Because of the novel coronavirus, many of us in Mexico and around the world have been self-quarantined (bajo cuarentena, sheltered in place, or any of a number of English- and/or Spanish-language names) for two or more weeks. Many more of us are unable to keep a full-time quarantine–due to work requirements, income difficulties, and a number of other situations). That's me in my brand new cat mask, a gift from Luisa to help keep me from innocently spreading germs to the populace–and to keep me from breathing in others' germs. Remember that if you are wearing a mask, that it MUST cover both your mouth and your nose, the two most common places where germs, along with your breath, can flow out, and can flow in.
Mexico Cooks! has been out of the food loop for about two weeks. The 17th Encuentro de Cocineras Tradicionales de Michoacán just barely scooted in under the quarantine wire (it took place March 13-15, this year) and my favorite restaurants in Morelia are closed until further notice. I've tried to simplify food and household necessity shopping, most (but not all) of the items I've ordered are being delivered, and I'm preparing nourishing meals with fairly basic ingredients, as I'm sure most of you are, as well. Some items are hard to find here, just as they are hard to find in other countries. We who live in central Mexico are blessed by a continued proliferation of high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables, meats (particularly our beautiful chickens), and fresh fish and seafood.
We read so many opinions and ideas about how to live in newspapers, magazines, medical journals, and on social media. Do this, do that, don't do that, don't do this. Stay home, wear a mask, don't wear a mask, go out but not to big events, do what you want–pay no attention to any of it, hide under the bed…what's the answer, or is there an answer? Given quarantine, social distancing, and other situations to which no one is accustomed, what sustains us physically, psychologically, and intellectually–and in particular, because I have had almost no in-person contact with others, what sustains me during these unusually isolated days?
My personal answer is: my family of friends, the group of boon companions in my life whom I love intensely. Pretty much constantly available for a chat on Facebook or Whatsapp, through photos on Instagram and other social media, and privately available via photographs that I and others have taken all over Mexico, we are a family of choice. Most of us live distances apart from one another, but distance doesn't disrupt our deep caring for one another. I'd like you to meet a few of them, so that you know that the deep love that supports me comes from many sources.
Cynthia Martínez, chef/owner at Morelia's Restaurante y Cantina La Conspiración de 1809. Cynthia and her husband, Roberto González, have been a major source of love and care for me since–well, for almost 15 years, since I first moved to Morelia, Michoacán in 2007.
Rafael Mier is a mainstay in my life and has sustained me in every way possible since we began to form our friendship about five years ago. A close friend, a colleague, a teacher, a gentleman: what more could a person want in a friend?
Anita and Ken Caldwell, much-loved adopted family since at least 2002, when they still lived in Ohio and before their move to Mexico. We spent a glorious, loving time together at the end of February 2020, just prior to their move from Ajijic, Jalisco back to the USA. I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
Rose Calderone, the irreplaceable, irresistible, Wonder Woman of Morelia. We're sisters through good times and bad, it doesn't matter that we don't have the same Mom and Dad. Sistahs! I'm a lucky woman to have Rose in my life.
Rosalba Morales Bartolo, cocinera tradicional de Michoacán (traditional Michoacán cook). Rosalba is one of the wisest, deepest, most spiritual women I know, we have been friends for 10 years, and we have been there for one another through thick and thin. Photo courtesy Cynthia Martínez.
Alma Cervantes Cota. A pillar of strength in my life, we have been close friends since 2009, sharing joys and sorrows and so many of the puzzle-pieces of our lives. No matter what, I know that I can count on Alma–and she can count on me.
Darrell Schmidt. We've been friends for more than 20 years, sharing philosophies, ideas, commentary on our private and public lives, and many, many lengthy meals. We last spent time together in February 2020, snarking and complaining about growing old. But–in truth, there is nothing much better than being 'old' friends.
The ultimate Paco (Francisco de Santiago Lázaro), a renaissance man if there ever was one. Chess master, student of literature, literate in every respect, knows more Mexican slang than anyone else, and is truly the most knowledgeable person I know, about all things Mexico City and beyond. We're close friends, colleagues, and almost-but-not-quite siblings. I'd pick Paco for a brother any day. A tip of the hat to his wonderful wife, Lourdes Rosas, for letting me take so much of his time.
With (back L to R) Alam Méndez Florián (chef at Pasillo de Humo), Alondra Maldonado, Paco de Santiago and (front L to R) Cristina, Lourdes Rosas, and her daughter Monse. Rafa must have been taking the picture! At Restaurante Pasillo de Humo, Mexico City, doing what we do best together: eating and gossiping talking!
Pamela Gordon of Toronto. There's no one with whom I have shared deeper care, broader sharing, and talk that has ranged from the earliest memories of our lives to the latest news about our adventures in the kitchen ("Look at this recipe, let's both make it tomorrow!") and our (between us) many, many much-cherished cats.
Luisa Fernanda Ruiz Montiel, my nearest and dearest. Luisa is an enormous gift from the universe, beyond definition and beyond words.
My personal list of close companions, here in Morelia or at a distance, could go on for pages. Leslie Morrison, Claire Ramsey, Amaranta Santos, Lucero Soto Arriaga, Joaquín Bonilla, Evan Schoninger, Tonia Deetz Rock, Linda Katz Verdugo–I wouldn't know where to stop if I added every name and photo. Think about your own family–whether chosen family or family of origin–and give thanks that they are present to you in this time of separation. What we we do without them?
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