Pati's Mexican Table

Quesadillas — the perfect marriage of heaven and earth, where the basic, simple tortilla meets the ecstasy of cheese, and to the surprise of many, many other fillings! Pati will look at Mexican quesadillas prepared three completely different ways.

If you're fighting a war, how do you cook food on the run? What sort of meals can you make around ranches, porches and rustic bonfires? What might Pancho Villa or Emiliano Zapata have eaten? This episode looks at the culinary legacy of the Mexican Revolution.

Pati shows us how to pick and prime the perfect avocado then walks us through three great recipes.

Meet the tomatillo — this small, plump, green fruit was a favorite of the Aztecs and stars in any number of Mexican dishes today. Its tart flavor is worlds apart from the taste of tomatoes, but is just as juicy and unforgettable. In this episode, Pati will show you where to find tomatillos, how to cook with them and offer tips and tricks for creating amazing dishes.

Aren't convents supposed to be austere, dull places? In Mexico, everything's a little more colorful — including the food of Catholic nuns. Delicious, labor-intensive mole is probably the most well-known food to come out of the convents, but Pati will explore some easier, but just as tasty recipes.

In Mexico, it's not uncommon to find both food and water deliciously flavored with hibiscus flowers. Commonly known as jamaica, they have an intensely herbal, fruity taste. Pati shows viewers where to buy these flowers and then shares a few recipes using them.

What's on the menu at a typical Mexican picnic? Are some foods, like hot dogs and hamburgers, universal? Turn your backyard into a little slice of Mexico by tweaking some old stand-bys.

A Mexican brunch is the perfect way to ease into the weekend. This episode will look at what a late breakfast/early lunch in Mexico might look like and what recipes you can prepare in your own home.

Who doesn't love sausage? Chorizo, the Mexican version, is a deep-burnt-reddish explosion of fresh, moist, exotically seasoned flavor. When it's fried, it becomes crisp and incredibly savory. This episode will explore the difference between Mexican chorizo sausage and its Spanish, Central American and South American cousins.

Mexico is now the largest importer of cinnamon in the world — but how is it used there that's so special? Just how different is the Ceylon cinnamon used in Mexico from the Cassia cinnamon of Southeast Asia? This show will look at how cinnamon traveled from Asia to Mexico and how you use it in delicious foods today.

Immigrants from Lebanon, Syria and Israel have left a tasty influence on Mexican cuisine over the years. Pati will look at how and why they came to such a far-flung — but fascinating — country and what kind of legacy they've contributed.

Vanilla only comes in a bottle, right? Oh, it's a bean! Where on earth do I find vanilla beans, and how do I cook with them? Do I crack them open or something? Wait, vanilla comes from Veracruz, Mexico — not Madagascar? This episode will explain all of that, plus share a few amazing vanilla-infused recipes.

Mexicans have been wrapping and cooking their food in leaves for a long time, and this episode will look at the reasons why. Pati will also offer some shortcuts and tips for cooking wrapped foods in your own kitchen.

Jump into a Lucha Libre ring and experience the kind of fighting spirit that fuels a great love of Mexican food. These classic recipes provoke heated discussions in Mexico, but are perfectly tasty regardless of which twist on ingredients you prefer.

The same foods that parents pack into a hearty school lunch in Mexico are perfect for school lunchtime anywhere. These dishes are so tasty and filling, even grownups will want to take them to work!

A tasty look at the way French cuisine has historically influenced modern Mexican cooking, and simple techniques any cook can manage with impressive results.

Simple, easy, home-style cuisine that you'd find in just about any Mexican home, this was Pati's favorite "everyday" meal growing up in Mexico. It's also one she regularly makes for her own family today. She's proud to share the steps so that you can enjoy it, too!

Fun, kid-friendly and (mostly!) finger food that you'd find at a children's party in Mexico, adapted for your parties at home. A special guest shows up to make dessert!

These home-style dishes are a staple at the small restaurants, known as fondas, in Mexico — and delicious inspiration for busy home cooks everywhere. Make them once, and they'll become a simple but special treat in your own kitchen.

The breakfast of your dreams prepared by Pati and her sister Alisa. This episode includes both quick, simple dishes and ones meant for a deliciously messy morning feast.

This episode puts a twist on tequila by using it in a number of tasty, savory and sweet recipes sure to impress special guests. A noted mixologist shows Pati how to make a unique cocktail, and she uses tequila to ignite a main dish.

