Sherman's Travel

If all you know about Mexican food is nachos and tacos, get ready for a mouth-watering surprise. Modern Mexican cooking encompasses just as much variety and sophistication as any other cuisine, especially in high-end hotels and resorts. On a recent trip to San Miguel de Allende, I had the opportunity to sample the cooking of two rising chefs making their marks on the Mexico food scene.

Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, which opened in March 2011, incorporates local flavor into just about everything, and dining is no exception. The main restaurant is 1826, named for the year that the town adopted the name San Miguel de Allende, in honor of an important figure in the Mexican independence movement. Chef Carlos Hannon (pictured above) makes use of herbs and other ingredients from an on-site garden, while an open kitchen means diners have full view of the food preparations.

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You’ve heard of poolside dining, but what about dining in the pool? The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, located northwest of Tucson, recently launched “Splash Dining,” where tables, chairs, and legs are all submerged in the hotel’s Turquesa Pool. Instead of checking their coats, diners check their shoes – and be sure to wear knee-length pants to avoid damp bottoms. The meal itself is a three-course menu specially prepared and served by the Ritz’s chefs, and includes a Champagne toast. Cost is $300 per couple. For reservations, call 520-572-3000. www.ritzcarlton.com/dovemountain

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