Mexico’s lawmakers have postponed the application of a new US $42-dollar fee for every cruise ship passenger docking at Mexico’s ports, according to the Florida and Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA).

The fee, which was proposed to come into effect starting January 2025, will now not be put into effect until July 2025.

Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama standing in a row of seated Mexican government officials.
Quintana Roo Gov. Mara Lezama, seen here standing at the annual National Public Safety Council in Acapulco on Tuesday, said the decision to delay the fee resulted from a meeting between government authorities and cruise and tourism sector representatives. (Mara Lezama/X)

The FCCA, while praising the temporary suspension of the fee, stressed its concern about the negative impact the measure could have on Mexico’s tourism industry and its workers.

“While the suspension provides temporary respite…more comprehensive measures are needed to address broader concerns about the fee’s devastating impact on cruise tourism, Mexico’s economy and the livelihoods of its coastal communities,” the FCCA said in a statement. 

The announcement of the proposed fee sent ripples through the cruise industry when it was made public in early December, as Mexico had previously exempted cruise passengers from immigration fees due to their “in transit” status. 

According to the FCCA, which represents 23 cruise lines, several companies were considering altering their itineraries in response to the new fee. 

The association also criticized the lack of prior consultation with industry representatives on such a  measure, noting that before this new duty was announced, “the industry sought to grow business in Mexico, and now the opposite will be the case.”

With 79 votes in favor and 38 against, Mexico’s Senate approved the $42-dollar fee on Dec. 3. During the presentation of the ruling, Senator Cuauhtémoc Ochoa Fernández (Morena) highlighted that the increases for 2025 in the collection of duties are based on inflation and adjustments congruent with the “evolution of technologies and processes.”

Mexican Senator Cuauhtémoc Ochoa Fernández standing behind a podium with two microphones, holding papers in his hand as he addresses the Mexican federal senate off camera.
Morena Senator Cuauhtémoc Ochoa Fernández. (Galo Cañas Rodríguez/Cuartoscuro)

On Monday, the governor of Quintana Roo — Mexico’s No.1 cruise tourism destination — confirmed the fee’s postponement for six months, sharing that it resulted from a meeting between Mexican government authorities and representatives of the cruise and tourism sector.

“We have had total openness with the federal government to engage in dialogue, [and] we believe that these fees should remain in the places where the visitor arrives,” Mara Lezama was reported saying in an article published by the newspaper El Economista. 

“For the time being, [as] the FCCA has already said…a postponement [of the new fee] was achieved as a first agreement.”

The FCCA is pushing for the complete elimination of the immigration fee for cruise ship passengers, saying that if implemented, cruise lines “expect a progressive decrease in arrivals [to Mexico’s ports], which will significantly affect the employment of cab drivers, tour guides, artisans, waiters, restaurateurs, craft store owners, pharmacies and more.”

With reports from El Economista and Forbes

Congress rushes to reshuffle 40 billion pesos of FY 2025 budget

By
MND Staff
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Mexican Federal Deputy Sergio Gutiérrez and head of the board of directors of the Chamber of Deputies rings a bell in to open session. He's sitting at a desk at the head of the Chamber with other members of the board of directors sitting on either side of him and other lawmakers standing behind them, conducting other business
Federal Deputy Sergio Gutiérrez, President of the Chamber of Deputies directive board, opens the Chamber's second session on Tuesday. (Mario Jasso/Cuartoscuro)

The clock is ticking on Mexico’s 2025 budget as Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies scrambles to rework the spending portion of the 9.3 trillion-peso (US $461.08 billion) budget submitted by President Claudia Sheinbaum before a final vote is expected on Thursday.

By Tuesday afternoon, deputies with Morena — the ruling party in the Chamber — had reportedly hammered out a proposal to reassign 40 billion pesos (US $1.98 billion) of the budget, with the National Electoral Institute and the judiciary suffering the biggest reductions.

Group of federal deputies sitting in session in Mexico's Chamber of Deputies in Mexico City
Ricardo Monreal, head of the Morena party’s caucus in the Chamber of Deputies, center, originally told reporters Monday that the Chamber would debate 30 billion pesos (US $1.5 billion) in reallocations of Claudia Sheinbaum’s 2025 budget. By Tuesday, that amount had grown to over 40 billion (US $1.98 billion)

The Budget Committee was poised to debate the resolution later Tuesday.  Floor debate would then be scheduled for Wednesday, with a final vote set for Thursday.

