Hostería La Bota

March 9, 2019

Not a far walk from the main zócalo in Centro Histórico, this Spanish-style tapas bar/restaurant is also a small publishing house. Located on a quiet street that is closed off to traffic, it is a great place to meet other creative types, or at least it has been for me the handful of times I’ve stopped in. So far the menu items that I've tried here haven't been anything to write home about but the eclectic decor and vibrant atmosphere make it worthwhile to stop in for a drink or two. Make sure to check out the sculpture garden that’s just up the street from the front entrance.

http://hosterialabota.blogspot.com

Hostería La Bota / Centro Histórico, Mexico City / ©2017 Melody Jean Moulton

Hosteria La Bota / Centro Histórico, Mexico City / ©2017 Melody Jean Moultoí

Sculpture Garden / Centro Histórico, Mexico City / ©2019 Melody Jean Moulton

Street Food

March 9, 2019

Try all of it! If I’m walking by a cart and it smells good, I at least poke my nose around to see what they are serving up and more often than not end up eating a little something. You can find just about anything you need to satisfy a craving just wandering the streets and the markets of Mexico City. Tacos, tortas, fresh fruit & juices, roasted corn, ice cream, chips, the list goes on. By eating from food carts and in the markets you can sustain yourself very richly for very little money. While Mexico City is known for being the home of some world renowned, high-end restaurants, you would be a fool to go there and not experience any of it’s street cuisine. Street food etiquette: Pay after you finish eating and if you drink a glass-bottled beverage return the empty bottle to the vendor before walking away.

Blue Corn Quesadillas with Chorizo & Potato / Mexico City / ©2016 Melody Jean Moulton

Ice Cream Vendor / Plaza Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City / ©2016 Melody Jean Moulton

Dori-Locos (A bag of chips topped with shredded carrots, lettuce, pickled onion, peanuts, hot sauce, fresh lime, & chamoy / Mexico City / ©2017 Melody Jean Moulton

Fresh Juice Stand / Mexico City / ©2016 Melody Jean Moulton

Longaniza tacos con queso being prepared / Mexico City / ©2016 Melody Jean Moulton

Taco vampire aftermath / Self-Portrait / Mexico City / ©2016 Melody Jean Moulton

Panadería Rosetta

March 9, 2019

Located in Roma Norte, Panadería Rosetta makes some of the most incredible baked goods that I have ever had the luxury of tasting. The coffee and espresso drinks here are also note-worthy, using beans sourced exclusively from small Mexican producers. This location is tiny and there is often a line, so be prepared to take your food to-go. Luckily it is right around the corner from Plaza Rio de Janeiro, a lovely little park with benches and a large, central fountain that features a giant replica of Michaelangelo’s David. I prefer sitting on the benches that have a view of his sweet, sweet buns but the choice is yours. If you're more mature than I am and want to gaze elsewhere, it is also great for people/dog watching while enjoying a coffee and a delicious meal before exploring more of the city. Some of my favorite menu items include the rollos de romero (both sweet & savory, these tiny rosemary rolls top any cinnamon roll I've had, I think they use some kind of pork fat in the recipe), the focaccia (the best I've ever had), and the ham & cheese croissant. When visiting Mexico City, I usually make it a point to rent an apartment within walking distance of this place and start my day there almost every morning.

More info here: http://www.rosetta.com.mx/panaderia-en/panaderia.html

Panadería Rosetta / Roma Norte, Mexico City / ©2017 Melody Jean Moulton

All the good Dogs / Plaza Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City / ©2016 Melody Jean Moulton

Sweet Cheeks / Plaza Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City / ©2017 Melody Jean Moulton

Portal / Plaza Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City / ©2017 Melody Jean Moulton