Salsa & Salsa: Dancing to the Beat of Flavor
Week of May 2, 2026
Discover the perfect blend of culinary artistry and dance at La Cocina que Canta’s Salsa & Salsa! Indulge in a hands-on cooking demo by Head Chef Vivian Mercado, crafting savory salsa dishes inspired by our Tres Estrellas Organic Farm, while mastering the steps of salsa dancing from expert dance instructor Manuel Velázquez. Join us for an unforgettable fusion of flavors and rhythms. Reserve your spot now for an evening of fun, flavor, and flair!
Itinerary:
4:00 pm – Guests meet @ Front Desk for prompt departure
4:15 pm – Guests arrive @ LCQC
4:15 pm – Introduction and garden tour with Salvador
4: 45 pm – Cooking Salsa Demo with Chef Reyna
5:30 pm – Dinner is served family style
6:15 pm – Manuel’s Lecture on Salsa History while dessert is being served
6:30 pm – Dancing outdoors LCQC with Manuel
7:15 pm – Acknowledgments, Q&A, thank you!
7:30 pm – Guests return @ RLP
Hours: Wednesdays at 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Capacity: 30 guests
Price: $100 USD, includes tax
Chef Vivian Mercado is a young culinary talent with roots deeply intertwined with the vibrant flavors of her homeland, Baja California. Graduating from the Culinary School at the University of Baja California UABC in Ensenada, Vivian embarked on a culinary journey that began by honing her skills at a wholesome meal prep kitchen. Eager to explore the diverse tapestry of local Baja flavors, she took the role of a young manager at a culinary venture, where she delved into the realms of local wines, specialty coffee and artisanal bread. After three enriching years, Vivian returned to Tecate, where she found her culinary sanctuary at Rancho La Puerta. Starting at Tierra Alegre Juice Bar, Vivian delighted our guests with delicious and nutritious smoothies and cold pressed juice creations; a year later she had the opportunity to join the main Rancho La Puerta kitchen as Sous Chef for three years. Now, at La Cocina que Canta, Head Chef Vivian brings her expertise, creativity, and unwavering passion for culinary excellence to every dish she crafts, to every class she teaches.
Manuel Velázquez is an international health and wellness continuing education provider and presenter on fitness educational conferences around the world. His versatility and multifaceted approach leading land-strength and land-dance, aquatic and mind/body training programs have won him recognition as a Presenter of the Year and All-Around International Presenter of the Year presenting at fitness conferences worldwide for almost three decades. He is a proud Faculty Member for SCW Fitness Education and Creator Designer & National Trainer for their WATERinMOTION®Platinum Instructor program for the “Active Agers”. Manuel is a continuing education faculty member for SCW, ACE, AFAA, ACSM, AEA, and stars in over 70 Fitness Instructor Training Videos, including AFAA’s online yoga certification program “Sunrise Yoga”. Former Lead Instructor at Puerto Rico’s exclusive Golden Door Spa now is a head instructor at Rancho La Puerta Wellness Resort & Spa.