Mexico City, Ciudad Mexico, the DF – all names for the 5th largest city in the world with 22 million people and counting and sitting at over 7,000 feet above sea level. People wondered why go there? Well, why not. We decided to combine Mexico City with Zihautenejo or “Zihau” as the locals calls it. A big, big city combined with the beach.
We arrived in Mexico City and checked into a 35 room uber-trendy boutique hotel called Las Alcobas located in the Polanco neighborhood. The Polanco is full of boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, and home to the sophisticated residents of Mexico City. We immediately unpacked and headed out to begin our adventure and of course eat! We were directed to a casual neighborhood restaurant specializing in a type of taco called the “Al Pastor” (also the name of the restaurant) — marinated pork cooked on a vertical rotating spit, like gyros. That’s the Lebanese influence in Mexico City. Six different salsas were served with the tacos and we also ordered some guacamole and a couple of beers to wash it all down!
A walk around the Polanco neighborhood to scout out the best place to watch the Super Bowl and then back to the hotel to rest up.
Dinner on our first night was at Dulce Patria, a vibrant, contemporary Mexican cantina, owned by our hotel and known as one of the city’s top restaurants. It’s the creation of Marta Ortiz, a well-known chef in Mexico City and beyond. The food presentation was whimsical in display and description. We were 2 at a table and ordered a few appetizers; the food was presented in a playful manner and was as good as it looked. With coffee, a toy truck was brought to our table filled with a variety of cookies. Nice touch!
It’s a daunting task, Mexico City. In order to not feel totally overwhelmed Roy hired a private guide from Journeys Beyond the Surface. To get the most out of the experience in Mexico City, you need a guide. We had the best and his name is Alvaro, a sculptor by trade but a man with an amazing knowledge of his country.
Stay tuned for Day 2 in the DF.
See you at the bar…..
Can’t wait for the rest. Sounds like quite an adventure!