More to love about Mexico City 08 Feb 2015

We have finally hit on the perfect hotel – it works with Grant’s budgetary restrictions and my level of comfort. To top it all off, it is in the perfect Roma Norte/Condessa area. Full of fabulous restaurants and art everywhere you look. Such beautiful neighbourhoods to walk through, all from Hotel Milan on Avenida Obregan. We’ll be back here for sure.

Obregan is a pretty big street, but as you will often find in Mexico, the centre divider is like a walking park - full of statues, fountains, and ongoing art projects.

Obregan is a pretty big street, but as you will often find in Mexico, the centre divider is like a walking park – full of statues, fountains, and ongoing art projects.

In any direction, within a few blocks, you will find a park.  Again - statues, art installations and fountains.  This one provided a rainbow today.

In any direction, within a few blocks, you will find a park. Again – statues, art installations and fountains. This one provided a rainbow today.

Mexicans love their dogs, and this dog park even has snack stands to buy dog treats.  You wouldn't believe them lined up patiently to get their treat.  You also wouldn't believe the number of well behaved dogs in the park without a single problem.  Oh - and one pig, but I wasn't fast enough to get a photo of the little porker.

Mexicans love their dogs, and this dog park even has snack stands to buy dog treats. You wouldn’t believe them lined up patiently to get their treat. You also wouldn’t believe the number of well behaved dogs in the park without a single problem. Oh – and one pig, but I wasn’t fast enough to get a photo of the little porker.

in this district, you can find anything including a plethora of hair stylists.  We took a chance and armed with minimal spanish (and a photo from Shae) I decided to get rid of a bunch of hair, and a lot of grey …. turned out pretty darn fine.

in this district, you can find anything including a plethora of hair stylists. We took a chance and armed with minimal spanish (and a photo from Shae) I decided to get rid of a bunch of hair, and a lot of grey …. turned out pretty darn fine.

When in el DF we usually make good use of the subway - fast, efficient and super cheap.

When in el DF we usually make good use of the subway – fast, efficient and super cheap.

Wandering down towards the main zocalo we spotted a group of indigenous women setting up the knitting they had brought in from their village.  Sloan bought a sweater from these exact women a couple of years ago.

Wandering down towards the main zocalo we spotted a group of indigenous women setting up the knitting they had brought in from their village. Sloan bought a sweater from these exact women a couple of years ago.

Also near the zocalo a group of nuns are famous for their massive paella.

Also near the zocalo a group of nuns are famous for their massive paella.

Only in Mexico will you be treated to a fish taco joint that has such a selection of salsas and toppings for your tacos.

Only in Mexico will you be treated to a fish taco joint that has such a selection of salsas and toppings for your tacos.

And - the tacos.  Absolutely delicious.

And – the tacos. Absolutely delicious.

This Sinaloan style ceviche served on a tostado was equally fabulous.

This Sinaloan style ceviche served on a tostado was equally fabulous.

We had lamb consomme (which really just means soup here) along with our lamb tacos for breakfast.  Grant's bowl had some body part we truly couldn't identify - but the soup was outstanding!  (No, neither of us gnawed on it)

We had lamb consomme (which really just means soup here) along with our lamb tacos for breakfast. Grant’s bowl had some body part we truly couldn’t identify – but the soup was outstanding! (No, neither of us gnawed on it)

I think this is one of the best photos I have managed to get of the cathedral at the zocalo in Mexico City - no protests going on, no ice hockey set up, no crowds.

I think this is one of the best photos I have managed to get of the cathedral at the zocalo in Mexico City – no protests going on, no ice hockey set up, no crowds.

No matter what your sweet tooth is craving, you will find it on the streets of the city.

No matter what your sweet tooth is craving, you will find it on the streets of the city.

Rather have some savoury snacks?  Here you go.

Rather have some savoury snacks? Here you go.

Whatever you do, shop in the mercados - the best and most amazingly fresh fruit and vegetables are found here.  (or trucks on the side of the road)

Whatever you do, shop in the mercados – the best and most amazingly fresh fruit and vegetables are found here. (or trucks on the side of the road)

We are going to miss the plentiful and fresh avocadoes.

We are going to miss the plentiful and fresh avocadoes.

Still in the mercado?  Pick up anything from the rotisserie master - pork shanks and chicken grilled to perfection.

Still in the mercado? Pick up anything from the rotisserie master – pork shanks and chicken grilled to perfection.