Pati takes you to Xochimilco, the legendary floating gardens of Mexico, and sprinkles a few flowers into some impressive but easy Mexican recipes.

By adding a few key Mexican ingredients to what you'd normally find in your pantry and fridge, you get these to-die-for, lip-smacking dishes.

Travel with Pati to the state of Puebla to see why it isn't just the site of the legendary Cinco de Mayo battle — it's also home to some of Mexico's most luscious, delectable culinary treats.

This episode explores three very different, very authentic and very simple twists on Mexican tacos, one of Mexico's most iconic foods.

Forget soy and tofu; these are authentic Mexican recipes where produce, fruits and vegetables are naturally the stars.

Pati travels to Mexico City to reconnect with her father and help him cook one of her favorite childhood meals: Huevos a la Mexicana. Back in her own kitchen, she'll use that visit as inspiration to cook a few dishes that she remembers fondly from childhood and then pass on the tradition by cooking dessert with her youngest son Juju.

Inspired by her years living in Texas, Pati creates a series of dishes that combine her passion for Mexican cuisine and her favorite foods of America's Lone Star State. Her oldest son Alan, who was born in Texas and is fully Tex-Mex, joins her in the kitchen.

This episode is all about Pati's boys — it's time for a little mother/son bonding. First, Pati takes Alan, Sami, and Juju to their favorite place to have fun, and then for lunch, the boys will pick their absolute favorite dishes that their mom makes. The only hitch? They have to give mom a hand as she prepares each dish.

Pati is a busy mom on the go. If you're a mom who likes to cook for your family and take your kids to school, practice and everywhere else, you need a few quick and easy meals in your arsenal. Pati's oldest sister Karen, who has older kids, shares a few tips as they visit her restaurant in Mexico City. Then, back at home, Pati shows us some of her go-to weekly dishes.

Everyone knows that Mexican food is great for a party. In this episode, Pati invites some of her son's friends (and their parents) over to her house and makes some of her popular fiesta dishes — perfect for any party! In Mexico, she travels to the town of Quiroga, known as the Carnitas Capital of the World, where she'll show us one of her absolute favorite treats: The REAL Mexican Gazpacho!

Pati takes some of the classic American meals and gives them an exotic yet homey Mexican twist. Plus, take a look as Pati helps make and then devours one of Mexico's famed hot dogs, Richard's in Morelia.

Today, Pati is preparing a special meal for a date night with her husband, Dany. And since he loves seafood, she's going to make seafood dishes for their romantic night in. A trip down to the state of Michoacán, where Pati meets the butterfly net fishermen, helps the inspiration.

Latin-Asian fusion is hot right now, but Asian immigrants have been influencing traditional Mexican cuisine for centuries. Pati goes food shopping with her good friend chef Janet Yu and gets inspired to create a menu full of Asian-inspired Mexican meals.

It's pot luck party day at Pati's house! Today, she's having some friends over and this time everyone's contributing to the meal — no one shows up empty-handed. Pati also welcomes home design expert Sabrina Soto, who is bringing along one of her favorite Cuban recipes.

Breakfast is Mexico's favorite meal, and it's also the Jinich family's favorite! It's Sunday, and Pati is up early in the kitchen as the rest of the family sleeps in. She's hard at work creating a full, three course menu of some of her family's preferred Mexican breakfast dishes to enjoy ‘round the table on a lazy morning.

Pati has tons of fun in her kitchen creating a full menu featuring the perfect blend of Italian and Mexican cuisine. Two cuisines that have managed to mingle in Mexican homes for centuries.

Pati invites a few of her girlfriends over for a much needed "girls' night in." But these girls are here to GRILL! Grilling isn't just a guy thing — Pati's got a great outdoor grill, and she's gonna put it to work by cooking up a mouth-watering menu of Mexican food with a BBQ twist. One of Pati's sisters shows up to help her mix some drinks, too!

What better way to end the season than with a big party? Pati throws a neighborhood bash and cooks up the easiest and best Mexican-themed dishes that would be a huge hit at any party. And what better accessory to a Mexican fiesta than a giant piñata? Pati also gets the chance to visit a piñata maker in the central market of Morelia.

Pati is in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, a pretty vacation town known for cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, art galleries and delicious eats. This week, Alan, Sami and Juju have a break from school, so she brought them along! The Jinich family has just arrived in San Miguel, and Pati wants to kick off the week with a delicious breakfast. But first, she'll introduce us to San Miguel.

Pati is vactioning in San Miguel de Allende, which has lots of opportunities for rest & relaxation, but today Pati is here for one thing – FOOD! From street food to fine dining, San Miguel has always been one of Mexico's top culinary destinations! Pati is going to show us the highlights of the food scene, then she'll head back to the kitchen to cook up recipes that reflect the region.

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy tacos, and Pati is constantly trying to impress her boys with new twists on traditional taco recipes. Her sons love tacos so much that the Jinich's have a family tradition every couple of weeks: Taco Night! While the family is on vacation in San Miguel, Pati has decided to bring their Taco Night tradition to Mexico.

It's the end of a great week in San Miguel, so Pati and her family decide to have a summer evening party – the perfect end to a fun family vacation. First, she'll head to a few places in San Miguel for ingredients, Agropark and a local winery. Back home she'll cook a big, celebatory family dinner to be enjoyed on their patio, while the sun sets over the city.

An episode dedicated to one of Mexico's most iconic foods: tamales. Pati will cook a few variations of tamales, both savory and sweet, then her girlfriends stop by for a tamale party – a tamaliza!

Pati's family is the perfect example of cultures colliding – Mexican and American. The happy result is the creation of unique and tasty recipes. Pati dives deep into the blending of these cultures and comes up with some classic American recipes that have a delicious Mexican twist. She also takes us to a local restaurant where she learns the owner's own unique Mex-American story.

Pati is in constant contact with her fans – through Facebook, Twitter, email – and they love to give her feedback on her recipes. In this episode, Pati will update and put new spins on her three most popular recipes according to the fans. And she'll surprise a lucky fan by showing up at his or her house!

Street food has always been popular, but these days it's booming as more and more chefs are bringing food trucks and stands to the streets! In this episode, Pati visits the city of Guanajuato, known for having some of the best street food in all of Mexico, to highlight some of her favorites. Then, she shows us how we can recreate some of them in our own kitchens.

This show is all about Pati's middle son, Sami. Being stuck in the middle of first born, Alan, and Mr. Personality himself, Juju, isn't always easy for Sami. Every once in a while, Pati likes to give Sami a day all to himself, and he'll help her as she cooks his absolute favorite foods!

Mexican cuisine is full of long-standing traditional recipes and techniques. But there are many chefs bringing new ideas to the table, giving a modern twist to Mexican cooking. In this episode, Pati meets two chefs in Mexico City who are putting modern spins on this age-old cuisine. She then taps into that creativity to show us her ideas for how we can "modernize" our Mexican kitchen.

Every family has passed-down recipes, and Pati's is no exception. Food has always been a central part of her family life. She'll show us a couple recipes that were passed down to her, as well as a recipe she hopes to pass down to her sons. Also, meet Pati's mom and sister, as she joins them for lunch at one of their favorite restaurants in Mexico City.

Mexican cuisine is chock-full of grilled, roasted, fried and frozen recipes, but for those looking to expand their repertoire with some baked recipes, this episode is for you! Today, Pati's Mexican Table becomes Pati's Mexican Bakery with a variety of simple recipes – all of which bake right in the oven.

Pati is throwing a picnic for family and friends in her backyard. She'll make some of her favorite "picnic foods" and serve everyone outside picnic-style. It also happens to be her husband Dany's birthday, so a big surprise is in store!

Pati heads to the coastal city of Champotón, Mexico, and gets a warm welcome from her friend Chachi. They taste their way through the local market and gather groceries for a family dinner at Hacienda Niop, where Pati learns the secrets behind the area's most prized dishes including a giant tamal cooked underground. Back in her home kitchen, Pati makes her own simpler versions of those dishes.

Pati gets an insiders look at Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán, with help from local chefs Pedro Evia and David Cetina. She explores the forefronts of molecular gastronomy, botanas or "bar snacks" at a cantina, family classics at the market, and even foreign influences like Kibi. One thing is for sure, Mérida is a food-lovers' city. Back home, Pati puts together a classic Yucatecan family meal.

Pati's good friend chef Pedro Evia, of K'u'uk restaurant in Mérida, takes her on one of his favorite day trips – a visit to the coastal town of Celestún. After a meal featuring the morning's catch and seeing the main attraction (the flamingos), the day culminates in a cookout right on the beach. Back in her kitchen, Pati channels the charming fishing village with a simple, yet impressive meal.

Sunday in Mérida is a joyous weekly celebration of food, dancing, and culture. The day is incomplete without a family meal. Luckily, chef Roberto Solís, of Néctar restaurant, welcomes Pati into his home for a traditional Sunday supper. Back at home, Pati whips up her own Sunday dinner for her own family, roasted pork tenderloin enchiladas covered in mole verde and topped with a fresh radish pico.

Pati explores Campeche, a colorful colonial city with a history of piracy. The best place to gain an understanding of the city is the market where local gastronomic historian, Lolina Escheverria, unearths what makes Campeche so special. Pati also makes her way to the best restaurant in town, La Pigua. In her kitchen, Pati gives ceviche a surprising twist and indulges in coconut shrimp.

Pati's sons are in México, and she wants them to experience the true essence of Yucatán. They climb the ancient ruins of Uxmal, then cool off in one of the thousands of hidden cenotes (swimming holes). To fill their bellies, they eat the best tamales they've ever had along with the region's signature dish, cochinita pibíl. Back home, Pati gives her own twist to this honored dish.

Pati heads to Izamal, known as the "yellow city" with its colonial buildings all glowing in gold. Pati tastes the local venison tacos that people travel all the way from Mérida to enjoy, and the traditional pok chuk is not to be missed. Back at home, Pati takes the flavors of the region and infuses them into a classic lasagna and a pepita brittle for dessert.

Pati's favorite way to explore a city is without a plan. Today, she's in Valladolid, a city known to most as a stopover between Cancún and Mérida. She tries the local specialties, lomitos de Valladolid and longaniza de Valladolid. Back home, Pati makes her own version of her the lomitos and a soup you'll find on every menu in the region.

Known for white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and the friendliest locals in the Mexican Caribbean, Isla Mujeres is a haven for people from all over the world. Pati takes a day to explore and try the local delicacy, Tikin Xic. Back home, Pati prepares her own version to share with her boys, along with roasted broccoli and cauliflower and a dessert wrapped in a crispy wafer roll.

Pati explores Cancún to taste inventive dishes and experience the fusion of traditional Mexican cuisine with international flavors, like tuna tartar kibi and cold pork belly salad at Casa de Cristian Morales. Back at home, she and her sister, Alisa, are grilling up some summertime specialties: shrimp rolls, grilled potato salad and a pineapple dessert.

Pati is preparing an epic Thanksgiving meal like no other because this one has a Yucatecan twist. Trade in your turkey for a citrus brined bird and boxed stuffing for one with chorizo, apple and cornbread. Brussels sprouts get spiced up with habaneros and pork belly. With Pati's family and closest friends around the table, don't expect there to be any leftovers.

Pati's oldest son, Alan, is heading off to college. She wants to make sure he's prepared with some basic cooking skills, since mom won't be doing the cooking at school. At the grocery store, Pati teaches Alan some essential shopping know-hows. Back at home, they make a simple dinner that is sure to impress: a perfect steak, double baked potatoes, and the best ever no-bake Mexican chocolate pie.

Pati invites her good friend and celebrity chef, José Andrés, to cook with her. They join forces in her kitchen to whip together a series of Mexican and Spanish-influenced recipes that will be a hit on any family table.

Pati shows how to get the most out of one day in the city of Oaxaca. In 24 hours, she takes in the top sights, meets up with a local guide, goes to the market for lunch, and gives us a taste of the vibrant restaurant scene in one of the top culinary destinations in Mexico. In her kitchen, she recreates some of the things she had at the market and gives them some new uses.

Pati takes viewers on a deep dive into the history of Oaxaca cuisine from pre-Hispanic origins, to the introduction of Spanish techniques, and finally modern day movements. She starts by tasting ancestral recipes at the local market. Then, she meets up with a friend and historian who takes her to a restaurant, where they eat traditional Oaxaca recipes with a modern twist. Back in her kitchen, inspired by the tastes from that day, she shares new dishes that happen to be vegetarian with her friend and food editor Joe Yonan.

Pati travels to the small town of Teotitlan de Valle to meet with one of the best cooks in Oaxaca, Abigail Mendoza. Abigail is opening her home to show Pati her dedication to preserving the pre-Hispanic techniques and recipes of her Zapotec ancestors. Back in Pati's kitchen, her experience with Abigail inspires recipes that feature few ingredients used in rustic Oaxacan ways, including chicken with oregano and garlic, grilled corn salad, and burnt milk ice cream.

Pati takes a drive to a region in Oaxaca known for producing some of the best mezcal in all of Mexico. She meets the producer of a small family-run operation and learns how mezcal is made, from field to bottle. Back home, she has a mezcal-inspired get together with a few close friends and serves a bountiful Mexican steak salad and Oaxacan sours made with mezcal.

