- around 400 years ago, a spanish nobleman set sail for the new world. his name lorenzo longoria. around 400 years ago, a spanish nobleman set sail for the new world. his name, lorenzo longoria. my an southeast sore s arrival changed history, creating modern mexico and a gateway between it and the rest of the world. this is the cradle of mexico. everything started here. it s also the cradle of mexican gastronomy because all ingredients landed in this spot. and all the ingredients in mexico left from here, chocolate, vanilla, the tomato. can you imagine italian cuisine without the tomato, or french pastry without chocolate and vanilla? impossible. the people of veracruz took this treasure trove of ingredients passing in and out of the port and created a whole new cuisine. [ speaking non-english ] wow. i m eva longoria, born and bred in texas by as diverse as its 32 states. i m exploring mexico to see how their lands and their past has shaped a culinary position as their
ruins, there are many buildings dedicated to ceremonies and rituals. it extends forever. over 1,000 years ago, way before any spanish arrived, two civilizations vied for supremacy in veracruz, the aztecs and the totonacs. and up here in the north, it was the totonacs that prevailed. set between two large streams that flowed to the river, el tajin was perfectly shielded from attack, and is one of the best-preserved prehispanic cities in mexico. this strategic advantage was key to the survival of the totonac people. and this particular culture is still practicing their rituals and ceremonies today. hola. my host, donna marta founded smoke women, a group that keeps