On pretty much any street it is easy to find Tacos Al Pastor, grilled pork with pineapple and onions, alongside the rotisserie chicken.  Don't be afraid to try any of this - you definitely won't be sorry.

On pretty much any street it is easy to find Tacos Al Pastor, grilled pork with pineapple and onions, alongside the rotisserie chicken. Don’t be afraid to try any of this – you definitely won’t be sorry.

Con Sabor y Tixtla - just another fabulous restaurant that presents their salsas and grilled tortilla chips to start your meal.

Con Sabor y Tixtla – just another fabulous restaurant that presents their salsas and grilled tortilla chips to start your meal.

Con Sabor y Tixtla.  If a restaurant looks this inviting, you just know the Guerrero style food is going to be as much of a treat.

Con Sabor y Tixtla. If a restaurant looks this inviting, you just know the Guerrero style food is going to be as much of a treat.

The organic, upscale craze has hit the wealthier regions of Mexico City also - this incredible market has the best of everything.

The organic, upscale craze has hit the wealthier regions of Mexico City also – this incredible market has the best of everything.

Did I mention the best of everything?  These Portugese tarts are a mouth watering combination of the flakiest pastry I have ever had and the creamiest custard like filling.  Carmelize the top and it is worth dreaming about.

Did I mention the best of everything? These Portugese tarts are a mouth watering combination of the flakiest pastry I have ever had and the creamiest custard like filling. Carmelize the top and it is worth dreaming about.

Jugo Verde - can be bought almost anywhere, and slightly different everywhere.  Fruit and juice combo loaded with refreshing goodness.

Jugo Verde – can be bought almost anywhere, and slightly different everywhere. Fruit and juice combo loaded with refreshing goodness.

Okay, not in Mexico City - this was in Eronga - but how can you not be entertained knowing these guys might be behind or in front of your vehicle.  Truly, we have seen a live goat loaded into a trunk in a very busy section of Mexico City though ….

Okay, not in Mexico City – this was in Eronga – but how can you not be entertained knowing these guys might be behind or in front of your vehicle. Truly, we have seen a live goat loaded into a trunk in a very busy section of Mexico City though ….

That taxi will be arriving for us before 4:00 a.m. (yes, I do mean in the morning) and it will be Hasta La Vista Mexico … but certainly Hasta luego – we will be back. With all that Mexico has to offer we have barely scratched the surface. Having spent our few hours back in el DF eating and looking at all our favourite spots we are ready to go home. Well, I am. As much as I love the travel, I look so forward to what we have waiting at home even more.

Hope you have enjoyed our sights, and certainly the flavours of Mexico.

Mucho amore

Eating our way around Michoacan and Guerrero, Mexico Jan Feb 2015

We travel for lots of reasons, but a lot of those reasons are food. Here are a few of our highlights in the Michoacan and Guerrero States area that are food related …… WARNING – you will either be hungry or booking flights to Mexico!

Whenever possible, if we are eating out for breakfast - this is it.  Chilaquilles solo, in other words no chicken or eggs, beans,  fruit with yogurt and granola, fresh squeezed orange juice and coffee.  Doesn't get much better than this!  p.s.  I have discovered that it isn't "beans" I dislike … it is kidney beans!

Whenever possible, if we are eating out for breakfast- this is it. Chilaquilles solo, in other words no chicken or eggs, beans, fruit with yogurt and granola, fresh squeezed orange juice and coffee. Doesn’t get much better than this! p.s. I have discovered that it isn’t “beans” I dislike … it is kidney beans!

If we are not eating out for breakfast, the way to start the day is with mango and avocado on toast … yum yum yum

If we are not eating out for breakfast, the way to start the day is with mango and avocado on toast … yum yum yum

Have you ever seen such cute little red potatoes?

Have you ever seen such cute little red potatoes?

Churros!  Eating at least 1 a day keeps everybody happy.  I honestly think the best ones are found in Patzcuaro.

Churros! Eating at least 1 a day keeps everybody happy. I honestly think the best ones are found in Patzcuaro.

We walked for ages trying to find this place in Patzcuaro - mainly because we took a few wrong turns.

We walked for ages trying to find this place in Patzcuaro – mainly because we took a few wrong turns.

Camerones cooked with guajillo chiles and garlic at Mariscos La Guera - so delicious.

Camerones cooked with guajillo chiles and garlic at Mariscos La Guera – so delicious.

Camerones al la Coco - I think the best coconut shrimp we tried.  Lightly coated in coconut and such fresh shrimp.

