As cooler weather arrives in San Miguel, local tables fill with pumpkin soup, mole de olla, pozole, tamales, atole and the fruits of the season. Chef Gaby Green shares what to look for in markets and restaurants, the foods she places on her Día de Muertos altar, and her recipe for pipián verde con pollo—a comforting green mole made with toasted pumpkin seeds, tomatillos and chiles.

Pan de Muerto is more than a seasonal treat—its shape, bone-like decorations and citrus-scented dough tell a story of remembrance and centuries of Mexican tradition. Sandra Vázquez of Panio shares the meaning behind this beloved bread, Panio’s artisan three-day process, a recipe to make at home and a special Panio Lab experience for the Día de Muertos season.

Meet Kajsa Åkerblom Litzen, a Swedish-born chef whose culinary journey has taken her from her grandmother’s kitchen to Paris, Stockholm and ultimately San Miguel. After a lifetime of opening restaurants and cooking around the world, she has found her way back to what she loves most: beautiful ingredients, warm gatherings and creating food that makes people feel at home.

Meet Julieta Aguilar Herrera, founder of Mexican Terroir, whose passion for food, wine and culture has made her an extraordinary interpreter of San Miguel and the surrounding region. From vineyards and mezcal haciendas to local producers and hidden culinary traditions, Julieta helps us discover the stories—and people—behind what we taste.

Meet Gaby Green, a cocinera de corazón who has spent nearly three decades growing alongside San Miguel’s culinary scene—and helping shape it. From traditional fondas and the city’s first food truck to beloved Agua Miel and now her intimate cooking classes, Gaby’s story is one of food, culture, creativity, and the very San Miguel art of reinventing yourself again and again.

Meet Tonya, the woman behind The Empress of Cheese, whose lifelong love of food and cheese has taken her from Canada to Tuscany and ultimately to San Miguel. Today, she calls herself a “cheese storyteller,” connecting people with Mexico’s artisan cheesemakers, local producers, and the stories behind what we eat—all while bringing people together around the table.

Polly Stark Ortega’s story is woven into more than 50 years of San Miguel’s creative history. An artist, printmaker, designer, and longtime educator, she has spent a lifetime creating and inspiring others. Now, alongside her daughters Luna and Sonia, she’s beginning an exciting new chapter with Salon Cacomixtle—a gallery and creative gathering space in the historic Hotel Sautto.

Artist Tanya Talamante first discovered San Miguel in the 1990s while studying at Bellas Artes. Decades later, she returned for a new creative chapter—and a little San Miguel magic. From her Rosewood mural on Calle del Cardo to her new studio in Colonia Guadalupe, Tanya shares how the city’s art, community, and serendipity are inspiring her work today.

After following a corazonada to San Miguel de Allende, Josefina Carballido transformed years of experience in interior design and fashion into Casa R Concept Store. Today, she showcases the very best of contemporary Mexican fashion, artisan craftsmanship, and home décor, creating a destination where every piece tells a story and every visit celebrates the creativity, beauty, and talent of Mexico.

After building a successful fashion business in Mexico City, Sofía Askenazi followed a new dream to San Miguel de Allende, where she opened Sofía's Boutique in the heart of Centro. Known by longtime residents and returning visitors alike, her boutique offers timeless, comfortable fashion for women who want to feel elegant and confident at every stage of life. More than a boutique, it has become a place where style, friendship, and the magic of San Miguel come together.

Born and raised in San Miguel de Allende, Cristina Gerez has spent more than two decades cultivating community through food. From her farm she produces handcrafted cheeses, yogurt, eggs, and seasonal produce while championing local food systems, sustainability, and a deeper connection to the land.

For Myrna Camacho, San Miguel became more than home—it became inspiration. Through her creative agency, Proyecto Bendita, and platforms like Local Guide and San Miguel Live, she has helped introduce San Miguel to a global audience—sharing the people, culture, creativity, and community that continue to shape the city’s evolving story.

Raised in San Miguel, Isabela Castro Vera is shaping the city’s future through thoughtful hospitality, sustainable projects, and a deep commitment to community. From boutique hotels to eco-retreats, her work reflects a vision rooted in connection, culture, and possibility.

San Miguel has a way of bringing people back to what matters—and for Ana Karla Aguilar, it became a place where purpose could take new shape. For Ana Karla Aguilar, that journey began long before San Miguel. Originally from Guanajuato, she built her foundation in education, guided by a deep belief in its power to create opportunity in Mexico.

With dual citizenship in Mexico and the United States, Teri is widely known as one of San Miguel’s most dedicated community advocates. Through her work with organizations such as CRISMA, Casita Linda, and the Girls Empowerment Program, she dedicates her time to supporting initiatives that uplift families, empower young people, and strengthen the social fabric of San Miguel.

Through her leadership with Casita Linda, Louise has helped transform one of San Miguel’s most impactful charities—an organization dedicated to building sustainable homes for families living in extreme poverty.

To launch our series San Miguel Women: Stories of Purpose, we hosted a small cocktail gathering that brought together a remarkable mix of women shaping life in San Miguel. What unfolded was more than conversation—it was the beginning of new friendships, collaborations, and shared inspiration.

Sandra Vázquez is helping shape the culinary and hospitality landscape of San Miguel. As CEO and cofounder of Levain & Co., she has created beloved spaces like Panio, Cumpanio, and Hortus—places where bread, conversation, and community come together around the table.

With a background in sports science and a passion for holistic health, Lisa Attridge de Gordillo has built more than businesses in San Miguel—she has created spaces where people can restore balance, reconnect with themselves, and embrace a healthier way of living.