Pati spends a day with one of Oaxaca's best-known chefs and owner of Casa Oaxaca, Alex Ruiz. Alex takes Pati on a personal journey through his favorite market and family farm, showing her the Oaxaca that he knows and loves. In her kitchen, Pati creates some family friendly recipes inspired by her day with Alex and serves them to her son Juju.

Pati meets with women chefs, business owners and leaders of society, exploring the role of women in Oaxaca and their influence on the customs and cuisine. In her kitchen, she cooks recipes that she learned from Oaxacan women including coloradito chicken and a mashed potato cazuela. Then, she ends with a favorite of the women in her family, a milky and luscious chocolatey dessert.

Pati takes us on an in-depth exploration of all things mole. Oaxaca is known as the land of moles, and there are too many varieties to name. Through instruction in her kitchen and exploration while in Oaxaca, she's going to give viewers the basics of mole, some of its history and importance, and a few of her personal favorite recipes.

Pati travels to a region in Oaxaca known as La Mixteca and learns what makes the food and culture so unique. She meets up with Ixchel Ornellas, a chef, restaurant owner, and one of Mixteca's best cooks, who invites her on a personal tour of her city. Then, back in her kitchen, Pati creates new recipes based on that experience: corn soup with queso and pescado agridulce.

Pati visits the town of San Martin Tilcajete to meet Maria and Jacobo at their famous art school. There, she learns the ins and outs of their delicate alebrije making process and tastes an outrageously delicious liver and eggs meal prepared for the artists. In her kitchen, those eggs are an inspiration for a Oaxacan-themed breakfast.

People are always asking Pati how she turned a passion for food into a career. Over the years, she's told the story in bits and pieces but she's never told the full story. Throughout this episode, she'll explain where her passion for food started, what decisions led her to where she is today, and some of the twists and turns she took to get here.

Pati spends the day with her youngest son, Juju. Juju is known for his obsession with chocolate. In this episode, they spend the day in the kitchen coming up with three delicious chocolate-loaded recipes: chocolate chocolate chunk banana bread, chocolate crepe tower, and an overloaded Mexican chocolate milkshake.

An episode dedicated to one of the Jinich's favorite ingredients: cheese. In her kitchen, Pati cooks three mouthwatering cheesy recipes – one for each of her boys. In Oaxaca, Pati and her three sons visit a cheese producer to see how the famous Oaxacan cheese is made.

In this episode, Pati makes a few family staples with recipes that have many different uses. Perfect for busy families on the go, these recipes can be set aside or kept in the fridge to use later in a variety of delicious meals. They're more than just a meal, they'll keep your family satisfied all week.

One of the most up and coming food destinations in all of Mexico, Tijuana is full of young, fresh talent across the culinary scene. Some of the best chefs in the world are coming from all over and setting up shop to take part in Baja's most exciting culinary movement. Pati spends the day meeting up with the hottest new chefs in town, like Miguel Angel Guerrero, founder of Baja Med cuisine. She roams the hot new food truck scene at Telefonica Gastropark, eats with Ruffo Ibara, a rising star and chef at Oryx Capital, and more.

Life on the border is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines that creates a unique culinary scene like no other. As a Mexican immigrant who lives in America, Pati spent her life combining cuisines, and she will explore how this fusion of cultures affects the food in Tijuana. Influences from San Diego, Southern Mexico, and people from all over the world come together as Pati dives deep to get the real story of what life and food are like on the border.

The port town of Ensenada is a seafood mecca. Fresh fish is everywhere you look, and this hub for seafood exportation is also the gateway to Mexican wine country. Pati eats her way through this coastal gem from their famous fish tacos to La Guerrenese, considered the best street food on the planet, to the oldest bar in Baja and originator of the margarita, Hussongs.

While in Valle De Guadalupe, Pati visits one of the most legendary cooks in the area, Doña Esthela, who makes the best breakfast as far as the eye can see. Doña Esthela began with just a humble burrito stand outside of her home, and by word of mouth, her restaurant eventually gained a reputation for one of the tastiest breakfasts in the world. Pati cooks with Doña Esthela in her kitchen, tours the space where she both lives and cooks, and then takes all of this inspiration back home where she whips up some Baja inspired breakfast treats for her boys.