Camerones al la Coco – I think the best coconut shrimp we tried. Lightly coated in coconut and such fresh shrimp.

First time we have ever seen onion rings on a Mexican menu - given that onions are so delicious here we gave them a try and it was worth it.

First time we have ever seen onion rings on a Mexican menu – given that onions are so delicious here we gave them a try and it was worth it.

Pretty much every time you sit at a restaurant in Mexico you will receive some version of this … chips, lime, salt and various salsas.

Pretty much every time you sit at a restaurant in Mexico you will receive some version of this … chips, lime, salt and various salsas.

Now, not saying that Sabrita and Lays don't make awesome lime chips, but these fresh chips, with lime, salt and chile if you want it drizzled over top are the bomb.  Nothing beats them.

Now, not saying that Sabrita and Lays don’t make awesome lime chips, but these fresh chips, with lime, salt and chile if you want it drizzled over top are the bomb. Nothing beats them.

The Michoacan version of tortilla soup is indeed different, and we found a delicious version at Lupitas in Patzcuaro.

The Michoacan version of tortilla soup is indeed different, and we found a delicious version at Lupitas in Patzcuaro.

This beef based soup arrived loaded with vegetables and served with a small tamale.  It was so good I wish I could remember what it was called.

This beef based soup arrived loaded with vegetables and served with a small tamale. It was so good I wish I could remember what it was called.

Markets are full of amazing ingredients, make sure you shop here whenever you have the chance.  Here is dried red corn, ready for use.

Markets are full of amazing ingredients, make sure you shop here whenever you have the chance. Here is dried red corn, ready for use.

Fresh chicken is everywhere, usually with a yellow tint.  They feed them marigolds for that vivid colour.  You can have it as it, or they will chop it however you like - including trimming the nails.

Fresh chicken is everywhere, usually with a yellow tint. They feed them marigolds for that vivid colour. You can have it as it, or they will chop it however you like – including trimming the nails.

Right beside the chicken, you can pick out your favourite fish - again, they will prep it any way you like.  Go early in the day for the best, freshest selection, but don't be afraid to go.

Right beside the chicken, you can pick out your favourite fish – again, they will prep it any way you like. Go early in the day for the best, freshest selection, but don’t be afraid to go.

Just to confuse your nose a bit, these gorgeous flowers are right across from the fish and chicken……..

Just to confuse your nose a bit, these gorgeous flowers are right across from the fish and chicken……..

Gazpacho in Morelia is a bit different than what I was expecting, no tomato soup here.  This truly amazing and refreshing dish is finely diced fruit topped up with lime and orange juices, chiles, salt and cheese.

Gazpacho in Morelia is a bit different than what I was expecting, no tomato soup here. This truly amazing and refreshing dish is finely diced fruit topped up with lime and orange juices, chiles, salt and cheese.

The plastic cups are filled with an endless variety of minced fruits and vegetables.  We chose melon, jicama and mango and skipped the cheese.

The plastic cups are filled with an endless variety of minced fruits and vegetables. We chose melon, jicama and mango and skipped the cheese.

don't step on the kids in mercado

We came back to stay in Uruapan another night, primarily to go to La Mesa de Blanca – a restaurant we had heard about from many sources, and most primarily from “Mexico Cooks!” and “My Mexican Kitchen” … both proven reliable sources. This restaurant is incredible – up a dusty little road in yet another tiny Mexican village, Ziracueretiro. The food was amazing (I know, you’ve heard me say that before …) but it truly was.

This beautiful restaurant fills up in no time - only open Thurs - Sunday.  We got there ahead of the crowd, just as they were preparing to open.

This beautiful restaurant fills up in no time – only open Thurs – Sunday. We got there ahead of the crowd, just as they were preparing to open.

Grant's chile relleno was the best ever.  Filled with a Mexican version of chile that was outrageously flavourful.

Grant’s chile relleno was the best ever. Filled with a Mexican version of chile that was outrageously flavourful.

On a valued recommendation, I went with Huchepos con costilla y credo.  These "tamale like" creations are lighter and fluffier than a tamale, and those little pork rib lets were fantastic.

On a valued recommendation, I went with Huchepos con costilla y credo. These “tamale like” creations are lighter and fluffier than a tamale, and those little pork rib lets were fantastic.

No, we didn't also order conejo (rabbit) but this grilled conejo just looked too good to not get a photo!

