Pozole To Die For!

My brother has suggested that I should have called my blog "Mexico City: One Taco At A Time." Now, there's a modicum of truth to his keen observation. Therefore, today, I broke with my 'apparent' pattern and went in search of the best bowl of pozole in town. And, I believe I found it! There are many pozolerias to choose from. I went with a recommendation from my Good Food in Mexico City guide and headed back to the Santa Maria de Ribera neighborhood to find La Casa de Toño. Although this appears to be a chain, I am pleased to say that the pozole rojo lived up to the hype.

A Large Bowl of Pozoze Rojo

This large bowl of pozole cost only $43MEX or about $3.50US. Add a nice cold glass of horchata to drink and the highly recommended flan de la abuela (I like to translate this as Grandma Zeta's flan) for desert and you have a whole meal.

A Memory From Childhood - Grandma Zeta's Flan

Although I didn't have to wait for a table, by the time I left (and I wasn't hurried), the wait looked substantial. The beautiful 19th century building housing the restaurant is a treat in and of itself. High ceilings and mural painted walls create a relaxing environment for a meal anytime of day.

 

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La Comida Corrida

Most Mexicans eat a larger meal in the afternoon, particularly on weekends, than in the evening. Everywhere, one can find a "fixed price" three-course meal set in a family-style environment that's called "la comida corrida." Walking down the street, one such place caught my attention -El Sazón Oaxaqueño. Nothing fancy on the outside, but several things got me interested: 1) food from Oaxaca, 2) the sign board out front advertised "chili en nogada" a specialty not always available, 3) lots of locals heading upstairs to the second floor restaurant, and 4) the price. The dinner I wanted with drink would cost me just $60MEX or $5US (the chili was a dollar more than some other choices). At less fancy places, alright some pretty scruffy places, the comida corrida may only cost about $35MEX. At these prices, many families are regularly see eating out.

The Fixed Menu Changes Daily

I've only had a chili en nogada once before here in DF. As you can see from the photo, it's almost big enough to feed two.

This large poblano pepper is filled with a combination of meat, raisins, and spices. It is then covered with a room temperature walnut sauce and finished off with pomegranate seeds. Typically, this dish is only found certain times of the year or served on special occasions. As tomorrow is a national holiday, the birthday celebration of former President Benito Juarez, that might be the reason I found this chili dish today. I'd better head out for a long walk to help dinner digest.

 

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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!

 

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Breakfast in Mexico

Start the day off with a good breakfast! The Café El Popular is one of my favorite spots for a typical Mexican breakfast.

El Popular - One of the great simple eateries in downtown Mexico City

About a dozen breakfast combinations are offered every day. For only $61MEX ($4.50 US), I got a large café con leche, a plate of fruit, and chicken enchiladas in green sauce. El Popular may easily be where I start everyday just so I can try all of the delicious looking breakfast entrees.

Chichen Enchiladas in Salsa Verde

 

 

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The Small Pleasures of Life Are Often The Sweetest

I believe that my brother Bob's favorite stop in Mexico City was the pastry shop (yes, mine too!). After several visits to the city, I've located some of the best sweets the city has to offer. From the fancy to the plain, nearly every taste and inclination can be easily satisfied.

How Can Anyone Just Pick One?

Of course we all have our favorites, if you see Bob, ask him about his daily affair with the famous "cinnamon log". Since I bought one to photograph, I guess it's my responsibility to make sure it doesn't go to waste.

Bob's Favorite, the Cinnamon Log! It Really Is Pretty Tasty

 

Goodie after goodie, it's sometimes hard to make a decision.

The World's Best Sugar Cookie!

 

 

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