ENCANTO - noun. Spanish for Charm or Delight
There’s nothing more delightful than the pleasure of enjoying a memorable meal,
one prepared with care and attention, respecting the ingredients, the techniques,
the traditions. At Encanto, we strive to bring you the flavours of Mexico,
a complex culinary kaleidoscope reflecting centuries of history
and the coming together of cultures, all blending harmoniously
in dishes that are sure to charm your palate and delight your senses.
one prepared with care and attention, respecting the ingredients, the techniques,
the traditions. At Encanto, we strive to bring you the flavours of Mexico,
a complex culinary kaleidoscope reflecting centuries of history
and the coming together of cultures, all blending harmoniously
in dishes that are sure to charm your palate and delight your senses.
About us
Encanto provides an array of services all related to the culinary traditions of Mexico: including our signature “Mexico @ Home” package, personalized catering services, and the popular culinary classes - both private and public, with Chef Rossana Ascencio. Our services range from intimate celebrations, to casual “fiestas”, corporate events, cocktail parties, and weddings. We believe in creating unique, memorable experiences, with a menu that is tailored to suit your needs.
Whether you are interested in the cuisine of a particular region in Mexico ~ The Yucatan, the Pacific Coast, etc.. , or a specific theme ~ Dia de los Muertos, Mexico’s Independence Day, etc…, our goal is to transport you and your guests to that specific time and place in Mexico that your taste buds are craving for!
Every meal is prepared with dedication, the most profound respect for tradition and the proper use of ingredients. We are firm believers in the strong connection between those who prepare the food and those who enjoy it, and we are always thankful for the opportunity to share this bond with our clients.
Whether you are interested in the cuisine of a particular region in Mexico ~ The Yucatan, the Pacific Coast, etc.. , or a specific theme ~ Dia de los Muertos, Mexico’s Independence Day, etc…, our goal is to transport you and your guests to that specific time and place in Mexico that your taste buds are craving for!
Every meal is prepared with dedication, the most profound respect for tradition and the proper use of ingredients. We are firm believers in the strong connection between those who prepare the food and those who enjoy it, and we are always thankful for the opportunity to share this bond with our clients.
Chef Rossana AscencioBorn and raised in Mexico City, Rossana calls Vancouver home since 1993. Growing up in a family with deep roots in Mexico’s history and traditions, she learned from an early age to love and respect her heritage.
With a very diverse professional background that includes a stint in local television, as host and producer - both in English & Spanish – Rossana has been involved in sharing and promoting Mexico’s traditions in many different ways. Her transition into the culinary world was truly as if by fate. Food and cooking were always an integral part of her family, and it was in 2001, when she convinced her siblings to open a little “takeout window” in downtown Vancouver where they gradually introduced their family’s favourite “Antojitos” – or traditional dishes. Little did she know that what started as a “side project” will soon become a full-time family business, and a life changing career. Thanks to its increasing popularity, the little take-out window evolved into a full-fledged restaurant, and “The Mouse & the Bean”, became the first authentic “Mexican Antojeria” in Vancouver, serving traditional dishes prepared with family recipes. Soon, it would also become the home of cultural events and culinary festivals. After a few years with the restaurant, numerous awards, and rave reviews, Rossana realized she wanted to broaden her culinary career. She left the family business and enrolled in the Professional Culinary Program at Northwest Culinary Academy in Vancouver, to later go on to work at a number of fine dining restaurants and hotels, such as the Observatory, atop Grouse Mountain, and the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver. She fell in love with the local ingredients and amazing local producers during her time with Edible Canada (then Edible British Columbia), having the opportunity to lead hundreds of visitors through Vancouver’s Granville Island public market with the popular “Chef Guided Market tours”. Always the entrepreneur, Chef Rossana decided to create “Encanto Culinary Services” as an outlet to continue to share and promote her culinary heritage, bringing to her clients the true flavours of Mexico through catering, cooking classes and more. |
Over the years she has been a regular guest on local radio and TV shows, a presenter at culinary events and workshops, and has closely worked with the Mexico Tourism Board in promoting Mexico’s Gastronomy. She trained as Cultural Promoter with Mexico’s National Council of Arts and Culture, and continues to travel extensively across Mexico researching recipes and unique
ingredients. Chef Rossana created the “Regional Cuisines of Mexico” series offered through the University of British Columbia Culinary section of the Languages Culture and Travel department. Every term, a different region is featured and participants learn about the cultural and historical background of the dishes they prepare. Her latest venture is a partnership with good friend, and PR specialist, Veronica Rivas. Together they created Ceiba Importers of Gourmet Products, bringing to Vancouver fine products from Mexico & Latin America, as well as a signature line of products incorporating traditional Mexican recipes with locally sourced ingredients, under the brand OMG Original Mexican Gourmet She continues to develop new avenues to share her passion for Mexico’s culinary legacy. And with her “sacred trinity” in hand – corn, beans and chiles – continues to delight her clients with the flavours of her homeland. |
Copyright 2020 Mexico Through Your Senses
Let your senses guide you!
Hear it, Taste it, See it, Feel it
Hear it, Taste it, See it, Feel it