ARENAL, JALISCO - It was dawn and the magical agave fields were alive with something besides the usual mists and insect life.

David Ruiz: How to select the best Tequilas

My response to those wanting to find the “best tequila” usually starts with a question: “Do you really want to know the truth?” I ask, then wait for the enthusiastic response. The stage is now set for my favorite subject – tequila.

In kitchens around Mexico, the appearance of late summer pomegranates and walnuts sets mouths to watering, a sure sign that the season has arrived for that most patriotic of dishes: chiles en nogada.