Dining Anew

The other day after the Food Expo (another post to come about my discoveries there), we decided to check out Monica Patiño's newest addition to her restaurant empire - Delirio.

First, a few things about Monica Patiño. Silly me had no idea who she was until we got to Mexico, but she is quite the celebrity chef here. This of course means the requisite upscale restaurant, cookbook, and self-branded product line that, in today's world of self-marketing, is a must in order to be recognized as a successful cooking guru. I've also seen her on TV, though I have to investigate as to whether it was actually her show.

Everyday should be Churros and Hot Chocolate Day...

But it can't. And I should actually thank my lucky stars that it can't be that way, because if that were the case, I would end up looking like a churro. Hmm...that doesn't make sense considering churros are tall and skinny...but I'm sure you catch my drift, right?


Last night we ventured into our 'hood: Coyoacan or land of the coyotes, as the name suggests from the its Nahuatl origin of Coyohuacan. There are lots of websites that explain the history and culture of this area of Mexico City, but I think the best way to discover it, as is with any other place, is to go check it out yourself. However, if you don't find yourself in Mexico City at the moment, I realize that may be a tad difficult...so I'll try my best to explain the little I found out last night.


First and foremost, the best hot chocolate in the city (according to me) is from Cafe El Jarocho. I do not know what they mix in it, but for 12 pesos, you are given a little cup of heaven. I can't wait for the colder months to come already so we have even more excuses to sit around a sip on hot coco. The plus side being that you can cover up all the extra kilitos side effects with winter wear. Anyway, this famous cafe has a cult following among the inhabitants of Coyoacan, and as evidenced by their long history (1950's), they live up to their reputation for serving up some damn good java. Word to the wise though, if you are not used to strong coffee - maybe you ought to stick to their normal brew - to avoid palpitations and dizziness.



Considering how expansive the Distrito Federal is, it makes sense that the city is divided up into different delegaciones, or areas, if you will; each one a piece of the huge puzzle that is Mexico City. Like in every metropolis, each neighborhood has its own charm or feel. Coyoacan has long been known as the artsy, bohemian, intellectual part of town.


I admit I have not one iota of creativity in me, at least not in the sense of being able to draw or paint or play and instrument. I don't dress hippie cause I really don't know how. I don't tend to spend hours at cafes endlessly philosophising life. But I felt pretty at ease in Coyoacan. It has a certain je ne sais quoi about it. There are lots of cool cafes, bars, cantinas, and trendy restaurants to check out, museums to explore, and streets to get lost on. I just hope with its booming popularity and influx of chilangos over the weekend, Coyoacan makes sure to keep its charm.


Things to do around Coyoacan:


- walk around Plaza Hidalgo


- visit the Frida Kahlo museum


- definitely have coffee at Cafe El Jarocho


- check out the Leon Trotsky museum


- eat great Mexican food at Los Danzantes


- have a shot of mezcal at Oh Mayatl


- kick back and enjoy a few beers at a cantina like La Guadalupana or La Coyoacana


Enjoy! ;)