Mexico’s budget challenges are significant, especially as Sheinbaum’s declared goal is to lower the nation’s deficit by increasing revenues and reducing expenditures. Mexico’s budget deficit is expected to close the year at negative 5.9%, according to the news agency Reuters.

Sheinbaum’s proposed spending cuts deprioritized sectors such as Mexico’s defense, with a 44% cut compared to the last budget, and security, which saw a 36% cut, Reuters reported. Environmental spending was also down 39% in the proposed budget, and educational institutions saw a 14% reduction.

Opposition to the budget was quick to arise after it was revealed on Nov. 15 — especially regarding cuts to public universities and cultural institutions — and some circumstances changed. 

Among those changes was the elimination of seven autonomous Mexican agencies at the end of November, which freed up 4.4 billion pesos (US $218.2 million). Sheinbaum let Congress know she was willing to negotiate while insisting that some institutions must accept austerity.

Morena Deputy Ricardo Monreal, the leader of the ruling party’s caucus, told reporters Monday that the Chamber would be in session Tuesday and Wednesday to work on the proposed changes, with committees and caucuses hastening to crunch numbers amenable to Sheinbaum and the Finance Ministry.

Mexico's Supreme Court Chief Justice Norma Pina standing at a podium giving the judiciary's annual report to the nation.
One of the bigger cuts will be to Mexico’s judiciary, which will undergo major structural changes in 2025. On Tuesday, Supreme Court Chief Justice Norma Piña, who heads Mexico’s judiciary bodies, made her annual report to the nation. (Cuartoscuro)

Initially, the Chamber announced it would work to redistribute 20 billion pesos of the budget to favor universities and cultural institutions shortchanged in the initial budget (the Finance Ministry admitted to a clerical error that inadvertently reduced funds for two major public universities).

On Monday, Monreal announced that Morena had identified 30 billion pesos that could be reapportioned and that his caucus would present the proposals to the opposition and in committee, according to the newspaper El Universal. 

Monreal specifically identified the INE and the Federal Electoral Tribunal (TEPJF) as targets for reduction, as well as Mexico’s judiciary.

At the same time, Sheinbaum made it clear that she wanted the Defense Ministry budget increased, prompting Monreal to urge Morena deputies to allocate more money to fund military pay raises, as well as road infrastructure, particularly in Mexico’s rural areas.

On Tuesday morning, a proposal had taken shape. The newspaper El Financiero reported that the resolution circulating in the Chamber of Deputies called for slashing 14 billion pesos from the judiciary and 13 billion pesos from the INE.

The Chamber also proposed reducing Congress’ budget while also reassigning funds from the executive branch, several cabinet ministries and a few regulatory agencies. 

The changes proposed would increase the defense budget by 6.3 billion pesos, set aside an additional 10 billion pesos for roads and infrastructure and restore the cuts in funding to universities, including the National Autonomous University (UNAM), whose funding will be restored by 5.5 billion pesos (US $272.7 million), which comes to about 127 million pesos (US $6.3 million) more than UNAM had in 2024.

Overall, if the reworked budget were to be approved, educational institutions would in total be granted 17.3 billion more pesos than had been assigned in the original budget.

With reports from Infobae, El Financiero, Expansión Política and Animal Político

Querétaro named a 2024 UNESCO ‘Lifelong Learning City’

By
MND Staff
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Querétaro, a city of 1.6 million, was honored by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) for its commitment to learning and education initiatives.
Querétaro, a city of 1.6 million, was honored by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) for its commitment to learning and education initiatives. (Anáhuac Querétaro)

UNESCO has named Querétaro one of 10 global “Lifelong Learning Cities,” recognizing the central Mexican city for its exemplary support of learning initiatives that cater to all ages.

The prize-winning cities were selected by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), based on recommendations from an independent jury of international experts.

“Thank you, UNESCO, for the award and for recognizing the municipality as a city of governance, good practices … where [there are] programs that promote inclusion, and work is done to improve the quality of life of families,” Querétaro’s Municipal President Felipe Fernando Macías wrote on the social media site X. 

The UNESCO Learning City Award was established in 2015 to further promote lifelong learning for all and showcase good practices in building learning cities.

