Street Food Worth The Wait

Walking about the city today around lunchtime, I was wondering what I should have to eat. Well, my answer came to me when I saw a long line of people waiting for hauraches. An even larger number of people were sitting on a nearby wall eating them. Rule #1 regarding street food: if the stand is busy, it's probably a good, safe choice. Rule #2: if it looks good, eat there!

As you can see from the photos, a haurache is an oblong shaped, 2-layered corn tortilla with refried beans between the layers. I ordered one with steak that was also topped with a cilantro infused salsa verde, fresh onions, and queso fresco.

For just $2US, I'll be more than stuffed until sometime this evening. ¡Buen provecho!

 

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Money & Banking

There is no scarcity of banks in Mexico. In addition, there are numerous money exchanges particularly in tourist areas (avoid if possible). One gets the best exchange rates at banks. Still, it pays to shop around! As I had to do some banking this morning, I first checked out the bank that I normally use. Unfortunately for them, a competitor down the street was offering a better rate. The peso is relatively strong against the dollar right now. In the past year I have seen rates vary between 14.5 to 11.5 pesos against the US dollar. Right now we're on the lower end of this scale. Nonetheless, I was able to exchange this morning at 12.00. Not too bad! Keep in mind even at this rate buying power is great for us in Mexico. For the security of carrying traveler's checks, the exchange rate is usually about 10% lower. It's all a matter if what you're comfortable with. As I have a safe in my room, I don't mind bringing cash when I'm not moving around too much. I never walk around town with more than I'm willing to loose. One hundred pesos ($8US) fell out of my pocket as I was going into my hotel this afternoon. A man behind me came after me to let me know I had lost it and return it. Cool, huh!

My Next Outfit For A Family Wedding

 

 

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A Visit To The Market

Whether it's the city or a small town, one of the truly unique experiences in Mexico is a visit to the local market. In Mexico City, there are any number of markets to choose from, large to small, general to specialized. Stomping about the Alameda neighborhood this morning, I stumbled upon a relatively small market near the larger Mercado San Juan.

A Real Seafood Lover's Delight

The selection of fish and seafood was truly amazing. Why wouldn't one come here daily to buy fresh fish, fruit and vegetables?

How About A Lobster Tonight, Gringo?

Of course, no market would be complete without a little butchering going on. Cabrito (young goat) is one of my favorite taco ingredients when I can find it. Or, you can take a whole one home for a backyard barbeque.

Oh mama, get the BBQ going. We're having something special tonight!

Of course, for the less adventurous, there is much more offered such as a tremendous selection of fresh fruits and veggies.

One sees row after row of fresh fruit just like this in every market.

Or, as an appetizer, we could begin with a selection of sausages (some of these happen to be from Spain).

Chorizo and much, much more!

All in all, one can spend hours walking around any of the local markets. In this one, I was also treated to some cheese and wine samples. Mexico is really a very civilized place!

 

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Diego's "Creation"

A visit to the Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso is a must every time I visit the city. Although the museum now offers an array of interesting murals and temporary exhibits (see them on Tuesdays when the admission is free), I go to see Rivera's first major mural "The Creation."

As a did last year, I was able to catch a Sunday afternoon concert in the amphitheater with Diego's mural as the backdrop. Sponsored by the university, a ticket for any performance here is only $4. Wow, that's cheap entertainment by any definition. Today's mezzo-soprano and pianist were good although not quite my cup of tea. Nonetheless,a peaceful hour was sent in the shadow of one of Mexico's greatest artists.

 

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Tacos, Tacos and More Tacos (Part 2)

Never judge a book by its cover! I've become a real believer in those hole-in-the-wall joints that offer some of the tastiest treats to be found anywhere.

Tacos de Cabeza Los Gueros

So, let me help you out and teach you some Spanish. Cabeza means head. And in this case, it was the taco filling of choice at this tacqueria. When I asked about their specialty, all he said was "cabeza". I was sold immediately! What kind of head you ask (not that it really matters), but tonight it was beef. On other occasions, it's likely to be sheep.

Grillin' Up The Goodies!

All the taco joints do it roughly the same way. Meat is both slow cooked and grilled on the same skillet that one sees where ever tacos are sold. However, not all tacos are created even. At Los Gueros, they have perfected the head taco all for under $1.

Doesn't It Make You Want to Order A Second One?

If you didn't know this came out of the cow's head, you'd swear you were just eating pot roast. So, as Andrew Zimmeren loves to say, "If it looks good, eat it!"

 

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