With over 100 wineries, Valle de Guadalupe has become the hottest new destination, with people traveling from all over to discover this new and exciting region. Traveling from places like California, Mexico City and beyond, visitors find the highest quality grapes, delectable cuisine, and quaint, yet hip, hotels nestled among the grape vines. Valle de Guadalupe's wine country engages the senses with food, wine, and a new adventure at every turn. Wine has been growing here for more than 100 years but only recently has seen a boost in popularity. Pati samples wine varietals and eats a top-notch meal at Bruma with Chef David Castro Hussong. Then, she catches up with old friends at Monte Xanic winery, one of the Valle's oldest wineries and the first Baja winery to commit itself to artisanal winemaking. Pati learns the entire history of the region and what caused it to explode in popularity. They have a family party with lots of food, lots of wine, and great company.

One of Baja's most well kept secrets has Pati on a mission to explore this town bite-by-bite. Loreto is a small town on the Gulf of California with big excitement and a rich history. Loreto, a hidden gem, almost feels like a step back in time. Home to the oldest Mision in Baja California, Pati visits Mision de Nuestra Senora de Loreto to learn about Loreto's history. And she can't leave town without trying a dish that you can only get fresh in Baja – almejas chocolatas. These chocolate clams are indigenous to the area, and Pati will experience the traditional process of making tatemada-style clams on the beach. Pati also stumbles upon the unexpected – a true, traditional Italian pizza right in town – and she stops by SuperBurro, a favorite local joint with delicious food and a rich family history.

Pati will explore the beauty and wonder of La Paz, the capital of Baja Sur. This breathtaking Baja destination has drawn her to visit its waters, and below the surface, the Sea of Cortez is filled with some of the most unbelievable sea life in the world. Pati swims with whale sharks in the crystal clear waters. She satiates the appetite she worked up at El Bismarkcito, a seafood institution on La Paz's waterfront. And finally, before she leaves town, she stops to meet with Chef Carlos Valdez of Tatanka, a vivacious local chef with a sense of humor and some must-eat food.

Pati spends a day with one of Baja's most celebrated chefs, Javier Plascencia. He gives Pati a tour of the Baja he knows and loves, exploring the areas of Todos Santos and Pescadero. They make a pit stop at his favorite roadside carnitas stand, check out a local organic strawberry farm, head to the beach for some fresh-off-the-boat fish, and finally make their way to Javier's newest restaurant, Jazamango, where he has a beautiful garden that feeds his customers every day.

Pati spends the entire day with Edith Jimenez, a culinary institution of Los Cabos. At age 15, starting out as a waitress, Edith decided she would one day own the restaurant where she worked and is now living her dream, owning both Edith's Restaurant and The Office, a Cabo staple. Edith ensures the preservation of history and culture by consistently using recipes from locals in the area. Edith takes Pati to the small town of Miraflores where they meet up with a family that has shown Edith how to make their traditional tamales and sopa fresca.

Pati sets out into the crystal clear waters of the Sea of Cortez in search of the freshest, tastiest seafood all of Los Cabos has to offer. Along with Chef Guillermo Gomez of Cabo's luxurious Esperanza hotel, Pati reels in a fresh catch and heads back to the shore. On a pristine beach with breathtaking ocean views, Pati grills up her catch-of-the-day with Chef Guillermo as they discuss the evolution of Cabo San Lucas from a small fishing village to the desirable vacation destination it has become.

Pati is invited to cook a special Cinco de Mayo dinner at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City. The James Beard Foundation is a non-profit culinary arts organization, which hosts frequent meals typically prepared by esteemed chefs, like Pati, who take pride in sharing their culture and cuisine with the world. Before she leaves New York, Pati visits three authentic Mexican-American culinary establishments around the city. While tasting and enjoying traditional Mexican breads, tamales, and chilaquiles, Pati learns the stories of chefs using food as a way of pursuing their dreams in America, creating their own successful businesses and honoring traditional Mexican recipes and ingredients.

Friends and family always tell Pati she has an extraordinary photographic food memory. She can recall a bite of a memorable dish from decades ago as if it were just yesterday. So, Pati decides to recreate some of her most favorite food memories in her own kitchen and give the stories behind the dishes.

Pati's passion for travel doesn't stop in Mexico, she also has a soft spot for her American travels. Plus, Pati is always feeding her three, hungry, growing, Mexican-American boys. In addition to adoring their mom's Mexican dishes, her sons love some American classics. So, Pati will put her Mexican spin on some regional American dishes to make a special, sweet surprise for her boys.

