When I moved from Mexico to L.A. a year ago, people would often ask me what region I was from. When I said Colima, there was usually a short, awkward moment as people tried to place it — and failed.

"It’s a tiny state,” I'd say, “in between Michoacán and Jalisco on the west coast.” Ah. They'd enthusiastically nod. They got it.

Colima may be small, but it punches above its weight. It’s got the largest seaport in Mexico, the port of Manzanillo, and volcanoes, which boast both fire and snow.

One of its cities, Tecomán, is known as the "lime capital of the world" with its own key lime (Colima green diamond). The region also produces Sal de Cuyutlán, a crunchy, coarse hand harvested sea salt.

All that adds up to incredibly fresh seafood and distinctive flavors. As I settled into L.A., I rea

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