“Cities are home to more than half of the world’s population and must be at the forefront of societal change,” said the Director of the UIL Isabell Kempf. “The 2024 UNESCO Learning City Awardees demonstrate the power of lifelong learning to enable citizens to adapt, innovate and collaborate on solutions to our planet’s most pressing challenges. Their commitment to inclusivity and to sustainable development offers a path to a more just and prosperous future for all.”  

Querétaro, located around two hours northwest of Mexico City, has transformed into a dynamic hub of lifelong learning since becoming a UNESCO learning city in 2019. 

According to UNESCO, the city has implemented 40 projects, including 28 public programs adapted to lifelong learning principles, reaching over 1.7 million participants by 2023. 

Notable achievements include the creation of five community gardens maintained by over 300 residents, the establishment of cultural spaces like La Vía Centre for Artistic Training and Hercules Cultural Space and the implementation of technology training at the BLOQUE centre1.

Querétaro has also demonstrated a strong commitment to workforce development, particularly in response to the growing opportunities presented by nearshoring.

In October, Japanese machine tool giant Makino broke ground on a new technology innovation center in Querétaro, citing the city’s infrastructure, education and highly qualified workforce as critical factors in its decision to invest in the region.

Mexico News Daily

Architectural Review awards post-hurricane housing design in Acapulco

By
MND Staff
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2
Hurricane-resistant homes built by Estudio Manuel Cervantes were awarded a 2024 House Award by the trade magazine Architectural Review
Hurricane-resistant homes built by Estudio Manuel Cervantes were awarded a 2024 House Award by the trade magazine Architectural Review. (Instagram)

A housing project in Mexico’s coastal city of Acapulco, designed by the Mexican architectural studio Estudio Manuel Cervantes, was announced as the winner of the 2024 Architectural Review (AR) House Awards on Monday.

“Our goal is to make houses that are not just structures but adaptable homes where the architecture enables the empowerment of the inhabitants to break the cycle of poverty in Acapulco,” Manuel Cervantes told AR.

Acapulco suffered widespread damage during Hurricane Otis, one of the worst storms to ever hit Mexico’s Pacific coast, in October 2023. The storm damaged 80% of the resort city’s hotels and 95% of its businesses, and killed at least 52 people.

Cervantes’s studio designed the new houses to be built using prefabricated Covintec panels — wire mesh frames filled with Styrofoam and coated with concrete. Each house is designed to operate without air conditioning, while timber screens and concrete latticework allow air and light through.  

As part of an initiative known as Kon-tigo, meaning “with you” in Spanish, the studio has completed 42 houses and is working to finish 78 more, with funding from various private donors through the non‑profit organizations Asociación Gilberto and Construyendo. The houses vary in size, from 376 to 807 square feet, and cost an average of US $18,000 each to build.

The structures withstood flooding during Acapulco’s tropical storm season in September and October, including Hurricane John. 

The "Diamante" resort zone of Acapulco was under water on Monday.
Hurricane John struck Acapulco in September, just 11 months after Hurricane Otis damaged 80% of its hotels and 95% of its businesses. (Carlos Alberto Carbajal/Cuartoscuro)

Cervantes aims to build long-term housing for those affected by Hurricane Otis, inspired by the Cartilla de la Vivienda (Housing Primer), published by the National College of Architects of Mexico and the Society of Mexican Architects in 1954. The original project created a construction manual to help those working in the informal labor market who did not have access to state-built housing. 

He also takes inspiration from a 1954 article in Arquitectura México written by the Mexican architect Enrique del Moral, in which del Moral stressed the importance of using open floor plans that facilitate cross ventilation and avoiding excessive use of glass and metal, according to AR. 

The impact of hurricanes on Acapulco

While still recovering from the effects of Otis, Acapulco suffered extreme flooding and mudslides during Hurricane John in September, which killed at least 29 people.  

In October, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced an 8-billion-peso (US $400 million) reconstruction package for Acapulco and Oaxaca in October in response to the destruction caused by John.   

The Mexican government also recently announced plans to construct one million new homes countrywide over the next six years with an investment of 600 billion pesos ($29.7 billion) under its Housing and Regularization Program. 

