Welcome back to another episode of Jet Setting with Me. It’s me, Michele, your friendly wanderlust instigator.
Welcome to a very special Cinco de Mayo edition of our podcast, where we celebrate not just a holiday, but a full-on fiesta for your taste buds and, of course, your travel soul. This year, Cinco de Mayo is landing with a perfect pairing on a #TacoTuesday. Both represent the heart and soul of Mexican culture.
Today, we’re in for a mouthwatering journey, and I guarantee that after listening, you’ll want Mexican food for dinner. We’ll start in the familiar magic of EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion, which is where I celebrated Cinco de Mayo the last time it fell on a Taco Tuesday. It was yummy.
Let’s get into it. Starting with one of my favorite spots: EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion.
Let’s kick off our tequila and taco tour right here on US soil at EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion—a passport-free portal to the vibrant flavors of Mexico. You don’t HAVE to board a plane or navigate customs to immerse yourself in this lively spot at Walt Disney World.
My personal favorite experience here, and yes, I’m a little biased, is the upscale tequila tasting and flight pairing, an indulgence reserved for those 21 and older. Of course it’s my favorite—it’s a kid-free zone in the world of Disney. Yes, please. Picture yourself savoring a carefully curated flight of some of the finest tequilas Mexico has to offer, perfectly paired with bites that elevate your palate. It’s the perfect grown-up way to experience the rich tradition of tequila without leaving the magic of EPCOT.
But the adults don’t get to have all the fun. The Mexican Pavilion is an absolute standout for food across World Showcase, with authentic dishes that transport you straight to Mexico. And dessert lovers, brace yourselves: the Chocolate Fiesta Pyramid, also known as the Templo Delicioso, at San Angel Inn Restaurante is hands down one of the best sweets you’ll find in the park—decadent, rich, and utterly unforgettable. I’m kind of obsessed with San Angel Inn and riff on it in episode #2, "Top Five Disney Dining for Adults."
Once you’ve savored that chocolatey masterpiece that lives rent-free in my brain, we’re dialing up the adventure and jetting a bit farther south to where the taco and tequila game truly reaches legendary status: Mexico City.
Full disclosure: Mexico City isn’t the easiest destination to access for many Americans—it takes a bit more planning, a passport, and a sense of adventure. But trust me, it’s worth every step because it’s one of the richest, most exciting places to visit in Mexico. Beyond the incredible tequila and taco scenes, Mexico City pulses with vibrant culture that will captivate your heart and mind.
One culinary gem you absolutely must experience is La Docena Oyster Bar & Grill, ranked #42 on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2022. This spot takes a beautifully straightforward approach, serving uncomplicated dishes like crispy tostadas and perfectly grilled fish fillets, alongside a spectacular raw bar spread. Their fresh Baja-style seafood tacos, paired with thoughtfully curated tequila flights, create an experience that’s both authentic and elevated—perfect for those who crave true culinary excellence.
If you’re craving culture alongside your cocktails, Mexico City has recently added a gem to its artistic landscape—the Museo Casa Kahlo, a new Frida Kahlo museum that opened in September 2025. This inspiring tribute to one of Mexico’s most iconic and revolutionary artists makes the city a must-visit for travelers who appreciate not only great food and drink but also powerful stories and unforgettable women in history.
If you want to dive deeper into women-inspired travel destinations like this, check out my podcast episode 147, “Women’s History Month Meets Luxury Travel,” where I celebrate incredible journeys and destinations inspired by remarkable women around the world.
So, while the journey to Mexico City may require a bit more effort, the rewards are rich—tequila, tacos, culture, and history all wrapped up in one intoxicating destination that every adventurous traveler should add to their list.
From the urban pulse and cultural richness of Mexico City, we head to the soulful highlands of Oaxaca, where mezcal smokes and tlayudas satisfy with a flavor punch as big as its heritage.
Oaxaca is where mezcal, tequila’s smoky, soulful cousin, reigns supreme. Pair that with hearty tlayudas—large, crispy Oaxacan tortillas loaded with cheese, meats, and vibrant salsas—and you’ve got a flavor combination that’s as rich in culture as it is in taste.
For his high school graduation, my son took a deep dive into Oaxaca’s culinary scene with a full week immersion cooking class. He soaked up the recipes and that indescribable joy of cooking and eating in an authentic Mexican kitchen.
I just sent him and two friends on a weeklong journey through Mexico, exploring the finest tequilas and savoring the country, one bite and sip at a time.
