Ep 80. Ximena Velasco - Mexico Beyond the Myths
In this Taste of Place Podcast episode, we sit down with Ximena Velasco, founder of the ¡Qué Gusto! festival in France. She shares how she’s breaking stereotypes, championing authentic Mexican culinary culture, and bringing the real flavors of Mexico to French audiences.
Taste of Place · Ximena Velasco, Erik Wolf, World Food Travel Association
Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (cdn.simplecast.com) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.
Show Notes
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.
The Taste of Place podcast is sponsored by the World Food Travel Association’s Taste of Place movement. Taste of Place is a global initiative that celebrates culinary culture, food heritage, and the makers behind them. Through the movement, travelers and consumers are encouraged to connect more deeply with destinations and products through their unique flavors and traditions. Learn more at JoinTasteofPlace.org.