“Thirteen years ago, when Playa del Carmen was still waking from its fishing village past, authentic Mayan food was rare. Yaxche is one of the few restaurants trying to bring forgotten Mayan culinary practices into mainstream Mexican cuisine”.
Yaxche was founded with the unique purpose of rescuing and spreading the Maya culinary art. For 13 years and every time a little more, its commitment grew towards this objective to become what is nowadays.
The purpose is to give a step back into nature in a mutual benefit project: on our side we will help them get a stable income in their little economy. On their side the input is much greater: They will teach us about cooperation, the value of community life, a way back to the autochthonous and to the origins.
We are looking to be better as individuals and as a team and that’s why he are planning to destine our efforts to three initial communities, which will bring this project into life.
One of these communities is Hacienda Sotuta de Peón: www.sotutadepeon.com This hacienda was built in the late 1800’ s in Tecoh, Yucatán. Nowadays it is fully restored, located in the heart of the henequen zone in the Yucatan state. It still preserves the main bases of what were once a fully operational Henequen Hacienda and the grand tradition of the period. With the Henequen (Sisal) that the local Maya produce in the hacienda, craftsmen within the region manufacture crafts such as ropes, purses, bags, key chains, envelopes and any other design we might request.
Nowadays these products are used for some of our most formal events and decoration in the restaurant. The purpose is to use this produce in a direct sales “Yaxche Boutique” where people will be able to purchase these products and help the communities with their input.
Another community we support is located at Tzuncacab, Yucatan. They have the largest production of fruits, vegetables and spices from the Yucatán peninsula. Most of our raw material comes from within that region: Dough for our every plate, which is manufactured by this community from the seeding of the corn. “Recados”: Black, red and white which are a kind of spice used for our sauces and condiments. Jam and honey: produces also within the community from the cropping of the fruits to the caring of the heaves.
These are used in our desserts and special flavors for some sauces. The also provide several unique spices and condiments which are used exclusively in the Mayan cooking.
The third community is a project we are still developing. The idea is to support the Textile community of Kimbala in Yucatán. Several years ago, a group of Mayan independent women where taught to use sewing machines and design clothes inspired in nature. They manufacture dresses, shirts, wedding outfits and many more attires, allowing them to be independent and live in communities whose greatest value is cooperation and solidarity. These products are meant to be offered as well at the Boutique.
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