In this episode of the Taste of Place Podcast, we sit down with Ximena Velasco, founder of the ¡Qué Gusto! festival in France. Originally from Mexico, Ximena has dedicated the past decade to changing perceptions of Mexican food abroad, proving that it is far more than fajitas or chili con carne. She shares her journey from working with Atout France to creating her own cultural platform, the challenges of promoting Mexican gastronomy in a country so deeply proud of its own food traditions, and the victories that come from perseverance, creativity, and trust in her instincts.

We discuss:

• How Ximena turned frustration into inspiration to launch ¡Qué Gusto!
• The cultural misunderstandings she continually must overcome about Mexican cuisine
• Why storytelling, heritage, and women cooks are central to preserving authenticity
• The importance of reinventing events and strategies to stay relevant
• Her vision for expanding Mexican gastronomy’s presence in France and beyond

Ximena’s story is a powerful reminder of how one person’s determination can transform perceptions, build bridges between cultures, and spark curiosity about authentic flavors.