Pati visits Culiacán, the capital of the state of Sinaloa. Founded in 1531, Culiacán is the center of trade for produce, meat, and fish and the locals pride themselves on the produce cultivated from the land and nearby sea. Pati's guide is celebrated chef and culinary ambassador Miguel Taniyama. Miguel gives Pati a local's tour of the best markets, street food stands, and restaurants, meeting friends and family along the way. In her kitchen, Pati creates recipes inspired by the experience.

Altata is a small town on the coast of Sinaloa, about 45 miles west of Culiacán with stretches of beautiful beaches and delicious seafood at your fingertips. Pati visits with locals and chefs as this town embarks on a journey to reinvent itself from sleepy fishing village to first class tourist destination. Pati takes a boat ride to sample fresh oysters straight from the water. Then back on the mainland, she stops in restaurants serving up fresh fish, oysters and shrimp. In her kitchen, Pati prepares a seafood feast based on the beautiful waters of the Altata Bay.

Pati welcomes dear friend and fellow public television chef and host Vivian Howard to her kitchen. In this south of the border meets southern food experience, Pati and Vivian will cook a couple of their classic recipes for each other, looking for connections in cultures and food.

Pati heads to Los Mochis, a coastal city in the northern region of Sinaloa that was founded by Americans in the late 1800s. After learning its unique history and getting an incredibly delicious tour of the street food, Pati returns to her kitchen to create two mouth-watering taco recipes that take her right back to those street stands in Los Mochis.

Sinaloa's premiere resort town claims 13-miles of beautiful Pacific coastline with boardwalks and pristine streets lined with brightly-colored homes and some of the best restaurants in Mexico. But Mazatlán has overcome a troubling and complicated history to become Sinaloa's number one destination. In this episode, Pati meets up with two close friends, chefs Luis Osuna and Zahie Tellez, both of whom witnessed the evolution of Mazatlán firsthand. They each give Pati a personal tour of the city, and Chef Luis takes Pati to his family's restaurant, Panama, which started as a small bakery and has grown into one of the biggest food franchises in all of Sinaloa.

Pati travels to the northern part of Sinaloa and the town of El Fuerte, one of Mexico's "Pueblos Mágicos" or magic towns. El Fuerte was founded in 1563 right at a bend in the Fuerte river. Now a quiet colonial town, for over 300 years it was the most important commercial and agricultural center in northwest Mexico. After a walking tour and a stop at the Hotel Posada Hidalgo to try their famous cauques, a local type of langoustine, Pati creates a few lobster recipes in her kitchen inspired by the experience.

Pati travels into the mountains of Sinaloa to the tiny village of Jinetes — a place that appears to be stuck in time. The small population of barely 100 people live on whatever the land gives them. Miles and miles removed from civilization, they've managed to preserve their customs and recipes for generations. Pati is the first visitor to come learn from their culinary traditions and they've prepared a feast fit for the occasion.

Originally conceived as a trade route linking cattle markets in Kansas City to the nearest Pacific Ocean port in Mexico, which is Topolobampo. Today the El Chepe railway is a historic passenger train that connects the city of Los Mochis to Chihuaha with stunning views of the Sinaloa countryside and the Copper Canyon. In this episode, Pati will ride the first section of the train's journey – from Los Mochis to El Fuerte. She will tour the train's kitchen and sit down with chef Daniel De Los Santos to taste the gourmet offerings from the train's restaurant, Urike. Later, Pati will have a drink with her friend Rosalva Analy in the train's stunning terrace. Back home, inspired by the early morning train ride through countryside of Sinaloa, Pati cooks up a delicious breakfast based on Sinaloan classics.

Founded in 1594, Mocorito is a quiet, colorful colonial town known for one of Sinaloa's most beloved recipes: a slow-simmered pork dish called chilorio. Pati visits the home of Victoria Gonzalez, a cook known for having one of the best chilorio recipes in town. Then Pati goes with Victoria to visit her sister, Fabiola, who just happens to live right down the street and specialize in another Sinaloan classic, jamoncillo — a soft, sweet candy that is made only of sugar and milk. Back in her kitchen, Pati perfects her own version of chilorio and dresses up a classic local cookie with sugar crystals and dulce de leche.

Celestino Gasca didn't exist until about 30 years ago. Now, this rural seaside town is becoming a vacation destination due to its magnificent untouched beaches and idyllic surfing conditions. Pati meets with local restaurant owner Carmen and helps her cook one of Sinaloa's most iconic recipes: pescado zarandeado. Then, she travels 30 minutes south to the tiny fishing village of Las Barras, where she meets a fisherman who catches percebes, a tiny crustacean considered a delicacy in the region.

