Twenty years of thank-you notes from our students — and224 more reviews (4.9★) on TripAdvisor.
Recently on a visit to San Miguel de Allende, I had the great pleasure of attending a cooking class at Marilau Cooking School. It was an extraordinary experience. She first sent me a menu of options of dishes to cook, and I chose three — sopa verde, arroz verde, and pollo con salsa de pipián — none of the more common dishes one typically finds in Mexican (or tex-mex) restaurants in the eastern United States. I am delighted to now be able to add these delicious dishes to my repertoire. Marilau explained the techniques clearly, and her hands-on teaching ensured that I would learn them by having done them myself. We then had a memorable restaurant-quality meal. Marilau is a talented teacher, a font of knowledge about Mexican regional cuisine, and a delightful and interesting person. I highly recommend Marilau Cooking School — it greatly enhanced my visit to this magical city.
Leslie HunterJune 2021
Authentic and historical Mexican cuisine with an excellent teacher — the best! Marilau has an impressive depth of knowledge about how to cook Mexican cuisine as well as the historical context of authentic Mexican ingredients. I have cooked professionally in the past with some highly regarded California chefs, and I can’t remember being this excited about recreating recipes. Initially I signed up for the 3-day cooking-with-chilies class, and then added 2 days because I realized what an incredible opportunity I had cooking with Marilau. The kitchen is simple, well arranged and stocked extensively with authentic Mexican cookware. Everyone works around a central table and it’s hands-on for all stages of all recipes. After everything is cooked, we get to eat what we made — complete, delicious and nutritious!
Jim McNultySebastopol, California · September 26, 2015
I had the pleasure of learning to cook with Maria over 3 days while I lived in San Miguel for a month. Maria is a fantastic teacher, showing you the techniques then letting you do the rest — you really learn that way. She not only tells you what goes in a dish but why, which really helps you understand why Mexican food is so delicious. Her love for her heritage and its cuisine is infectious; learning from her was one of the highlights of my trip. A must for home cooks, chefs and those who love Mexican cuisine!
Jade LeadbetterOctober 17, 2012
Maria is an excellent teacher with a fine command of English (as well as Spanish). Her enthusiasm and knowledge about the cuisine of Mexico are outstanding. I speak from my own experience as a cooking teacher of more than 30 years when I recommend her classes to anyone with an interest in cooking!
Kurt YoungmannFebruary 23, 2012
If you believe that cooking can be an art, a passion, a joyous and entertaining time; if you believe that one of the most significant pathways into a culture is through its cuisines — then you must join Marilau in an experience that is so much more than acquiring a recipe. My wife’s desire was to learn mole, perhaps the soul of Mexican cuisine. She researched all the schools in SMA and selected Marilau’s. It’s a gift that was passed down to Marilau, that she passes on to you, so that you, in turn, will give on. Treat yourself to one of the best experiences in SMA, if not Mexico. You won’t regret it.
MaravillosoAustin, Texas · August 28, 2012
MariLau, quiero agradecerte nuevamente por la excelente clase que nos diste. La disfrutamos mucho y sobre todo aprendí muchas cosas que, a pesar de ser mexicana, no me habían pasado por la cabeza. Aparte de eso, tienes una personalidad que me encantó y la hizo todavía más disfrutable. Saludos y gracias.
Janneth López Ordaz20 de julio, 2012
We took a corn-husk tamale-making class with Marilau. Her passion, extensive knowledge and experience with 100% authentic Mexican foods is incomparable! Hands-on, fun and taught very well. A class with Marilau is a must for any foodie enthusiast that visits San Miguel de Allende. You also get to eat the fruits of your labor… delicious!
Erick WalkerOctober 8, 2012
Hey Maria — when we arrived home after the salsa class, Bret’s parents’ friends were there and we had a GREAT time introducing them to your food. These friends live in Mexico for 3 months every year and agreed that your salsas were the best they had ever had. Thanks for making our trip!
Alexander & BretMarch 3, 2006
I just had to write and let you know about the saga of the mole sauce. I served the mole for the night after Thanksgiving, and the compliments were flying all around the table. My stepson said he has had moles he thought were very good, but not as good as mine (yours). So, again: thank you, thank you, thank you!
Nancie GilbertNew Mexico · November 29, 2008
And thank you again for the excellent, professional cooking class. Our dinner last night that included chicken with your salsa verde was so delicious! We had the best teacher! Fondly, with hugs.
Kathy & Pat WallFebruary 14, 2012
Your class was fabulous and a great success. We all so enjoyed it, and your wonderful humor, talent and patience. Many thanks from all of us.
Sherry MinkowskiDecember 22, 2006
By far, the highlight of our trip was the cooking class we took with you. We had so much fun, learned a great deal and thoroughly enjoyed your company.
Judy Goozh
I just wanted to thank you again for such a fun cooking class! Your foods are wonderful; we loved San Miguel! Thanks for sharing your DELICIOUS recipes… and your warm hospitality!
Francine & Ron MorrisonJanuary 2, 2006
I think our salsa cooking lessons were the highlight of our trip to San Miguel de Allende! “The Happy Couples” have been making salsa like crazy. This Saturday night we are having a Salsa Celebration at our home. Thank you again for a wonderful experience — you are a great teacher and a great cook.
Jim & Ann GreeneApril 10, 2005
We took the sauce and salsa class. We have made your recipes many times since then — the salsa verde is a staple in our refrigerator. Is your cookbook available yet? Let me know when it is!
Maggie Shaw & husbandNovember 17, 2005
Maria, Jeff and I just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the classes we had with you. They were the highlight of our trip! With our new recipes, cooking gear and knowledge, there will be many Mexican dinners and parties ahead!
Holly Hedegaard & Jeff HerrenNovember 25, 2005
We want to thank you so much for the class on mole and pipianes — we had such a great time and learned so much. You and your sister are true San Miguel treasures. Actually, I really wanted to just move in and be a third assistant to you both. Big hugs.
Judy Terra & Michael GuttmanNovember 12, 2004
This class was excellent. I have attended classes all over France and Italy and this was one of the VERY BEST! ¡Muchas gracias!
J. CantergianiAlbuquerque, New Mexico
Besides the great, varied and delicious Mexican menus I learned, and the small but cozy school, Marilau was a professional, charming teacher who really knows about tradition!
J. PolakFood writer · Monaco
Four stars! Comprehensive & charming.
Chef Jennie StansburySan Antonio, Texas
Great class! The aromas, the colors and the fabulous tastes. I loved this experience!
M.P.Verbier, Switzerland
It was wonderful… thank you for showing us a piece of Mexican history.
C.T.Atlanta, Georgia
The class is top of the line. I would recommend it to everyone.
K.W.Nagoya, Japan
I just taste the rice, the soup and the pork, and with every dish my mouth jumps with joy. Thank you for teaching my wife.
SandyUSA
Excellent class — good techniques and delicious food.
J.S.South Africa