As six months of living in San Cristobal drew to a close, I felt like a condemned prisoner deciding on a last meal. Dona Chayito's Restaurant had become my absolute favorite place for Cochinita Pibil. Senora Chayito usually serves it with rice, but pureed potatoes with garlic and butter are the other option. Pibil pork is finely shredded, marinated in pineapple and other juices with many secret spices. It's topped with chile infused pickled onions for a final powerful garnish.

On my last day in Mexico, after my last meal that Senora Chayito had cooked, I informed her I was leaving. She took my face between her hands and with a glint of tears in her eyes, she thanked me for coming so often, for bringing my friends, and hoped I would come back soon. Promises were made and I left in tears!