Books on Gastronomy / ¡A Comer! A cookbook featuring simple and accessible recipes.
¡A Comer! is not just a cookbook; it's a tribute, a gesture of gratitude, and a testament to the life memories of the chefs working at Refettorio Mérida.
By: Youyi Mayora Eng
Photos courtesy of: Claudia Bolio
Francisco de Montejo founded Mérida on January 6, 1542. It is said he chose the name because the area was filled with ancient pre-Hispanic settlements reminiscent of the Roman ruins found in Mérida, Spain. Today, the “White City” remains a place quite different from the rest of Mexico. Refettorio Mérida is a testament to that.
How can one sleep peacefully when food is wasted? Jorge Luis Borges, in his story “Emma Zunz,” said that “breaking money was a sacrilege”; I believe that throwing away food (that is still usable) is an affront to the rest of humanity. It is an offense and a betrayal to our past and our human condition of community and future-building.
What is a community dining hall?
Refettorio Mérida is a space where the community strives to create connections that dignify the human condition. The project is supported by the Food for Soul foundation, an organization that aims to foster human connections through reflection on global food waste. Two of the community dining hall's programs are food recovery and feeding vulnerable groups. Refettorio recovers unused or unsold food that can still be used. Through a creative process, these ingredients are transformed into nutritious experiences that stimulate the imagination of those who consume them.
Claudia Bolio, former operations coordinator, led the project aimed at honoring and preserving the recipes of the chefs who contributed to Refettorio. This is how ¡A Comer! was born—a book directed by Claudia that reflects on all the efforts and experiences of the community dining hall. It is a collection of simple recipes with accessible ingredients that represent memories and special moments in the lives of the participating chefs. The book's introduction was written by Chef Massimo Bottura and his wife Lara Gilmore, founders of the nonprofit Food for Soul organization. Each recipe helps us understand the labor that Refettorio Mérida imagines, conceives, and executes. Through this cookbook, readers are invited to reflect on the implications of food waste and excessive, unmindful consumption.
You can purchase the cookbook directly at Refettorio Mérida, Calle 60, Centro, Mérida, Yucatán, or contact them through their social media.
