La Pina Azul Escuela de Cocina
La Pina Azul Escuela de Cocina
La Pina Azul Escuela de Cocina
5
Lessons & Workshops • Cooking Classes
Read more
About
Thank you for your interest in my cooking classes! I am an international chef, cooking instructor and have studied regional Mexican cuisine for over 25 years. For the past ten years I have been a full-time resident of San Miguel de Allende. In this picturesque and historic colonial town in the mountains of central Mexico I offer visitors the complete San Miguel de Allende Culinary Experience at "La Piña Azul Escuela de Cocina". My teachers range from many Mexican cooks to Diana Kennedy and Rick Bayless, both recipients of the Orden Mexicana del Águila Azteca (the Mexican Order of the Aztec Eagle). In addition, I had the great honor of collaborating for eight years with Rick Bayless in Chicago, Illinois, which included recipe testing for three of his award-winning cookbooks. The highly informative, culturally and historically rich and fun cooking classes range from basic home cooking to mastering the fine art of making moles. Your class can include visits to local markets, vineyards, artisanal food producers and organic farms. There will be some hands on activities but mostly it will be demonstration. The cost of the class includes the full lunch, traditional Mexican non-alcoholic beverages and a recipe booklet. You are welcome to bring your own wine or beer. Classes usually start at 10 am and are 2-3 hours which includes lunch from the foods prepared in class. Let me know if there is anything in particular that you are interested in learning. Also, if you have any food allergies. Classes are scheduled by appointment to accommodate your travel plans.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
534 within 3 miles
El Puerto Seafood SMA
81
0.3 mi$ • Mexican • Seafood • Healthy
Tostevere
249
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Latin • International
ZUMO
1,064
0.4 mi$$$$ • International • Healthy • Vegetarian Friendly
El Rinconcito
136
398 ft$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Latin • Vegetarian Friendly
Pork Belly
176
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Healthy • Beer restaurants • Gluten Free Options
Hecho en Mexico
1,558
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Latin • Vegetarian Friendly
La Frontera
156
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • American • International
El Buen Cafe
86
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Latin • Cafe
Don Lupe Grill
262
0.3 mi$ • Mexican • Latin • Vegetarian Friendly
Cafe Rama
697
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • International • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Attractions
103 within 6 miles
Canada de la Virgen
653
0.3 miNature & Wildlife Areas
Centro Mexicano de Lengua y Cultura
20
0.2 miEducational sites
Casa Verde
2
0.2 miArt Galleries
Exim Galería
132
0.6 miArt Galleries
Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel
3,258
0.6 miArchitectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals
El Jardin
1,065
0.5 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
Zocalo
511
0.6 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Bellas Artes
186
0.5 miArchitectural Buildings
Sazon
256
0.6 miEducational sites
Parque Benito Juárez
496
0.6 miParks
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
22 reviews
Excellent
22
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
georgeann johnson
Natchez, MS2 contributions
Kirsten's class in the basics of Mexican Cooking is more fun than you can shake a rattle at! The history of corn, peppers, and more is stirred right into the basic ingredients of tortillas and salsas. And you get to eat what you learn about. If you plan a visit to San Miguel Allende, make sure you plan for a class with Kirsten.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so much Georgeann, I am always happy to hear that attending my cooking class made your San Miguel stay fun and memorable. Saludos!
Written January 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
msaucedo73
Houston, TX43 contributions
How do you book a class or where is there a phone number to call ? I've been attempting to book or get more info but no one seems to answer email in SMA
Written April 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
susanp4949
San Francisco4 contributions
Friends
You won't find anyone more passionate and knowledgeable about the cuisine of Mexico than Kristen West. Her classes are extremely rich and deeply rewarding. Highly highly recommend.
Written October 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
roray9
Venice,CA13 contributions
Couples
Before I attended Kristen's class my wife and I spent an enjoyable afternoon at her house listening to her stories about her life as well as she answered my questions regarding Mexican cooking traditions.
I took her class the day after and enjoyed preparing the food and understanding the Mexican/Indian culture and how it relates to life & food.
I will be back!
I took her class the day after and enjoyed preparing the food and understanding the Mexican/Indian culture and how it relates to life & food.
I will be back!
Written October 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
FredDoyle
Toronto30 contributions
Friends
Kirsten's classes are about much more than cooking. Through the food she – and you – prepare, she tells fascinating stories of life in pre-Hispanic Mexico. And then you get to eat the results! A great family or group activity.
Written October 10, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Eva E
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico44 contributions
Friends
Enter the blue house and Kirsten will teach you about the history of the Mexican kitchen
while you watch, interact and eat delicious Mexican food. You will bring home new ideas
to your kitchen, I think we all did. I have to practice more on my Tortilla making skills.
while you watch, interact and eat delicious Mexican food. You will bring home new ideas
to your kitchen, I think we all did. I have to practice more on my Tortilla making skills.
Written September 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you, Eva! I'm glad you are practicing your tortilla skills. Please return soon for a mole class.
Written October 10, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mcf96
San Francisco, CA43 contributions
Couples
Kirsten's knowledge of the history of Mexico and the indigenous food staples is amazing. Her passion and love for the culture and food come through in her very thoughtful and informative lessons.