After soaking in Oaxaca’s smoky mezcal magic, we journey northwest to Guadalajara—the undisputed birthplace of tequila and a city bursting with flavors and traditions as spirited as its signature drink.
Here, tequila is not just a drink; it’s heritage. Just outside the city, you can tour legendary distilleries where the tequila-making process comes alive. You learn firsthand how blue agave transforms into the spirit that’s captured every college student’s attention. It’s an education in rich Mexican history.
In the city, Mercado San Juan de Dios is your playground for taco indulgence. This sprawling market is a paradise for taco lovers with an endless variety of fillings—from the iconic birria, slow-cooked to perfection, to tender carnitas that melt in your mouth. It’s a vibe of colorful stalls and mouthwatering aromas that create sensory overload—in the best way possible.
Put simply, Guadalajara offers a perfect blend of tequila education and local culinary adventure. it an essential stop for any serious tequila and taco enthusiast.
Now let’s bring it back Stateside to my hometown—Austin, Texas—we are absolutely buzzing with Tex-Mex energy, and we love a good Taco Tuesday every week, but on Cinco de Mayo. Well, let’s just say I don’t have to travel to have an experience. Austin has an ever-growing passion for artisanal tequilas and next-level tacos.
A shining star in this scene is El Naranjo, crafted by the phenomenal Iliana and Ernesto. This gem celebrates regional Mexican cuisine, deeply rooted in culture and authentic flavors. The chef-driven menu rotates seasonally, thanks to Iliana de la Vega, who was awarded the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef in Texas in 2022. It’s a place where you experience Mexico’s culinary heart and soul, paired beautifully with thoughtfully curated tequila selections.
Here is my own tragic tequila story. While in college and a night out on Dirty Sixth stree I had what can only be described as a nightmare experience with blue agave tequila. Let’s just say it was a lesson learned the hard way, and since then, I steer clear of anything "blue." These days, I stick to high-level, often pricier, clear tequilas—because quality makes all the difference. And, yes, I’m that person who prefers my tequila neat (read: shots) with the classic salt and lime ritual. Trust me, once you go premium, there’s no going back.
Austin’s vibrant scene gives you that choice—whether you want to savor a handcrafted cocktail or raise a fine shot with friends, all while indulging in creative, mouth-watering tacos that keep the city’s food reputation rock solid.
For those craving a Cinco de Mayo celebration with hometown charm, tequila expertise, and tacos that sometimes think outside the box, come and let me show you my hometown as it is meant to be experienced.
After experiencing Austin’s vibrant tequila scene, we take to the skies and head back south. Let’s take a trip to my most frequented place in Mexico—Cancún. Cancún has authentic, unforgettable culinary experiences that go beyond the all-inclusive resort buffets.
One place very close to my heart is NIZUC Resort & Spa, where I had the pleasure of staying during the elite Engage wedding industry conference, which is responsible for my fabulous Kate Spade purse collection. This conference —recently even caught a shout-out in People magazine (the link to the article is in the show notes). This luxury resort perfectly balances upscale relaxation with genuine Mexican flavors.
At NIZUC, the spotlight shines on Takami, a beachfront taco and tequila bar that’s as indulgent as it is authentic. Imagine savoring fresh, gourmet tacos bursting with local flavors while sipping some of the finest premium tequilas or mezcals, all while gazing out at the Caribbean Sea. It’s that rare combination of luxe comfort and genuine Mexican soul, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a special tequila-and-taco moment in Cancún.
Craving world-class tacos paired with hand-selected tequilas steps from the ocean and five-star service, NIZUC delivers an experience you won’t forget.
Alright, amigos, we’ve journeyed from EPCOT magic to turbocharged tequila trails and beachside bites in Cancún. Every spot serves up its own flavor and vibe—proving there’s no one right way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, just plenty of delicious ones.
Before you go chasing that next taco or tequila flight, I want to hear from you. Got a favorite combo that makes your taste buds do the salsa? Or a travel moment where tequila and tacos turned into pure magic? Drop me a line, share the love, and keep that wanderlust burning.
Oh, and don’t click away just yet—next week, we're switching gears for National Tourism Day. I’ll be dishing out the best insider tips on how to be not just a tourist, but a good tourist. We’ll tackle the art of respecting places and people, avoiding over-tourism traps, and, yes, dodging those infamous Karen moments while exploring new places. Because good vibes only, right?
Until next time, make every journey a memory worth savoring.