No, we didn’t also order conejo (rabbit) but this grilled conejo just looked too good to not get a photo!

Totally unusual for us, but we ordered this yummy strawberry volcano and it was well worth it.

Totally unusual for us, but we ordered this yummy strawberry volcano and it was well worth it.

Famous for their fruit water, this zarzamora fresco (blackberry) was so refreshing.

Famous for their fruit water, this zarzamora fresco (blackberry) was so refreshing.

I’m not sure why we don’t cook pork shank as often as we do lamb shank at home, but after trying it in Mexico we sure will now.

Chamorro Adobado in Patzcuaro - pork shank in adobe sauce.

Chamorro Adobado in Patzcuaro – pork shank in adobe sauce.

Back in Barra de Potosi for a few days, and fortunate enough to stay with Eugen and Rita at Villas Tuparaiso – definitely our new friends. Their villas were full, but they have 2 rooms at their home which we were very happy to share with them. Such warm, welcoming hosts go a long way towards creating a great place to spend some time to relax, enjoy the beach and generally live a little bit of Mexican life.

One amazing reason for cooking yourself in Mexico is the abundance of fabulous ingredients. These shrimp cost 90 pesos for 1/2 a kilo – cleaned and ready to go.

Camerones con cebolla y ajo …. or shrimp with onions and garlic.  When you start with something so fresh, you just know it will be delicious.

Camerones con cebolla y ajo …. or shrimp with onions and garlic. When you start with something so fresh, you just know it will be delicious.

Add those shrimp to some grilled zucchini and the meal is perfecto!

Add those shrimp to some grilled zucchini and the meal is perfecto!

Should you have an opportunity to use one of these mocaljetes to create your salad dressing. or sauce of any kind - go for it!

Should you have an opportunity to use one of these mocaljetes to create your salad dressing. or sauce of any kind – go for it!

Or … grill up some tomatoes, habanero pepper, onions and garlic.  Use this to crush it into a salsa or sauce and pour it over grilled veg and pasta.

Or … grill up some tomatoes, habanero pepper, onions and garlic. Use this to crush it into a salsa or sauce and pour it over grilled veg and pasta.

Both a mango and papaya trees created shade on this screened porch for restful reading in the hammock … someone needed to be using it while I created in the cocina … (kitchen)

Both a mango and papaya trees created shade on this screened porch for restful reading in the hammock … someone needed to be using it while I created in the cocina … (kitchen)

Surf behind me … perfect pool to float in after riding the bikes for 30 minutes to this beautiful little spot.

All along Playa Blanca you will find little spots like this to rest, swing in the hammock or float in the pool with the waves crashing on the beach.  If you are looking for more people …. just go to the centre of it all in Barra de Potosi - lots of palapa restaurants there - especially busy on long weekends with Nationals hitting the beach.

All along Playa Blanca you will find little spots like this to rest, swing in the hammock or float in the pool with the waves crashing on the beach. If you are looking for more people …. just go to the centre of it all in Barra de Potosi – lots of palapa restaurants there – especially busy on long weekends with Nationals hitting the beach.

From Villas Tuparaiso we would walk the main drag to pick up vegetables, fresh seafood or chicken …. pretty easy to find anything you want within this little stretch.

From Villas Tuparaiso we would walk the main drag to pick up vegetables, fresh seafood or chicken …. pretty easy to find anything you want within this little stretch.

Miles of white sandy beach at Playa Blanca.

Miles of white sandy beach at Playa Blanca.

Eugen (host of Villas Tuparaiso) and his lovely wife Rita graciously hosted the Superbowl in their bedroom - the only place in Barra de Potosi where the boys could watch the game.

Eugen (host of Villas Tuparaiso) and his lovely wife Rita graciously hosted the Superbowl in their bedroom – the only place in Barra de Potosi where the boys could watch the game.

Now, this is my size pool - as much as I hated to miss the Superbowl game …. I managed to console myself by floating around on the air mattress.

Now, this is my size pool – as much as I hated to miss the Superbowl game …. I managed to console myself by floating around on the air mattress.

Every beach you go to in Mexico will have musicians entertaining the locals at the palapa restaurants.

Every beach you go to in Mexico will have musicians entertaining the locals at the palapa restaurants.

Hasta la vista la playa …. we are leaving Zihuatenajo area and heading back to Mexico City for our final couple of days.

Hasta la vista la playa …. we are leaving Zihuatenajo area and heading back to Mexico City for our final couple of days.