Written October 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dana P
6 contributions
Friends
Kirsten West's personal and inspiring Mexican cooking class teaches you about simple, tasty, and traditional recipes that you can take home to your own kitchen while educating you about Mexican culture, traditions and folklore. It was so incredible to have a basic hands on experience for people who may not even do much cooking! The five star, five course + meal throughout the class was outstanding!! How amazing is it that Rick Bayless's research chef (Mexico One Plate at a Time/ PBS) and Mick Jagger's personal chef is teaching YOU how to make healthy and amazing traditional Mexican recipes. NOT TO BE MISSED IN SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE!!!
Written October 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stacy J
6 contributions
Family
If you take one cooking class in San Miguel de Allende, make sure it is from Kirsten West. The female equivalent of the Dos Equis "Most Interesting Man in the World" ads, Kirsten was a wealth of knowledge and stories. Every dish, every ingredient, every technique was accompanied by a fascinating back story.
The class is structured with students sitting family style at tables facing the display kitchen where West teaches. Courses are served as the class progresses, with a break for hands on instruction.
As for the food itself, it would have merited a perfect review even if it hadn't been seasoned with Mexican cultural perspective and served with a side dish of history. No tamales y enchiladas here. I was raised in Southern California, from a Mexican American family, and had NEVER tasted Mexican food like this. From jicama topped with lime and peanut dry dip to poblanos stuffed with a fresh and delicious cold vegetable filling, the menu was, for me anyway, a revolutionary look at how light and flavorful Mexican cuisine can be.
Please treat yourself to a class at La Pina Azul Escuela de Cocina. You will leave feed body, mind, and spirit.
The class is structured with students sitting family style at tables facing the display kitchen where West teaches. Courses are served as the class progresses, with a break for hands on instruction.
As for the food itself, it would have merited a perfect review even if it hadn't been seasoned with Mexican cultural perspective and served with a side dish of history. No tamales y enchiladas here. I was raised in Southern California, from a Mexican American family, and had NEVER tasted Mexican food like this. From jicama topped with lime and peanut dry dip to poblanos stuffed with a fresh and delicious cold vegetable filling, the menu was, for me anyway, a revolutionary look at how light and flavorful Mexican cuisine can be.
Please treat yourself to a class at La Pina Azul Escuela de Cocina. You will leave feed body, mind, and spirit.
Written March 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
What a beautiful review. Your response to the food and class content warms my heart because you let me know that the message I am trying to give my students is: Mexican food and history is so unique and worth exploring. Thank you, muchisimas gracias.
Written March 19, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
janmarshallsma
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico1 contribution
Solo
Had a great experience at Kirsten's today. She has more in depth information to share which really opens your mind to some of the incredible, indigenous foods that are available here in San Miguel. The class was fun and left absolutely filled with all the fresh, easy to prepare dishes that she did with our help.
I can't wait to have friends over to share these new recipes. Truly a great day!!
Jan Marshall
I can't wait to have friends over to share these new recipes. Truly a great day!!
Jan Marshall
Written November 9, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
adagiogirl
Bethesda, MD19 contributions
Is this a hands-on class? what days is it offered? We will be in SMA March 2-12. What is taught in the classes? Can we ask to learn particular dishes?
Kirsten W
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico4 contributions
Thank you very much for asking about my cooking classes.
Here are the details:
Schedule: Classes are booked by appointment. This helps to fit into the travelers plans better than a ridged schedule.
Class seize: A minimum of 4 students is required per class and a maximum of 12 can be accommodated for.
Times: Classes usually start at 10 AM and are about 3 hours long. Other starting hours can be arranged for. The class is followed by lunch with the foods prepared in class.
Format: There will be some hands on activities but the larger part will be demonstrations. This allows students to take notes in the provided recipe booklet.
Menu: The focus will be on introducing students to the use of Mexican ingredients that also mostly are available outside of Mexico. Only basic cooking skills are needed.
Beverages: Traditional Mexican non alcoholic flavored aquas are served. If you like you can bring your own wine or beer.
Children: Classes are only suited for children over 16 years old. However an all children's class can be scheduled.
Cost: USD 75.- per class and student, or the equivalent in Mexican Pesos at current exchange rate.
Payments: can be received in advance by wire transfer, or the day of class.
Cancellations: Please 4 days in advance
My Goal: I would like to inspire students to continue cooking and enjoying the delicious foods prepared in class when back home. The recipes will be suitable for daily meals or stress free entertaining. Sharing my knowledge about Mexican cuisine and its history will truly make my class a unique San Miguel de Allende experience for you .
¡Buen provecho!
La Pina Azul Escuela de Cocina (San Miguel de Allende) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about La Pina Azul Escuela de Cocina
- Hotels near La Pina Azul Escuela de Cocina:
- (0.08 mi) GREAT LOCATION! 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom lovely condo!!
- (0.11 mi) Casa Kali
- (0.10 mi) Very Near Centro - Rooftop Views - Lots of Light
- (0.11 mi) Casa Mezquite
- (0.12 mi) Casa de Mira - 3 BR, 2 terrace casa w/ elevator
- Restaurants near La Pina Azul Escuela de Cocina:
- (0.08 mi) El Rinconcito
- (0.06 mi) Cafe Eluney
- (0.05 mi) Big John's Munch Box
- (0.11 mi) Cafe Tal
- (0.11 mi) Son del Café