The Painted Fish and Other Mayan Feasts - An edible memoir from the back roads and beaches of the Yucatan


Foodie Sonja Lillvik has written her romantic cookbook of authentic Mayan recipes and an amazing pictorial
of photographs that will capture your yearning for an adventure to the Mexican Carribean a.k.a. the Riviera Maya.
Heat up your diet naturally with delicious dishes collected from the jungle back roads that lead to the Caribbean Sea.
Sonja and friend Suzanne Caprio offer 7 short videos explaining various ingredients used in Mayan cooking. Videography by Ed Dudkowski and David Zacharin, Edited by Ed Dudkowski.

Click on a slideshow image to view a video explanation, as well as a demonstration, on preparing mangoes, red sauce and tortillas, margaritas, jicama, guacamole, chili peppers and plantains.
2012 Slow Cooking - Feb. 26 to Mar 4, 2012 - The Art of Maya Cooking. Click here for complete info and to book now. You won’t be disappointed!

Click to enlarge Xo Ki’in is pleased to host an exciting week of feasting with Sonja Lillvik that will introduce you to the beauty of Sian Ka’an and the flavours of the local cuisine while providing the ultimate Slow Food experience. Sonja Lillvik in her book “The Painted Fish” recorded stories and recipes of the Yucatan Maya. During the week you will become familiar with the lobster fishing of Punta Allen, and prepare and develop recipes for lobster, fish, and meat caught locally. Experience the strong connections between plate, planet, people and culture thru:
  • Understanding Sian Ka’an as a biosphere. What it is and how it fits into a world perspective.
  • Visiting the lobster co-op and going out on the boat for a 1/2 day to dive with the lobster fishermen and prepare your delicious lobster the Maya way.
  • Understanding fishing in Punta Allen both for food and sport before going out for a half day of fishing and returning to explore fish recipes including Tik N Xik.
  • Visiting one or two people in the village who still raise animals and herbs in their gardens for food “the backyard garden.”
Food, Accommodation and teaching are included in the Cooking retreat. Boat trips (weather permitting) and transport to events are also included. Tasting wines will be provided with dinner. Participants are welcome to bring alcohol for their own use during the course. Transportation to the Retreat Center is not included but we can co-ordinate rides with other participants. Cooking Retreat Cost: $1,299.00

Listen to a review by foodie David Narsai of KCBS.com and READ MY LIPS, an interview by Bonnie Graham

This cookbook gives you:
  1. Over one hundred recipes tested in California and New York kitchens and translated for the ease and convenience of the English speaking cook.
  2. Culinary tips and Maya Secretos including Chili Safety!
  3. Full color photographs that will entice you to pause and imagine a land where fantasy and reality intertwine.
  4. Insightful stories of modern Maya customs.
  5. Meals so intoxicating we say, Tequila Optional!
  6. A vivid look into the lives of lobster fishermen and fly fishing guides located in the remote village of Punta Allen, Mexico, located in the world biosphere of Sian Ka’an. Heritage Site. UNESCO
The Painted Fish • 108A Old Pittsboro Rd. • Carrboro, NC 27510 • 919-967-6730 • Email Us