Today was our final day in Mexico City. We wanted to make it memorable - but not too taxing. We decided to hit a couple of markets, and then stroll through the Condessa and Roma neighborhoods. We figured we'd top it off with a nice meal.
Well - it was worth it!
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| Pink Line - Mexico City Metro |
First we took the Metro (subway) to the Jamaica market. First let me tell you about the subway. It is very clean and very cheap ($5 pesos each - less than one $ to travel as much of the system as you'd like).
Now compare that to the $100 peso taxi ride (five blocks) to the Anthropology museum. Our fault - because we didn't arrange a price in advance. HEED THE GUIDEBOOKS on taxis.
Out of the Metro and half a block's walk, we were in a stunning market. If you want to have a unique experience in Mexico City - go to a market. It is how average Mexicans buy everything. And if you go to one market, we had Jamaica suggested numerous times. We went to it and to Merced (the largest in the City) and Jamaica was the nicer!
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| Unique arrangements costing less than $30 US |
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| Flowers as far as you can see! |
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| Beautiful fruit |
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| Perfect - each one polished |
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| Seems gross too us - but very clean. Meat all the way to the end of this picture |
The Merced Market has been in the same location for over FOUR HUNDRED years! Originally, the people traded there by boat. Now is is HUNDREDS of acres of stores and food vendors. And there are thousands of people busting about to get their shopping done. If you don't like crowds or being bumped - don't go to Merced. Also, it is easy to get disoriented - so don't hesitate to ask for help finding the subway!
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| One of HUNDREDS of aisles |
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| Not sure what the green stuff is - but Mexicans buy HUGE quantities |
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| The spice stalls are beautiful |
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| As "hand-made" as it gets |
After the markets, we took the subway to the Condessa neighborhood. It is lovely. We strolled the tree lined streets without a care in the world. But we did get a bit tired and hungry, so we headed towards Roma (another quaint neighborhood) and had lunch at the renowned El Fugio Fondera. What an exceptional experience! We knew it would be expensive - but didn't care.
The pictures will follow, but let me point out a few things. First, so beautifully decorated and the service impeccable. The waiter even rushed over when Marci dropped her phone.
The food, as you will see, amazing.
But even after all of that, the guidebooks suggest you ask to see the kitchen. The staff Captain, Jose Luis Abadiano Rodriguez took us for a personal tour - explaining each area as we went. Then he gave us a personal business card with his personal cell number and encouraged us to call if we needed anything while in Mexico City. WOW!
The bill was $85 US, but one of the best meals I've ever eaten. Also, the margaritas are SO cool. They are tiny, but pack a HUGE punch. It is mostly HIGH QUALITY tequila with fresh lime. Delicious!
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| Entrance - on Liverpool St. |
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| Dining area |
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| Carne Asada, Chicken taco, and Chicken Enchilada |
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| Carne asada, Rice with Plaintain, Beans and MARGARITA! |
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| AMAZING dessert - Dulche Pinon (Carmel cream and pinon nuts) with Mexican Coffee |
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| Tour of the kitchen |
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| Making Tortillas |
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| The entire process (starting with dried corn) is done in the kitchen. She has worked here over 20 years. |
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| Don't EVER complain about your job! She picks through TINY chica seeds to sort them for a lemon drink |
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| Staff Captain Jose Luis Abadiano Rodriguez - gave us a tour of the kitchen |
finally, if you think that you are UNDAUNTED and could hang with us then take the test with this last picture. There is a popular snack in Mexico called Chapulines. They are toasted grasshoppers with lime and chili. Marci popped one in her mouth without hesitation. Would you?
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| Chapulines |
Until our next big trip, adios.
We remain - undaunted...
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