Autopista Cuisine, Oaxacan Style

When driving down the southern coast of Mexico, there are no Denny's diners or McDonald's food stops. And that is a good thing.

This way you are encouraged to try the local fare. Josh, Dave and I ate at many makeshift kitchens off the highway (autopista) in southern Oaxaca.

At this particular place, we chose this lady's booth because we got a good vibe from her sweeping skills as she swept the floor under the tent. This amazing lady had chicken and potates ready to serve. The dish was prepared in an orange-like sauce and had a nice variety of vegetables. Tortillas, rice, and beans were included.

We had a nice home cooked meal peppered with great conversation and the most incredible service. This woman and her daughter were attentive, clean and most importantly, loving. Their smiles said it all.

For the most part, people of southern Oaxaca are happy to converse with outsiders, eager to share their points of view, and hungry for contact with the rest of the world. They are so far from their own state capital, Oaxaca City, that anyone different that is passing through is an inspiration for conversation.

I was very lucky to travel with two gringos that had no qualms about eating from street booths and carts, travelers ready for a real culinary odyssey. When traveling in these parts of the world, you have to roll your tortilla and thank God for your meal, as well as for the hands that prepared it. Your gratefulness will not be overlooked. In fact, it will most likely be rewarded with rich flavors and wholesome eating.