Corn has been a cornerstone of the diet of Latin American peoples for millennia. Revered as an ancestral ingredient and valued for its versatility, corn is not only the basis of a wide variety of traditional dishes, but it also has a deep spiritual meaning. The Popol Vuh, the sacred text of the Mayans, recounts that the first humans were created from corn, underscoring its importance in the Mesoamerican worldview.
Chefs at Marriott International hotels, have honored this tradition by incorporating corn into their menus in innovative ways, offering dishes that celebrate local roots. Corn is the star of various recipes that, each distinct from the other, all celebrate the authenticity and culinary diversity of Latin America through a unique gastronomic journey.
The journey begins in the birthplace of corn: Mexico
At El Barrio restaurant in Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Los Cabos, Chef Juan Carlos Flores presents a special dish called “El Maíz de Oro.” This sophisticated dish combines golden corn and foie gras, jalapeño bread, amaranth, huitlacoche, vanilla sauce, and corn. In this culinary creation, corn symbolizes Mexican culture, while chili, vanilla, amaranth, and huitlacoche represent the generosity of the land and its crops. The gold evokes ancestral wealth, and the foie gras symbolizes the union of two worlds.
Aloft Asunción Paraguay
Nook restaurant offers Sopa Paraguaya, a specialty prepared by Chef Juan José Britez. This dish, made from cornmeal, eggs, fat, and cheese, is very popular in Paraguay. Sometimes, it is filled with a sofrito of meat, adding an extra layer of flavor. Sopa Paraguaya is a reflection of the country’s traditional cuisine, combining simple yet rich ingredients to create a comforting culinary experience.
This gastronomic journey through Latin America and the Caribbean showcases corn as an enduring symbol of identity and heritage. From Mexico to Brazil, each dish celebrates the diversity and authenticity of local cuisines. The chefs have succeeded in keeping the cultural roots of their regions alive while presenting innovative and delicious creations. Thus, corn continues to unite the past and present in a feast of flavors that honor the culinary legacy of Latin America.
Read the WINTER 2024/2025 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
Get More Inspiration
from City Style and Living
