On February 13, we had the pleasure of attending a true Foodie event here in Zihuatanejo. Hosted by Paco Gonzalez of Parrilla San Pancho and Carmelita’s Cafe, this was Paco’s 4th grill workshop, and what an experience it was!
Paco takes his love of cooking to a whole new level with his grill workshops; this particular one was for couples, with a Valentine’s theme. The idea behind his workshops is to offer a hands-on experience to bring their appetites and get involved in the whole process of grilling an amazing meal from cutting to grilling to serving to eating. And there are no secrets here; Paco shares his expertise and gives away his trade secrets and recipes to all participants. His grill workshops allow them to participate as much as they want (or as little as they want!) while learning his grilling secrets. Of course, everyone knows that an amazing five-course meal awaits them!
Although this was Paco’s 4th workshop, it was the first during Semáforo Rojo- with the highest of the pandemic restrictions in place. That meant that this could not be a true hands-on workshop. But Paco was born into a family that does not let odds hold them back. With the assistance of Carmelita’s Café staff, Paco put on quite a show for us, and welcomed the masked participants as they crowded around to watch him (at a safe distance, of course!). Balancing the evening with wine pairing was Zihuatanejo’s Wine Team Sommelier Miguel Ángel Quiroz and his hand-picked selection of wines for sale; the dessert was provided by Paco’s sister Carmen’s team from Rol Coqueto. Great teamwork = amazing experience, and we can’t wait to attend another in the future when it can be hands-on!
The menu:
- Mussels in white wine in roasted chistorra sauce
- Taquitos of “octopus in love” and shrimp sarandeado with crunchy pork rinds
- Ribeye with bone bathed in roasted pepper sauce
- Dessert from Rol Coqueto
The poster made the food sound wonderful- but the reality was even better! 
Little touches are everything! 
Little touches! 
Zihuatanejo Wine Team’s Sommelier Miguel and Parrilla San Pancho’s Paco begin the evening! 
Although Paco and Miboth speak English very well, Paco invited the lovely bilingual Brenda- member of the workshop- to help translate 
Participants were mesmerized… 
Sommelier Miguel 
Wine talk 
There was also plenty of delicious agua jamaica for us as well! 
Paco prepares while members of the workshop are invited to ask questions and learn 
Let the grilling begin! 
Good chats and new friends! 
Sister Carmen!!! 
Discussing the success of the first courses! 
Paco called all participants to see the pièce de résistance: heart-shaped rib-eyes! 
Happy participants want photos with the Grill Master Paco! 
Mussels in white wine in roasted chistorra sauce. 
Taquitos of “octopus in love” and shrimp sarandeado with crunchy pork rinds 
Scrumptious brochetas 
The rib-eye and potatoes- seconds before it was all devoured!!
