Chilhuacle Rojo - OAXACA DE JUÁREZ

Mi novio y yo tomamos la clase de cocina hacia el final de nuestra semana en Oaxaca y deseamos haberla hecho al principio. Hablamos con José de lo que queríamos aprender mientras tomamos un delicioso granizado a base de cactus. Luego nos llevaron rápidamente por el Mercado Benito Juárez para comprar nuestros ingredientes, con José explicándonos qué era todo y animándonos a probar un poco de todo. Luego fuimos a una barra de mezcal donde un verdadero gurú de todo lo relacionado con el mezcal (un estante estaba lleno de libros que escribió sobre el tema) nos habló durante una excelente sesión de degustación. Cuando regresamos al restaurante, el personal de cocina de José había preparado todo para que empezáramos a cocinar. Habíamos elegido hacer salsa roja, salsa verde, enchiladas de pollo con mole almendrado, queso oaxaqueño en hojas, agua de mango y una pequeña bebida de chocolate de postre. Todo lo hicimos a mano, aprendiendo técnicas y recetas auténticas y el resultado final fue uno. de las comidas más increíbles que hemos tenido. No puedo recomendar la clase lo suficiente. José es realmente amigable y su pasión por la cocina, Oaxaca y la comida con la que creció realmente brilla. Fue un placer aprender a cocinar esta maravillosa comida de la mano de un gran chef.

La combibacion de colores, sabores y texturas hace interesante la experiencia de probar la comida de ChilhuacleAcompañada de un bue jugo, chicolate, pan hecho en casa asi como la mermelada

Went to Chilhuacle Rojo for a cooking class and it has been such an fantastic moment ! We started by shopping groceries at the market. The Chef explained us many many things about the products and the traditions, and made us try many products ! Then went for a mezcal degustation... Then back to the restaurant to cook all together. The Chef made us feel very confident and we really cooked (and have fun). No pressure, he offered us all the time we needed and answered all of our questions. No limit! Have been to many cooking classes. Never felt so warmly welcomed. The restaurant is cute, a bit hidden. I really highly recommand it !

When I sat down at this restaurant the guy walked over and told me the specials for the day, when I told them they both sounded great he said "why don't I just make you a little of both?" Now that's my kind of place! everything I ate at this place was excellent and I highly recommend it.

Having lived in San Francisco for 12 years I am spoiled when it comes to restaurants. I love Mexican food and Oaxacan food in particular and often find the street food to be some of the most delicious, and of course a great value. My meal at Chiljuacle Rojo (reservation made earlier in the day with a deposit to hold spots for 5 people) stood out as creative, well thought out and made with very fresh ingredients. The classic flavors were there but used in surprising ways, like small bites of quesillo wrapped in hoja santa to make little gems of savory goodness. You can tell the chef has a background in art. The visual presentation is considered and the way flavors and textures play off of each other keeps dishes exciting. Will definitely go back on my next visit, maybe try a cooking lesson.

If you are a 'breakfast' person this is truly a Oaxacan experience not to miss! The rustic comfy interior courtyard, which is shared with the Mini-Taj restaurant, is very casual and inviting. Loved the 'oldies but goodies' music playing. BUT the food is event and delicious. A lovely juice shows up with toasted intregal bread and jam plus a hot ginger tea - all part of the experience. You have several choices of entrees all explained by the waiter - about half are vegetarian - I chose the omelette of cheese and huitlicoxchtli / the corn fungus specialty of Oaxaca especially delicious with eggs and cheese and amazing almond moles sauce. A bit of salad and water cress tops this dish. Then a little sweet crema dessert w/drops of strawberry to be eaten our of a chinese soup spoon (love it!) and a small shot of lovely Oaxacan hot chocolate. I shouldn't have spoiled the surprise!!! But honestly this was the BEST breakfast this year and I come to Oaxaca every year!

I could only make it to breakfast and at first they said they werent serving bfast anymore then the friendly staff asked what I wanted to have and I said something easy like eggs in a local sauce w tortillas. So they said of course and brought out a simple extremely tasty dish, exactly what i was looking for.. The staff was extremmely accomadating and answered all my questions about the area I will definately go back again because if the breakfast was that good i can only imagine what dinner must be like. Oh and all the food is local and organically grown on a farm the owner owns outside of the city.

Absolutely brilliant food that makes you wanting more. The restaurant is in a cozy courtyard with a lot of charm. It's a hidden gem of Oaxaca...definitely worth a visit.