“What country is she from?”

LORELAI: Very tasty. New cook?
EMILY: Yes, Marisella. She’s introduced us to some wonderful dishes so charmingly specific to her native country.
LORELAI: What country is she from?
EMILY: One of those little ones next to Mexico.

There are two countries which border Mexico to the south – Belize and Guatemala. Belize is the smaller of the two, although I’m not sure if that means it’s more likely as Marisella’s place of origin.

The cuisine of Belize and Guatemala is broadly similar to other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, but often with their own twist. Dishes specific to Guatemala include pepian (a spicy chicken stew), and relleintos (mashed deep fried plantains mixed with chocolate and sprinkled with sugar). Dishes specific to Belize include chimole (a chunky chicken and potato soup), and fry jacks (soft puffy tortillas filled with beans, cheese, or meat). Garnaches are popular in both countries (fried corn tortillas topped with refried beans, cabbage, and cheese).

The Gilmores look as if they are eating a selection of grilled vegetables with tortillas (?), yellow rice, and beans, with salad and slices of lime. The food is served on communal dishes, and everyone helps themselves on their individual plate. It looks fairly typical of Central American meals.