With reports from The Architectural Review, El Sol de Acapulco and El País

Boston Red Sox to play two exhibition games in Monterrey

By
MND Staff
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0
The Boston Red Sox 2024 team sitting on dugout benches in ascending rows for a photo.
The Boston Red Sox will fly into Monterrey, Nuevo León, for a two-game regular season exhibition series against hometown heroes Los Sultanes de Monterrey (the Monterrey Sultans). (Boston Red Sox/Facebook)

Although a plan to play 2025 regular-season Major League Baseball (MLB) games in Mexico for a third consecutive year has not panned out, Mexican fans will have an opportunity in March to see a Major League team play here: the Boston Red Sox have committed to a two-game exhibition series on March 24-25 in Monterrey, Nuevo León.

After the Boston Red Sox conclude their 2025 spring training schedule in Fort Meyers, Florida, they will pay a visit to the Mexican Baseball League team, the Monterrey Sultans (Sultanes de Monterrey), the Red Sox announced via social media.

Edgar Torres, pitcher for the Mexican Baseball League team Sultanes de Monterrey, with his glove over his hand and leg raised, in position to throw a pitch at a recent Sultans game.
Edgar Torres, pitcher for the Monterrey Sultans. (Sultanes de Monterrey/X)

The Sox will play the Sultans in the Sultans’ home stadium, Monterrey’s Estadio Mobil Super.

The Boston Herald newspaper reported that the Red Sox will fly from Fort Meyers to Monterrey ahead of their March 27 season opener against the Texas Rangers.

The Sultans are one of the Mexican League’s Big Three, with 10 championships under their belts, behind only the Mexico City Diablos Rojos (17) and the Quintana Roo Tigres (12).

Monterrey’s Sultans have faced Major League baseball teams before. 

In 1991, they hosted a three-game series featuring MLB teams the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, as well as the Industriales de Monterrey (a Mexican Baseball League team that folded in 1994). 

The Sultans defeated the Brewers 6-5.

Two years later, in 1993, the city hosted another round-robin series featuring the Monterrey team against the Atlanta Braves, the Minnesota Twins and the Industriales. The Sultanes lost 3-2 to the Braves.

In 2008, the Sultans traveled to Phoenix to face the Arizona Diamondbacks, losing 9-4.

According to MLB.com, Monterrey’s Estadio Mobil Super, the largest baseball stadium in Mexico, has hosted five MLB regular-season series, including the first-ever regular-season game outside of the United States or Canada. They are: 

  • April 16-18, 1996: San Diego Padres vs New York Mets, three games 
  • April 4, 1999: San Diego Padres vs Colorado Rockies, one game
  • May 4-6, 2018: San Diego Padres vs Los Angeles Dodgers, three games
  • April 13-14, 2019: Cincinnati Reds vs St. Louis Cardinals, two games
  • May 4-5, 2019: Houston Astros vs Los Angeles Angels, two games

As regular-season exhibition games, the Red Sox-Sultanes games are not part of the MLB International Series, which has featured over 200 international games in 11 different countries and territories.

Mexico City’s Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú hosted the MLB International Series each of the past two seasons in 2023 and 2024, as well as a two-game exhibition series between the New York Yankees and the hometown team, the Diablos Rojos (Red Devils) in March 2024.

With reports from The Boston Herald and ESPN

France meets Mexico: How Christian Plumail arrived in Zihuatanejo

By
Elisabeth Ashe
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5
Christian Plumail
Christian Plumail has a host of Michelin stars and loves passing on his culinary knowledge to others. Now his mission is to help Zihuatanejo to cook. (Christian Plumail via Email Gourmand)

Chef Christian Plumail was just 20 years old when he opened his first restaurant in Juan-les-Pins, France, following an extensive, well-rounded education at the Nice cooking school with very little money and a lot of determination. For 10 years he persevered, earning his first Michelin star rating. 

The success of his first venture started a lifelong career as Plumail opened his 2nd restaurant, which he operated for 3 years in Sait-Paul-de-Vence, France and where he earned his 2nd Michelin Star. Following this success, Plumail opened his 3rd restaurant in Nice and ran it for 25 years, earning yet another Michelin Star. However, the accolades did not end when Plumail also scooped the prestigious Pastry award in 1978.  

Christian Plumail and Adriana Karembian in Monaco.
Christian Plumail has been cooking for celebrities for decades — while teaching anyone who wants to learn for free. (Pure People)

Plumail’s star rose quickly from the opening of his first venture, gaining an exclusive A-lister clientele such as Duran Duran, Sir Elton John and King Frederik of Denmark, as well as many wealthy clients worldwide. While at his 3rd restaurant, he caught the eye of none other than the Prince Of Monaco. Impressed with his skills, the Royal Prince enticed him to be the chef at Monaco’s prestigious yacht club. At first, Plumail was reluctant — after all, he had a business and school to run. He only agreed when promised it would be only for 3 days, so he accepted the offer. Little did he know that those 3 days would become a week, which quickly became 5 years.  

