If there is a place which is the heart of the house or "hacienda" in the Mexican culture, it is the kitchen or "cocina". It is in here where all the decisions and social activities take place. Its importance on the daily activities makes a Mexican kitchen the most exquisite portrait of traditional design elements, local beliefs and crafted elements from the popular culture.
One of the design elements that give shape to this style are the Talavera tiles, used throughout countertops, walls, floors, and ceiling.
Due to its relevance and social gathering purpose, Mexican "cocinas" are spacious. The "cocinas" are divided into two spaces, the main section for daily meals and gatherings, and the oven dedicated to prepare the most traditional type of breads "Tortillas".
These colonial kitchens represent the Mexican identity not only through culinary antiques such as hand-carved stone and wooden vessels -mortars-, but also through country styled furniture, folk decor -chili, spices and tomatoes displayed in handmade baskets-, and architectural details such as "trasteros" or open cupboards to keep items within easy reach.
Also the most typical culinary rituals bring into the kitchen the presence of authentic pre-Hispanic items such as molcajetes (for grid spices), bateas (dough bowls), metates (grid corn and chocolate), wooden tortilla presses, wooden whisk or stirrer (to produce foam on the top of the chocolate), and many more.
All the majesty and folk lore from Mexico can be seen, tasted and felt in each square feet of these colonial kitchens. A Latino traditional look that can give a fun-loving feel to your own kitchen.
