Mexico The Cookbook author Margarita Carrillo Arronte

More than one Margarita at the ambassador's house

We launched Mexico The Cookbook at a select food and drinks party last night, here's what happened

If it's a Thursday evening you'll often find Phaidon.com at the Thomas Cubitt-designed, Mexican ambassador's residence in Belgravia, London. Well not exactly often, more like once. Last night in fact. We were there to celebrate the launch of Mexico The Cookbook with it's author Margarita Carrillo Arronte, the ambassador, Diego GomezPickering and selected high profile guests from the art, media and foodie worlds.

 

From left Mexican ambassador Diego GomezPickering, Margarita and Phaidon MD James Booth-Clibborn
From left Mexican ambassador Diego GomezPickering, Margarita and Phaidon MD James Booth-Clibborn

Margarita gave a funny, heartfelt speech in which she described how it's been her life mission to share Mexican cuisine with the world. She admitted she couldn't quite remember when she stared cooking it but drew laughs from the assembled when she said that in Mexico, as a woman, "you tend to start right from birth". 

 

Margarita signs books for the ambassador's guests
Margarita signs books for the ambassador's guests

To much whooping and cheering, Magarita revealed that her cooking was "an important way of demonstrating her love for her family". She also revealed her struggle in whitling down the 2,500 plus recipes she had at the start of the project to the 750 that made the final cut, each one of them simplified for home cooking.

 

Margarita with Phaidon's Fiona Smith left and Roxane Gergaud right
Margarita with Phaidon's Fiona Smith left and Roxane Gergaud right

As she became more animated she revealed how irritated she gets that Mexican cuisine is commonly referred to as 'greasy' or 'fast food'. She even used the word 'shit' at one point then rather charmingly turned to the Mexican ambassador and apologised for swearing in his house, cue more laughter. She wrapped up by thanking Phaidon (the pleasure was ours Margarita) for trusting and guiding her and thanked the audience for sharing in her dream.

 

Margarita signs books for the ambassador's guests
Margarita signs books for the ambassador's guests

Guests included Thomasina Miers from Wahaca, Wallpaper* editor Tony Chambers, Simon Armstrong from Tate, and Laura Price from The 50 Best Restaurants, all of whom dined on delicacies courtesy of Mexican restaurant Wahaca and margaritas made with Cabrito Tequila supplied by Amathus. And, if you'd like to find out what got the Mexican ambassador so excited that he gave up his house for an entire evening, you can take a look at Mexico The Cookbook here.