Oaxaca

I've become very involved with the superb crafts people of the surrounding pueblas. They have been having a very difficult time due to political unrest and the subsequent drying up of the tourist market.

A group of us have formed a not for profit organization FOFA (Friends of Oaxacan Folk Art) to try and help. Our opening fund raiser is going to be a very special party on October 9th at the Funky Art Bar "205" with cocktails, a mezcal (better than other cactus drinks) tasting, botanas (appetizers) supplied by Chef Aaron Sanchez of Paladar and Centrico restaurants and a silent auction.

It should be great fun and good and doing good. I will be there. You can be there also by going to our web page: Fofa.us and using paypal for tickets or, after tomorrow, bid on items in the silent auction also on the web site.

Incidentally, the book, The Food and Life of Oaxaca, by Zarela Martinez is the best on the subject and this coming week is the 20th anniversary of her eponymous restaurant, Zarela's.