Learn, Cook and Give Back with Refettorio Aprende
There’s a new reason to step inside the kitchens of Refettorio Mérida, and this one combines two things we love at MID CityBeat: discovering something new and supporting the local community.
Refettorio Mérida has launched Refettorio Aprende (Refettorio Learns), a new monthly program of hands-on cooking classes where participants come together to learn how to prepare a specific dish.
But there’s a wonderful social component to the program, too: when you pay for your class, you also help sponsor a place for someone who otherwise might not be able to afford to participate.
It’s cooking, learning and giving back—all around the same table.
Monthly Cooking Classes in Mérida
Each month, Refettorio Aprende focuses on a different culinary experience.
The most recent class took participants into the world of Italian baking, learning how to prepare homemade pizza and focaccia. Participants were able to get into the kitchen, learn the techniques behind the recipes and, of course, enjoy the results.
And there’s already something delicious planned for next month.
The upcoming Refettorio Aprende class will focus on Chiles en Nogada, one of Mexico’s most iconic traditional dishes and an especially timely recipe to learn as Mexico’s Independence celebrations approach in September.
For anyone who enjoys cooking, Mexican gastronomy or simply trying something different in Mérida, it’s a great opportunity to learn while supporting an important community initiative.
One Class, Two Opportunities
What we particularly love about the Refettorio Aprende concept is that the impact extends beyond the person purchasing the class.
The program is designed around the same philosophy of sharing and dignity that has defined Refettorio Mérida since its creation.
By participating, you aren’t simply signing up for a cooking experience. Your registration also helps make that experience accessible to someone who may not otherwise have the financial means to participate.
It creates an opportunity for people from different backgrounds to learn, cook and share an experience together.
What Is Refettorio Mérida?
For those who aren’t familiar with the organization, Refettorio Mérida has been operating in the city since 2020 as an environmental, social and gastronomic project.
It is operated in Yucatán by Fundación Palace, an Institución de Asistencia Privada that has spent more than 21 years supporting society and environmental initiatives in Mexico and Jamaica.
Refettorio Mérida was developed in partnership with Food for Soul, the nonprofit organization founded by internationally renowned Italian chef Massimo Bottura.
The concept behind a Refettorio goes far beyond operating a traditional community kitchen.
Beauty, hospitality, food and human connection are brought together as tools for creating positive social change.
Fighting Food Waste While Serving the Community
One of Refettorio Mérida’s central missions is addressing food waste.
Ingredients that might otherwise be discarded are rescued and used as completely and creatively as possible. The team transforms these ingredients into dignified and nutritious meals that are shared with people experiencing social vulnerability.
The organization’s work is built around four fundamental pillars:
- Food sustainability
- Human dignity
- Community building
- Education and skills for life
Rather than looking at food simply as something necessary for survival, the Refettorio philosophy recognizes the importance of hospitality, beauty and sitting together around a table.
Refettorio Aprende Continues That Mission
Refettorio Aprende feels like a natural extension of that philosophy.
The monthly classes open the kitchen to a wider part of Mérida’s community while creating opportunities for others to participate at the same time.
You leave having learned a new recipe and culinary techniques, but your participation has also helped someone else have that same opportunity.
And that is very much in the true spirit of Refettorio Mérida: food is better when it is shared.
Want to Participate?
Refettorio Aprende cooking classes will take place once a month, with a different dish or culinary theme featured during each edition.
The next class will feature Chiles en Nogada.
📲 Follow Refettorio Mérida:
ⓕ Facebook
◎ Instagram
For the upcoming date, registration details, cost and information about future Refettorio Aprende classes.
