A Gourmet Vacation Dining Experience
At Casa Xixim, dining goes beyond just a meal – it’s an exploration of Tulum’s vibrant flavors in a relaxing, family-style setting. Every meal offers a chance to enjoy a gourmet vacation dining experience that artfully combines regional traditions with contemporary culinary techniques. Our private chef service offers a new way to enjoy group and family travel, combining gourmet dining without the fuss. Everyone gets to relax and enjoy time together while all the logistics around meals are covered.
The experience is designed to provide a sense of relaxation and indulgence, where guests can unwind, unplug and immerse themselves in the beauty of Tulum – transforming that universal conundrum of “what’s for dinner?” into something to look forward to. Our chefs take care of everything – from sourcing the freshest ingredients to cooking and cleaning – so that guests can truly enjoy their time without any distractions.
Whether it’s freshly made tortillas or a dish inspired by our culinary consultant, Chef Joaquin Cardoso, and his revered take on Mexican cuisine, every meal at Casa Xixim becomes a memorable part of your stay.
Elevating Casa Xixim’s Culinary Vision with Chef Joaquin
Casa Xixim’s journey took an exciting turn when our coffee partner Santiago Sota of Drip in Mexico City had the auspicious idea to bring friend Chef Joaquin Cardoso along on one of his visits to Casa Xixim with us. On that trip, we were treated to Chef Joaquin’s culinary brilliance, and his time with our masterful house chefs demonstrated the potential in elevating the villa’s menu, transforming it into something unexpectedly extraordinary. Joaquin’s creative vision, coupled with Casa Xixim’s dedication to showcasing local flavors and sustainable dining, has crafted an experience that feels both unique and authentically Mexican.
Chef Joaquin’s accomplishments are nothing short of impressive. After starting culinary school in Mexico City, he received training at the Institut Paul Bocuse in France. It was then his career was launched with internships at Alain Ducasse, Lucas Cartón, Noma and Relae. In total, he spent 13 years working in France with achievements including earning a 2-star Michelin award as executive chef at the Jean-François Piège restaurant in Thoumieux, which speaks to his expertise and dedication to gastronomy. His success led him back to Mexico City to esteemed establishments such as Pujol and Hotel Carlota.
Currently, Chef Joaquin is co-founder and chef at the beloved Loup in Mexico City among other endeavors, and he maintains a strong connection with Casa Xixim by mentoring the villa’s house chefs. Joaquin periodically visits Casa Xixim to fine-tune the menu and to guide the chefs, ensuring that every dish reflects the villa’s vision and his exceptional culinary standards.
A Journey Through Culinary Excellence
The collaboration between Chef Joaquin and Casa Xixim truly represents a journey through culinary excellence.
With Joaquin’s guidance, the villa’s chefs have embraced the art of blending regional Mexican and Mayan flavors with innovative techniques, resulting in a menu that pays homage to both traditional cuisine and contemporary gastronomy.
Joaquin’s Philosophy: Cooking with Passion and Purpose
Chef Joaquin’s philosophy is deeply rooted in cooking with passion and purpose, using fresh, sustainable ingredients to create dishes that are both flavorful and environmentally conscious. He draws inspiration from his experiences working in world-renowned kitchens, and his dedication to supporting local producers is evident in every dish he creates.
“For me, Casa Xixim is about working with a community of producers and chefs from this unique region, creating home-feeling dishes that makes one feel a sense of belonging in this beautiful villa, and this enchanting environment” – Joaquin Cardoso
Sourcing Local and Sustainable Ingredients
Casa Xixim’s Commitment to Eco-Friendly Dining
Sustainability is a core value at Casa Xixim, where every dish is thoughtfully prepared with seasonal and locally produced ingredients. This dedication to eco-friendly dining extends to every detail, including using fresh masa for making tortillas and chips, as well as crafting salsas from scratch. Casa Xixim proudly supports local mom-and-pop producers and small shops, sourcing ingredients from Woolis, local fishermen, and small produce markets to ensure that every meal is both high-quality and sustainable.
Casa Xixim’s culinary experience is rooted in delivering an authentic taste of Tulum that’s both delicious and eco-conscious. By choosing to work with these local suppliers, Casa Xixim not only ensures the freshest ingredients but also contributes to the local economy, making every dish an integral part of Tulum’s vibrant community.
Commitment to Quality and Freshness
The chefs at Casa Xixim are committed to using only the finest ingredients, ensuring that every dish bursts with flavor. From the crispness of the vegetables to the freshness of the seafood, Casa Xixim’s culinary experience is rooted in delivering an authentic taste of Tulum that’s both delicious and eco-conscious.
Signature Dishes That Highlight Tulum’s Flavors
The Casa Xixim menu features a variety of signature dishes that highlight the vibrant and diverse flavors of Tulum. From plant-forward creations to traditional Mexican fare, every dish is crafted with care to reflect the region’s rich culinary traditions while catering to various dietary preferences.