After years of struggle and humble beginnings, Plumail says, “Working there was like another world. Unlimited money when before money was always limited. It was a dream job.”

Plumail sold his restaurant and began traveling and cooking all over the world, often for VIPs and celebrities. But he never lost his love for teaching. “Some of my students have become very successful,” he said with pride, “It makes me feel good.”

During one of these assignments in 1984, he ended up in Oaxaca, Mexico and was the first person to teach cooking classes for Alliance Française, a global network of schools promoting the French language through cultural and educational activities. In exchange, the school gave him and his wife, Betty, a one-week free holiday to Zihuatanejo. 

Plumail and his wife were instantly captivated by the allure of Zihuatanejo. Their love for the area was so profound that they decided to make it their permanent home, moving there full-time three years ago. 

But, says Plumail, “I knew I could not just sit here and do nothing — I had to do something.”

That something was the purchase of a small 9-room boutique hotel in July of this year, high on the road to La Ropa beach, called Enseno de Fuga. From the outside, it looked deceivingly small, with a low wooden door which led inside. Once you step over the threshold, you will be greeted with a breathtaking view of Zihuatanejo Bay and the sheer spaciousness of the interior. 

This continued throughout the entire property, from the foyer to the dining area and pool below.  Each of the nine rooms boasting the same spectacular views was individually decorated and named with their door plaques, like La Sirena, La Ropa, and Neptuno. In addition, you can rent the whole villa, which includes a sitting area and kitchen facilities so you can cook for yourselves or enjoy the luxury of Plumail as your private chef.  

Plans for the hotel, which Plumail says should be operational in about a month, include hosting special events for up to 20 people at a time, which Plumail and his wife will cater. “These would be special and with fine attention to every detail. For me, a customer is a friend, and spending a special, personal time with people is important to create an experience for our guests.”

His future plans also include cooking classes for four to eight people in an intimate setting. The class will consist of a trip to the market, during which Plumail will guide you in choosing the freshest ingredients. Then, you will return to the villa and cook together. “I want everyone to be working and active in the class and not just watching me cook,” he says of the small class size.

Starting in December 2024, Plumail is organizing and hosting high-end brunches, including champagne, with reservations only.  

And if Plumail life wasn’t busy enough, I soon learned of his second passion in life – running. “I love to eat,” he said. “But I don’t want to get fat. And so, I must exercise.”

That “exercise” is three Ironman competitions — two in France, one in Germany, and over twenty marathons worldwide. Last year, he climbed Pico de Orizaba, Mexico’s highest mountain, at 5,600 meters. Next year, Plumail plans to climb the Aconcagua in Argentina, which is 6,900 meters. He is in training now. 

Through it all, Plumail confessed his love of passing on his knowledge to others, often for free, such as a class at the nearby Universidad Tecnológica de la Costa Grande de Guerrero. “I love to teach and I know what it’s like to have little money to learn and study. And all the time, you are an apprentice.” Although Plumail hesitated to talk about his philanthropy and charity work teaching budding chefs, often for free, he says, “You have to give back.”

Writer Elizabeth Ashe divides her time between Canada and Zihuatanejo.

Are Mexicans really always late?

By
Sarah DeVries
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7
Someone checking their watch.
It's maybe the biggest stereotype in the country. What's the truth of the matter? (JÉSHOOTS/Pexels)

Before we get into the nuts and bolts regarding Mexican punctuality — or lack thereof — it’s important to clarify one thing. Mexicans are not actually always late.

That said, all stereotypes have to come from somewhere, don’t they? But like everything in life, there’s nuance to it.

Someone having a nice coffee at a local café
Stereotypes regarding Mexican punctuality can be in accurate, but it’s hard to argue that for many, the concept of time here is just…different. (The Lazy Artist Gallery/Pexels)

Just like people all over the world, there’s room for a great deal of variety. Some people are always on time, and some people never are. Most people are punctual for certain activities, and unpunctual for others.

My dad, for instance, has never been punctual; I remember my mother saying she was terrified he wouldn’t make it to their wedding on time. My ex-husband also has challenges with punctuality, as does one of my best friends; I’ve spent great chunks of my adult life waiting hours.

