Rick Stein's Road To Mexico

Rick Stein's Road to Mexico, a 2017-2018 BBC2 production, is an enthralling voyage of culinary discovery. While the essence of the show is deeply rooted in gastronomy, it's also a riveting exploration of cultures and traditions, elegantly captured through the curious and passionate eyes of its host, the widely acclaimed celebrity chef Rick Stein.

The series embarks on a grand adventure with Stein, beginning from his years' old haunt in Monterey, California, fondly reminiscent of his 1968 stay, and ending in the vibrant, culture-rich Oaxaca, Mexico. Covering a vast distance of 3,000 miles in total, the show presents an evocative journey that fills each episode with a unique spirit of diversity, mystery, and adventure.

Inspired by Jack Kerouac's 1957 novel "On the Road", Stein undertakes a culinary road trip along the old trade route of the Spanish conquistadors. The journey is filled with nostalgic anecdotes from his time in the late 60s, punctuated with references to the radical counterculture of the time, including Stein’s own personal experiences, evidently nurturing his deep-rooted love for the American and Mexican cultures.

As Stein voyages from San Francisco to Oaxaca, viewers witness how the promise of gastronomic delight leads him into all sorts of unexpected places, sweeping the audience into the eclectic blend of regions, traditions, and cultures. From the elite culinary corners of San Francisco to the teeming, captivating street food corners of Mexico, he dives fearlessly into every local food hotspot.

At the heart of the series lies Stein's vibrant and immensely curious personality. His love for local cuisine is infectious, pulling viewers into his world of vibrant flavors, exotic ingredients, and food made with heart. From enjoying meals with local families to cooking popular dishes with local chefs, he attempts to reinvigorate these traditional recipes in his own kitchen that he sets up occasionally during his journey, taking his audience along for a ride of cultural immersion through cuisine.

Alongside the detailed exposition of food and flavors, Rick Stein's Road to Mexico presents a visually magnificent road trip that captures the spirit and imagery that America's popular culture has thrived on. From interaction with fishermen on the Pacific coast to historical walks through the idyllic town of Santa Fe, and from humorous run-ins with quirky local characters to introductions to traditional artisans, there is much more to this road trip than food alone.

The beauty of the series is the life that it breathes into ordinary, everyday experiences and conversations. It brings to light the authentic folk traditions, music and, occasionally, sheds light on the political and social issues that pervade the places he visits. It's also a subtle reminder of the overlaps and contrasts in American and Mexican cultures, beautifully illustrated through the shared love for food.

With each encounter and every detailed, mouth-watering exploration of a new recipe, Rick Stein’s keen portrayal of the world from his eyes makes the audience almost taste the freshly caught fish in California or the fiery mole of Oaxaca. Accompanied by a thoughtfully curated background score of local music genres, every episode resonates with the liveliness of the region spotlighted.

Simply put, Rick Stein's Road to Mexico is more than just another culinary show. It's a chef's tribute to the culinary heritage of America and Mexico and their shared passion for food, a visually stunning journey through varied cultures, landscapes and, not to forget, a nostalgic ride back to an era that defined the spirit of these regions. Its essence beautifully navigated by its charismatic host, the show invests not just in the cuisines but in the stories behind them, making it a treat for gastronomes, travel enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.