Plant-Forward Creations with a Twist
Casa Xixim is known for its plant-forward dishes, which showcase the best of seasonal vegetables, grains and herbs. Standouts include the Papadzules – soft tortillas filled with local squash and crispy tofu, topped with pepita sauce – and Chayitas, traditional corn masa fritters blended with the locally beloved chaya known as Mayan spinach.
Guest Favorites: Dishes You Can’t Miss
Some of the most popular dishes at Casa Xixim include the Pescado a la Tikin Chik, a whole fish grilled over aromatic wood with an achiote orange sauce, and the vegan Xixim Ceviche Especial, which features sweet potato, dragon fruit, and local Mayan Xcatic (pronounced sh-KA-teek) chile in a coconut milk marinade.
These dishes offer a delicious blend of traditional flavors with a modern twist, making them must-tries during your stay.
A Note on Coffee: Casa Xixim’s Sustainable Drip Experience
Casa Xixim partners with Drip Café Especial to source high-quality coffee from small, sustainable communities around Mexico. Each cup is a testament to Casa Xixim’s commitment to supporting local producers and delivering a true Tulum luxury coffee experience. Our mornings start with chemex brewed Mexican beans that pair exquisitely with our breakfast dishes.
A Personalized Dining Journey with Casa Xixim’s Guest Planning Portal
Casa Xixim offers a personalized dining experience through its guest planning portal, allowing guests to select meals before their arrival. This streamlined process reduces option overload, accommodates a range of preferences and needs, and ensures a seamless and enjoyable culinary journey.
Guests choose their arrival dinner and first breakfast via the portal, and then work with the concierge and house chefs in person to plan the rest of their meals from our full menu. Options cater to meat-eaters, vegetarians, vegans and even children, providing a truly unique vacation dining experience.
A Superior Way to Travel: Bypass the Pitfalls of Group Dining
We’ve all been there, and we took on the challenge of solving travel group dining for you. Here are the four ways that Casa Xixim wins the vacation dining game:
- Skip the mediocre hotel buffets with lines and a ton of food waste.
- Dodge the reliance on restaurants that can be busy and have inconsistent service.
- Sidestep having to find restaurants in an unfamiliar location, that everyone in your group can agree on, is time consuming to plan, can be expensive and requires logistics to get to/from.
- Ditch the standard vacation rental where you end up needing to figure out yourself where to do the shopping for an entire group, and all the cooking and cleaning falls on you.
At Casa Xixim, the hassles of meal planning with your group on vacation dissolve, leaving you time to enjoy yourselves.
What to Expect: A Dining Experience Like No Other
The Casa Xixim culinary experience is a disruptor in traditional group travel. We not only solved the logistics and challenges of group travel dining, but also designed our menu to span three meals per day for up to 7 nights, featuring our local favorites plus a broad and thorough set of options.
While our guests can depend on amazing meals at Casa Xixim, some still do plan a meal or two out at one of Tulum’s famous restaurants — and we can even help with those reservations. Staying at Casa Xixim means living the dream of a foodie’s life, where meals become central to the adventure.
Each moment is more than just a meal – it’s a chance to connect with loved ones, to savor Tulum’s flavors and to create unforgettable memories.
FAQ About Private Chef Services and Sustainable Dining at Casa Xixim
Why should I choose a private villa with chef service over an all-inclusive hotel for my group vacation?
Booking a private villa with chef service included elevates your vacation experience by offering personalized meals tailored to your tastes. Whether you prefer gourmet cuisine or specific dietary options, a private chef handles everything from meal preparation to cleanup, allowing you to relax and enjoy your time.
What are the benefits of sustainable dining while on vacation?
Sustainable dining ensures that the food you enjoy is locally sourced, eco-friendly, and supports local communities. By choosing accommodations that prioritize sustainability, like Casa Xixim, you’re not only eating fresh, high-quality meals but also contributing to environmentally conscious practices.
How can I enjoy authentic local cuisine while staying in Tulum?
Staying in a villa with a private chef is one of the best ways to experience authentic local cuisine. A private chef can craft menus that incorporate regional Mexican flavors, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, giving you a true taste of Tulum without having to leave your accommodation.
What types of dietary preferences can private chefs accommodate?
Private chefs are highly versatile and can cater to a wide range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and even kid-friendly meals. Discuss your preferences with the chef beforehand to ensure every meal suits your dietary needs.
How do I choose the right vacation villa with chef services?
When choosing a vacation villa with chef services, consider the menu offerings, the chef’s background, and the use of local ingredients. Villas like Casa Xixim prioritize sustainability, personalized dining, and culinary excellence, ensuring that your stay is both luxurious and memorable.