I’m always super duper on time for everything, though might let myself get to a party up to an hour late. My kid is leaning unpunctual, but I’m doing my damndest to lecture it out of her. Because if there’s one thing kids love and respond to, it’s a good lecture.

One of the problems about even defining “late” is the language around defining time. For a deep dive into this, check out Joseph Sorrentino’s excellent piece on this specific type of vocabulary. “Ahorita,” “al ratito,” “mañana.” None of these words specify an actual time, you see? So “ahorita” could mean right this minute, and it could mean in five hours, or never. “Al ratito” (in a while) might mean in a couple of hours, or it might mean in a few years, depending on who’s saying it. You get the idea.

An old man reading the newspaper in a café
“Ahorita,” “al ratito,” “mañana.” None of these words specify an actual time, do they? (Daria Obymaha/Pexels)

And really, this kind of language is useful because it allows for flexibility. In this way at least, Mexico is a flexible country.

Really, it has to be. Things come up that need tending. Public transportation can be unpredictable. The opportunity to have a meal or talk to a pretty girl might come up. Your mom tells you to go fetch some things from the store, and you don’t tell your mom, “Sorry, I have plans.” Really, you just never know what can happen!

Life is unpredictable, and Mexicans have a fairly high tolerance for it being unpredictable, which is lucky for all of us.

Sometimes, though, there are things you must be on time for. And a good indicator for what those things are is whether or not there’s a specific time attached to them.

School is one of those things. At my daughter’s school, for example, 8:00 a.m. is the official time kids have to be in the door. As a courtesy to the perpetually-late parents, there’s a “tolerance” of 10 minutes. To me, this means my daughter must be there before 8:00 if we’re not to be seen as rude and irresponsible. To others, it means 8:10 or even 8:11 is the limit. If kids aren’t in by that time, they must wait to enter the 9:00 a.m. class.

A young girl holding her school supplies.
Mexicans usually have “tolerance minutes,” that allow for limited lateness at appointments and formal events. (Element5 Digital/Unsplash)

It was like this when I taught school here, too; some things, I suppose are non-negotiable.

The same goes for official appointment times, even if the official or doctor you’re meeting isn’t exactly on time. So if you have a meeting with, say, immigration, you’d better be there at your appointment time! Some places will let you know that they have a “tolerancia” (literally, tolerance) of 10-15 minutes. This means that if you’re more than that amount of time late, you lose the appointment!

For other things, usually involving celebrations, arrival and start times are more flexible. This is especially true of parties, to which you can show up rather late without causing a fuss. Unless you’ve promised to bring something essential for the party, they’re just glad to have you there at some point. This doesn’t mean they’ll wait for you to start in on the cake and piñatas, though, so beware!

Concerts and plays typically start within 15-30 minutes of their “official” start time; rock concerts might start hours after they’re meant to. Oh, well!

Friends having a nice coffee and chit-chat.
“I’ll text you when I leave” is a good way to keep people updated but plans flexible. (Roman Kraft/Unsplash)

And if you’re meeting friends, it might depend on the specific circumstances. Are you meeting someone busy who only has a few minutes? Are you meeting them alone? In my group of mom friends, we always know that things can come up. “I’ll text you when I leave” is a good, flexible bridge that keeps people updated but plans flexible.

In my own conservative and somewhat strict view, being on time means showing respect for the other person. If you are not on time, then you do not care about them or their time. And if you are on time, not only are you showing respect for them, but you’re making things easier for yourself, avoiding fluster. My cultural chauvinism is showing, I know.

But for plenty of people here, that’s a ridiculous notion. Why stress so much about being on time when literally anything can happen to make you not on time? Perhaps there’s a message here too about avoiding blame and responsibility. “Se me durmió el gallo” (“the rooster went to sleep on me,” as in, the rooster didn’t wake me up).

But that’s for another article. For now, I’ll leave you with a cute little proverb, as well as its juxtaposed, more truthful meme:

“Al que madruga, Dios le ayuda.” (The one who rises early receives God’s help.) It rhymes!

“Al que madruga, encuentra todo cerrado.” (The one who rises early finds everything closed.)

Truer words were never spoken.

Sarah DeVries is a writer and translator based in Xalapa, Veracruz. She can be reached through her website, https://sarahedevries.substack.com/ 

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