The Organ Grinders of Mexico City

One of the long standing traditions and sights of the city are the organ grinders. Although today there are fewer and fewer of them, they can still be found throughout the central part of the city and where ever there might be large sympathetic crowds.

Working in pairs and sometimes in trios, one grinds away on the organ while the others solicit donations using their hats. Khaki uniforms and all, this is not the Salvation Army asking for contributions to help the poor. These are all independent novelty performers trying to just make a living.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Tacos, Tacos, and More Tacos (Part I)

One of my true delights in DF has been my search for the perfect taco. My Thursday night taco crawl took me over to Lopez Street, just a few blocks from my hotel. In addition to being the neighborhood of the excellent San Juan Market, it also supports more taco joints per block than maybe any other single street in the city. Thanks to my trusted guidebook Good Eats in Mexico City, I was able to identify a half dozen tacquerias that made it to my must visit/eat there list.

Chorizo Verde

Heading off, I knew my first stop was to be Ricos Tacos Toluca to try their green chorizo taco. The green is due to the use of pignole nuts. As some chorizo can be quite spicy, this wasn't at all. The raw sausage is chopped, grilled, and served with grilled onions and french fries. To top an almost perfect taco off, one can add fresh home-made guacamole and a killer salsa that even a gringo can eat (in moderation).

Grilling the Chorizo to Perfection

Of course, the taste of the pudding is in its eating. So, I decided to eat two since the first one was so good. Sitting on a stool on the sidewalk with half a dozen others, we all enjoyed one of the best and more unique tacos to be found in the city.

 

They Were So Good That This Is My Second One

Don't let looks fool you. This was delicious. ¡Buen provecho!

 

Posted with Blogsy