Only in Mexico! {although this could be the Philippines too}

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.

Green Day

Mexico City is pretty green. Maybe not so much in the eco-friendly manner we have taken the word "green" to mean nowadays - but in the simplest of meanings - the actual color green.

For a city as big as this one, I would say that there is a fair proportion of tree lined avenues and parks that makes living amongst the concrete and traffic somewhat bearable. Most neighborhoods around town have a park for its residents to enjoy daily...and if you want a more Central Park atmosphere, you can always head to Bosque de Chapultepec and enjoy its vast sprawl of green.

Anyway, in an effort to make the inside of our little home greener, we headed over to Viveros de Coyoacan to see what we could find. Viveros de Coyoacan is a huge park and plant nursery in the heart of Coyoacan in the southern part of the city.

When we moved to Mexico City, there was a slight attempt at keeping up our workout routine through early morning runs at the viveros. It's quite a popular spot for running enthusiasts. Open by 6:00a.m., there is a circuit around the park about 4 km long. By 6:15, if you don't run, stay on the left side please. Unless you want people running all around and over you. Anyway, I said attempt because I lasted all of 5 days getting up at 5:30.

Finally Friday

It's Friday night, the week is finally over, let the weekend begin.


We (my gordo and I) sometimes feel like we never take real advantage of our weekends. Granted, after a stressful week, yucky weather, and over all exhaustion, a weekend spent in PJ's on the couch is not only justifiable, but sometimes even well-deserved!


But on occasion, it feels good to explore, see what's happening, discover something new, right? So what are you going to do this weekend?


Here are a couple of suggestions if you live in DF:


Explore El Bazaar Sabado (Saturday Bazaar) in San Angel. For the last 50 years, Plaza San Jacinto turns into a labyrinth of little shops every Saturday. From hand made jewelry, clothing, house decors, paintings, and Mexican handicrafts  - perusing through all the artistic offerings is a great way to spend a Saturday.

A recent New York Times article actually mentions this Bazaar as one of the 'to-do' activities when you have 36 Hours in Mexico City.

Aside from shopping, simply walking around this colonia is breathtaking. Houses from the colonial era still line the cobblestone streets shaded under trees making it all so romantic and nostalgic.

Take a break and grab a bite to eat at Fonda San Angel inside the Bazaar itself, or better yet, head over the San Angel Inn, which I hear is super famous for its margaritas.

If you wake up on Sunday wanting more, head over to Monumental Plaza de Toros Mexico and catch a bullfight.

Most people think bullfighting is really more of a Spanish pastime, even I did, until we went to see a corrida here last Sunday, but it seems that it is also quite popular here in Mexico.

Actually, many young toreros from Spain come to Mexico to debut their careers. They get practice fighting here first, so Mexican spectators even have a special cariño for Spanish matadors.


If you like bullfights, El Juli from Madrid is fighting this Sunday, January 31st. He is currently one of the best out there and definitely worth seeing.


Even if you don't live in Mexico City, I'm sure there is a local flea market near you that you can browse through for some great finds. Finding a bullfight may be a little more difficult though.








El Bazaar Sabado
Plaza San Jacinto 11
San Angel, Mexico D.F.


San Angel Inn
Diego Rivera 50 y Altavista
Col. San Angel Inn
56 16 14 02


La Monumental Plaza de Toros
Augusto Rodin 241
Col. Noche Buena

Sunday Strollin'

If I remember correctly, I visited Tepoztlan on my very first trip to Mexico. And ever since then, every time we go, we end up at El Ciruelo for lunch. There is no better way to end the weekend than with an ice cold clamato con cerveza on a lazy Sunday with not a care in the world. And their sopes con queso de cabra* are to die for.

*these sopes are little corn tortillas (a little thicker than a normal tortilla you use for tacos) filled with beans and topped with goat cheese, lettuce, and fresh cream. Add a little salsa verde and you are all set!

In 2001, Mexico's Secretary of Tourism launched a program called Pueblos Magicos in an effort to promote towns across the country that are places with "symbolism, legends, history, important events, day-to-day life, in other words "magic" in its social and cultural manifestations, with great opportunities for tourism." The complete list of pueblos magicos can be found on their website, and I've also posted it here:

You may have noticed that Tepoztlan is currently not part of actual list, but it was one of the first towns to be added in 2002. To be considered a pueblo magico, the town must comply with certain requirements that are upheld every year, and unfortunately, Tepoztlan was not able to. Their prestigious title was removed last year.

Regardless, we still had a good time strolling the streets after our delicious lunch. To be fair though, you should be prepared to share the quaint streets with a million other tourists there to do the same thing as you. The Sunday flea market attracts plenty of attention.

As the sun was setting and the vendors were packing up, I added another 'to-do' on my never ending list:

VISIT TEPOZ DURING THE WEEK

I'm sure there is a completely different vibe without the hoards of people.

Tepoztlan

View Larger Map

El Ciruelo

Zaragoza 17

Barrio la Santisima

Tepoztlan, Morelos

(739)3951203

As My Worlds Collide...

Time has never flown by so quickly for me as it has been doing so lately. It's only been 10 days since my last post, but I've been running around like a madwoman and thus I never seem to have enough time in the day to tick off everything on my to-do list. Maybe I'm really busy - or maybe I need a crash course in time management. Bueno...

This whole blogging business started with our wedding website (yes, dear reader, in case you didn't know I am in the midst of wedding planning). Since we sent out our "save-the-date" announcement, emails constantly pour in from family and friends around the world with one thing in common: "How are the wedding plans coming along?!?" Thus, the creation of yet another wedding blog in the seemingly endless blogosphere. For those who want to be in the know - they do so by checking out the latest here.

Then...moving to Mexico happened somewhere in the middle of all this wedding business. TA-DAAA: yet another blog! This one you are reading now ;)

At this point though, my two worlds (read: blogs) are coming together and I am finding that everything about ...findingmexico... at this moment in my life has to do with finding out what it's like prepping for a wedding in Mexico.

Hence my recent absence - all of my time dedicated to wedding planning that I figured has no place on here - but really, it gives me A LOT to write about. Getting married in Mexico is a whole other story...and allows me to find my very own Mexico in a whole other way.

This last week I confronted Mexican Immigration. Though armed with all the required documents, my visit turned out to be futile. Frustrating, considering how much time and effort it took to gather all the paperwork.

So maybe from here on out until end of November you won't read about great restaurants, hip neighborhoods, or secret spots in DF just yet; but there will be lots of musings, frustrations, and of course excitement as the big day nears.

And if you ever want to get married in Mexico - you know who to ask!!! ;)

*p.s. I do have a great restaurant recommendation! Check out Mankora - a Peruvian place in the heart of Polanco. YUMMY!

Alejandro Dumas 16
Col. Polanco Chapultepec
5281-3547

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! ;)