Taste of Place

In this episode of the Taste of Place Podcast, we sit down with Ximena Velasco, founder of the ¡Qué Gusto! festival in France. Originally from Mexico, Ximena has dedicated the past decade to changing perceptions of Mexican food abroad, proving that it is far more than fajitas or chili con carne. She shares her journey from working with Atout France to creating her own cultural platform, the challenges of promoting Mexican gastronomy in a country so deeply proud of its own food traditions, and the victories that come from perseverance, creativity, and trust in her instincts. We discuss: * How Ximena turned frustration into inspiration to launch ¡Qué Gusto! * The cultural misunderstandings she continually must overcome about Mexican cuisine * Why storytelling, heritage, and women cooks are central to preserving authenticity * The importance of reinventing events and strategies to stay relevant * Her vision for expanding Mexican gastronomy’s presence in France and beyond Ximena’s story is a powerful reminder of how one person’s determination can transform perceptions, build bridges between cultures, and spark curiosity about authentic flavors.

In this episode of the Taste of Place Podcast, we sit down with Paula Mohammed – podcaster, cultural explorer, and founder of In My Kitchen. Paula’s story begins with a unique multicultural upbringing as the daughter of a Pakistani father and mother from New Zealand with Māori heritage, raised in both Canada and New Zealand. She shares how a childhood memory of curried peas sparked a lifelong passion for connecting cultures through food. From organizing events and working in sports marketing, to launching In My Kitchen and facilitating culinary exchanges worldwide, Paula has built a life around creating peace through food — one dish and one story at a time. We explore: * How Paula’s diverse heritage shaped her love of food and culture * The origin story of In My Kitchen and its global hosts * Her three principles of travel and food exploration: Let it marinate, let it bend, let it unfold * Why Portugal was a turning point in her personal and professional journey * Her evolving definition of success — from chasing big events to cultivating connection and legacy * Whether you’re a traveler, a food lover, or simply curious about how food can foster deeper human connection, Paula’s journey is full of wisdom and inspiration. In my Kitchen website [https://www.inmykitchen.ca/] Paula's Instagram page [http://instagram.com/inmykitchenpaula]

Chapters 00:38 – Childhood in Ivory Coast and street food memories 03:14 – Turning passion into a chef’s career 04:55 – Defining Afro-fusion cuisine 06:55 – Life between Paris and London 11:33 – MasterChef experience and lessons learned 17:19 – Impact of the show on career and clients 19:19 – Advice for young chefs: resilience, teamwork, and passion 26:38 – Reflections on Gordon Ramsay’s style 30:25 – Founding Douceurs d’Ivoire and catering work 32:55 – Tea, koutoukou liqueur, and new product ventures 36:55 – The origin of jollof rice debate You can learn more about Paule on her Instagram page [https://www.instagram.com/douceursdivoire/].

Episode Chapters 00:00 Journey to Nova Scotia 02:21 Exploring Pier 21 and Its Significance 04:59 The Intersection of Food and Immigration 07:46 Exhibit Highlights: Eat, Make, Share 10:00 Cultural Significance of Canadian Cuisine 12:25 The Role of Indigenous Foods 14:48 Coffin Ships and Historical Context 17:32 The Evolution of Canadian Culinary Identity Visit Sara on LinkedIn here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-nicole-england/]. Visit the Eat, Make, Share: A Taste of Immigration show in Halifax, Nova Scota in 2025. Learn more here [https://pier21.ca/eat-make-share-exhibition].

1. Local Connection is Key: Siham emphasizes the importance of involving local people and communities in creating authentic travel experiences that reflect Morocco’s true culture. 2. More than Sightseeing: Her tours focus on immersive, hands-on experiences—such as cooking classes, tea ceremonies, and visits with local producers—that tell the story of Morocco through food. 3. Personal Passion: Siham’s love for storytelling, food, and people led her to leave a more traditional career path and start her own business centered around meaningful travel. 4. Culinary as a Cultural Gateway: She believes Moroccan food is not just about flavors, but a lens into heritage, history, and identity. 5. Supporting Local Artisans: Siham prioritizes working with small producers and artisans, ensuring her tours directly benefit the communities visited. 6. Women in Tourism: As a female entrepreneur in Morocco’s tourism industry, Siham has faced and overcome challenges, and she actively supports empowering women through her work. 7. Beyond Marrakech: While many tourists flock to Marrakech, Siham encourages exploration of lesser-known places like the Rif mountains, the Sahara, and Berber villages. 8. Farm-to-Table Focus: Tours are intentionally curated to include farm visits, showcasing local ingredients and traditional preparation methods. 9. Sustainable Storytelling: She believes that telling the stories of people, places, and products is crucial for preserving culinary heritage in the face of globalization. 10. Experiences with Heart: What sets her company apart is the emotional connection travelers feel—they don’t just visit Morocco, they connect with it. You can learn more about Siham and her company here: Morocco Travel Organizer website [https://moroccotravelorganizer.com] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/moroccotravelorganizer/?next=%2F] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/morocco-travel-organizer-4b6066265/]