If I told you Cozumel has something even more beautiful than its beaches, would you believe me?
It might sound impossible, but it’s true. Respectfully, the real gem of this island isn’t just the sand and turquoise waters; it’s the people.
Cozumel has many facets, but some individuals stand out as people who genuinely care, protect, and contribute to their community in meaningful ways.
That’s why we’re starting a new series: “Meet Cozumel’s Coolest People.” Here, we’ll share stories, moments, and voices from those who love this island as much as we do.
This month, meet Lani Wright, a dear friend and client who has truly made Cozumel her home. She’s not only a vibrant part of our community but also an inspiring person.
Originally from Canada, Lani has dedicated years to the world of gastronomy, infusing passion and creativity into everything she does.
She and her family have called Cozumel home for quite some time. If you haven’t met her yet, chances are you’ve tasted her work, whether at our KCR gatherings or in the delicious creations she shares around the island.
Lani is especially famous for her incredible granola, available at multiple spots across Cozumel.
Her Goal?
To celebrate Mexican flavors while blending in subtle, multicultural influences, perfected over years of experimenting with new ingredients.
She shines a spotlight on iconic local treasures like pepitas and vanilla, making her products not only delicious but authentically Mexican, a reminder of the country’s unique flavors.
Beyond her culinary skills, Lani is endlessly curious, always exploring markets, searching for the freshest produce, or even crossing the sea in pursuit of the best shrimp in the region.
Her curiosity has connected her with countless people and flavors, making her a bridge between locals and newcomers eager to discover Mexican gastronomy.
Need advice on substituting an ingredient you can’t find on the island? Lani is your go-to guide.
She’ll either help you herself or connect you with someone who can.
What started as a simple house showing turned into a lasting friendship and we’re so grateful she’s part of our community.
When Lani opens her kitchen, she opens her heart. She shares more than food, she shares a tapestry of cultures, creating a space where everyone feels at home.
Recently, she even taught us how to make Dukkah, a Middle Eastern blend of spices and seeds, a perfect reflection of her love for experimenting and blending traditions.
Of course, we jumped at the chance to collaborate!
Dukkah is an ancient Egyptian blend of toasted nuts, seeds, and spices. Its name comes from the Arabic word “to pound” or “to crush” a reference to the way it was traditionally made using a mortar.
For centuries, Egyptian families have prepared their own versions of dukkah, each with a slightly different mix depending on local ingredients or family tradition.
It was often enjoyed as a simple, nourishing snack: a piece of bread dipped in olive oil and then pressed into dukkah, creating a crunchy, flavorful bite.
Over time, this humble blend traveled across the Middle East and beyond, winning over kitchens worldwide.
Today, you’ll find it sprinkled on roasted vegetables, used as a crust for meats, or even mixed into salads.
Not only do we bring you an easy, quick recipe here, but you can also catch this very same recipe on our YouTube channel.
You’ll find the link at the end of this newsletter.
Get ready to crush, grind, and mix like a pro! Molcajete is a traditional Mexican mortar made from volcanic stone, has been used for centuries to grind spices, crush herbs, and prepare salsas.
No molcajete? No problem! A regular mortar or even a food processor works just fine.
During our visit, we filmed a special video in Lani’s kitchen, where she guided us through a simple yet unforgettable recipe.
It wasn’t just about cooking, it was about laughter and the warmth of island life.
Instructions:
Using a food processor? Add the whole hazelnuts without chopping, they’ll do the work for you.
You have to try this recipe! It’s simple, yet the flavor is unbeatable.
It instantly transported us to its place of origin, with a little twist, thanks to trying it with focaccia.
An explosion of flavors, pure and perfect!
You absolutely need to reach out to Lani, she’s the mastermind behind this creation.
We have the privilege of calling you our personal friend and we see the contributions you make to our community.
Lani embodies Cozumel’s multicultural spirit, bringing people together through her talent, generosity, and curiosity of flavors.
It's personalized cooking experiences, catering intimate gatherings, or simply sharing her knowledge, Lani makes everyone feel at home.
Want to connect with her? Reach out, we’ll gladly help you.
We’re thrilled to share this collaboration, not only to inspire your taste buds but also to celebrate the people who make Cozumel such a unique place to live.
Watch the full video with Lani and her recipe here: