in oaxaca, ancient indigenous traditions and ingredients define not only the mescal but also the food. one of the main reasons people visit our city is to eat. this is alejandro ruiz almeido, one of mexico s best chefs. he started cooking young. when he was 12, his mother died and it fell on him to raise and feed his 5 siblings. this is what we call pasajo. today he draws much of his inspiration from oaxaca s central market. probably america s most beloved food is what they think is mexican food. yes. and i think most americans view of mexican food is beans, fried tortilla, melted cheese, some chicken. yes.