Known as "Mexico's Bread Basket," Sinaloa produces about 40% of the meat and produce consumed in all of Mexico. In this episode Pati travels the countryside — to farms and fisheries to get an up-close look at the wealth of resources Sinaloa has to offer. She visits a dairy farm known for its fresh cheese, tours a high-tech produce farm, and gets a fresh-water fishing lesson from a master fisherman. In her kitchen, Pati cooks recipes inspired by the farm-fresh bounty of Sinaloa.

In this episode, Pati visits home cooks and iconic restaurants all over Sinaloa, sampling some of the state's most iconic dishes. Delicious destinations include fish chicharron with a master fish butcher in Maviri, to a rustic pan de mujer with a family of bread makers in Altata, to one of the most famous restaurants in Mazatlán, Cuchupetas, beloved by celebrities, politicians, and locals for delicious seafood and a one of a kind experience.

In this special episode, Pati travels north of the border to Tucson, Arizona, a city that claims to have the best 23 miles of Mexican food anywhere in the world. She visits restaurants and meets local chefs, trying to get a deeper understanding of what Mexican food in America truly is. What happens to recipes when they travel across the border? How do different cultures connect and shape the food we eat? And what is this Sonoran hot dog everyone is raving about?

In Tucson, Pati learns the basics of artisan bread-making from one of America's best bakers, Don Guerra of Barrio Bakery. This experience prompts her to cross into Sonora, Mexico, to see where the Sonoran wheat he uses originates. Pati takes what she learned back to her kitchen to create a menu of tasty recipes using wheat flour.

Pati spends a day in Sonora's capital, Hermosillo, visiting some of the city's best culinary destinations. From gigantic burritos at Doña Guille, to a meat lover's feast with the owner of the popular restaurant Mochomos, mingling with the young crowd at La Ruina brew park, and a treat no trip would be complete without, Sonoran hot dogs, Pati experiences the full spectrum of the Hermosillo's food scene.

Pati experiences two important Sonoran culinary traditions. First, on the coast in Bahía Kino, local fishermen receive "the blessing" from a woman from the Seri tribe before heading out on the water to catch giant sea scallops. Then, in the mountain town of Matape, Nere, one of Sonora's few female butchers, shares with Pati a tradition called "The Benefit" and how she helps feed the the community.

Pati spends some time with her boys cooking up a classic Sonoran-style meal. First, she teaches them the basics of a true Sonoran tradition — carne asada. Then, for dessert, a whipped peanut buttercream and grape galette.

Wheat and meat are two staples of Sonoran cuisine, and Pati shows her take on a classic recipe that uses both, a carne con chile burrito. In Sonora, she tours one of Hermosillo's oldest flour mills and gets a lesson on making coyotas, a traditional dessert, at a local bakery. Then, Pati shows us how to make coyotas at home.

Pati spends a day in the kitchen with her middle son, Sami, cooking recipes inspired by her travels in Sonora that she knows he'll love. In Sonora, Pati sees firsthand how the family bond can be the secret to delicious recipes at a famous family run street food stand, Johnny's Tacos in Hermosillo.

Pati travels to Sonora's coast on the Sea of Cortez, where local legend Toño Contreras gives her a tour including shellfish on the beach, his restaurant Mariscos El Rey, and his home kitchen for some crave-worthy recipes. This inspires Pati to make seafood-loaded recipes at home.

Pati makes three classic Sonoran recipes, each one a meal in itself — a fish special called pescado zarandeado, a rich stew called gallina pinta, and a tasty dirty rice with clams. In Sonora, she visits vacation destination Puerto Peñasco, where some of the town's best chefs take her to the local market and invite her for a feast of their favorite recipes from the region.

As Pati travels with her TV production crew through Mexico's vast state of Sonora, she gets inspired by the bold flavors and ingredients. They stop at a beautiful hacienda outside of Hermosillo, where Pati prepares her take on a true Sonoran feast in a rustic outdoor kitchen. As a thank you, this meal is for the crew.

Pati is inspired by Sonora's "northern flavors" where the hot, arid desert lends itself to hearty and surprising recipes. She makes traditional tamales with corn, chiles, and cheese, and then for the main course, pork chops topped with a pickled grape salad. In Sonora, she visits a traditional hacienda, where she gets a true taste of Sonoran ranch food.