Santa Maria La Ribera

My trusty guide, Lonely Planet's Mexico City - City Guide, helped me find a most unvisited neighborhood this morning. Santa Maria La Ribera is described as one of the first residential neighborhoods constructed outside the city center. Today, it is a place that is as "regular" as any neighborhood in any city and is easily reached by subway. However, from an architectural point of view, this neighborhood is well worth visiting and its central park - the Alameda Santa Maria is a real gem.

The Alameda Santa Maria

In the center of the park is the Kiosco Morisco. This kiosk was built in 1885 as Mexico's pavilion at the New Orleans World Expo and was relocated here in 1910 as part of the centennial celebration of independence. Its arabesque shape with Moorish archways is capped with a glass dome.

Inside the Kiosck Morisco

Strolling around the neighborhood, one finds numerous eateries, hair salons (more than you can imagine can all be supported), and, of course, a wonderful local market, Mercado Sabino. My easy trip to Santa Maria La Ribera was a nice break from the city center.

 

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Now, This Is A Hole-In-The-Wall Joint

Just a block off the Zocalo, the central plaza, I stumbled upon Tacos de Canasta El Flaco. By every sense of the term, this is a 10 X 5 hole-in-the-wall place serving up some tasty tacos canasta. These are also know as sweaty tacos or basket tacos since they are steamed. About six varieties are offered along with soft drinks. As these are made in advance, a large crowd can be served in no time at all.

Tacos de Canasta El Flaco

When researching this type of taco, I found a great article in Street Food LA that gives a great review of El Flaco along with more photos. Since that article was published three years ago, I see that the price of tacos canasta has only changed 1 peso. They're now 8 cents more expensive.

I had a mashed potato or "papas" taco tonight along with lots of spicy pickled carrots. Check out the sweaty tacos in the Street Food LA link above. Judging by the size of the crowd eating these on the street tonight, this is one heck of a popular place. For just 50 cents, who can't find room for one more taco.

 

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