A Culinary Adventure at Gaby's Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta

I’m thrilled to welcome a special guest writer to Wanderlingo Mom Chronicles today – my husband, Larry. Larry has his Substack blog @HuntGatherTrade, where he dives deep into the world of stocks and technical analysis of trading. However, there's much more to Larry than just his expertise in the financial markets. He is also an avid traveler and passionate foodie who loves to explore new culinary techniques and flavors from around the world.

Without further ado...

My wife and I have always loved to travel, often venturing internationally. One tradition we've developed over the years is attending cooking classes that focus on traditional foods from the regions we visit. It all started in Thailand, and it’s become a staple of our travel experiences. While my wife enjoys good food, I’m the true foodie in the family, always eager to learn new cooking techniques to delight my family.

Our trip to Puerto Vallarta (PV) was no different, except this time, we had our 16-month-old son with us. Doing a cooking class together posed some challenges, primarily due to the safety concerns in a kitchen environment and the need to keep Wren entertained and safe. We decided it made the most sense for me to attend the class alone. My amazing wife gifted me this experience for Father's Day, making it even more special.

Preparation and Goals

Before leaving for PV, I had a list of culinary goals in my notebook. I wanted to learn how to make mole, a variety of salsas, guacamole, refried beans, fresh corn tortillas, birria, and more. Additionally, I aimed to understand the staple ingredients in Mexican cuisine, the most commonly used cheeses, and the specific tools found in a Mexican kitchen. Realistically, achieving all of this would likely require more than one cooking class.

The Cooking Class at Gaby’s Restaurant

This is where Gaby's Restaurant comes in. Located in the heart of PV, Gaby’s is a former family home now run by Chef Julio Castillón, who conducts the cooking classes. The class is a comprehensive 5+ hour experience that starts with a walk to the local market to pick up the ingredients needed for cooking. Along the way, we also made a few stops to explore local flavors.

During the class, we learned to make around ten different salsas, ceviche, chili-infused tortilla chips, hand-made tortillas, beans, pulled chicken, and stock for enchiladas, mole, and fried chile relleno. Chef Julio and his assistant Aldo, who both spoke excellent English, were our guides. They made the experience enjoyable and interactive. The class size is limited to six people, but on the day I attended, there were only three of us, making it feel like a private session.

The Cooking Experience

The class takes place on the covered roof of Gaby's, where fans and the ocean breeze keep the area comfortable despite the warm PV climate. The constant movement and tasks kept us engaged and made the heat manageable. Although drinks other than water are not included in the class price, you can order from the bar below. I enjoyed a mezcal and tamarind margarita, which was fantastic and added to the overall experience.

Final Thoughts

You can't learn everything about a culture's cuisine in a single 5-hour class, but Gaby's did an excellent job of providing a solid foundation in Mexican cooking. They also offer another class focused on tacos and are open to custom private cooking experiences.

This cooking class at Gaby's Restaurant was an outstanding experience. It was a perfect blend of education, hands-on practice, and enjoyment, making it a highlight of our trip to Puerto Vallarta.

If you're a foodie or just someone who enjoys learning about different cuisines, I highly recommend taking a cooking class at Gaby's Restaurant. It's an investment in your culinary skills and a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

If you are interested in learning from Chef Julio at Gabby's, here is the direct link to book.