Our second full day in CDMX was another; surprise, fairly walking intense day. The morning in Condesa was quite lovely.
On this day, the Missus wanted to check out Centro Histórico….getting there by foot of course. So I devised a plan…we'd start in Roma, have a breakfast of sorts, then head down Paseo de la Reforma, Alameda Central, before arriving in the Historical Center of Mexico City.
So we headed out, past Parque España, taking a right onto Álvaro Obregón, crossing Insurgentes Sur we came upon a place I had to have a bit of caffeine; a gourmet shop owned by Chef and Television Personality Monica Patiño, named Delirio. I had kept the option open to grab something from this shop, but the Missus just wasn't inspired, so we just sat outside had a nice cup of coffee.
Delirio Mónica Patiño
Monterrey 116
Roma Norte, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
So, for a bite to eat, I went with plan B. The Missus really wanted to have some tamales during this trip, so two blocks away we took a left and arrived at one of the many places I had on my "list". A little shop named Los Tamales de la Roma.
We were greeted by the nicest, sweetest, young man, and we had a seat outside….it was such a nice morning!
When the young man brought over the menus, he explained that they did "two style of tamales…..the typical maiz, and those that use plantanos", he told us to please ask any questions we have; "I want you to have the best time possible"! My goodness…… So we had him recommend something…..after chatting with the Missus a bit, he recommended the "Ratatouille", which he said was done in Plantain leaves and had good vegetables and is so healthy. I ordered the Chicharron en Salsa Verde.
The tamal de chicharron was delicious, porky, great corn flavor, a hint of smokiness, nice tangy acidity from the salsa verde.
The Ratatouille was less so for us; fairly bland, in need of more flavor….but very moist.
You know, based on the service, it's very hard to complain about 2 tamales and bottled water that came out to less than $3/US!
This was more than enough for a light breakfast.
Los Tamales de la Roma
Jalapa 99
Roma Norte, 06700 Ciudad de Mexico, CDMX, Mexico
The Missus really wants to check out Tamales Doña Emi next we visit.
From Jalapa, it was pretty much a straight shot to Glorieta Insurgentes, right before the roundabout, we saw a nice church and decided to duck in for a quick look. This was Parroquia de la Sagrada Familia (Parish of Sagrada Familia).
A few blocks later we were standing on the wide and bright Paseo de la Reforma, staring at the Angel of Independence.
This iconic landmark was built to commemorate Mexico's independence from Spain and was completed in time to celebrate Mexico's 100th anniversary of it's independence in 1910. One interesting fact about the structure is that it contains a mausoleum at its base where heroes of the fight for independence are interred, including Leona Vicario.
The avenue is wide and there's much to see in terms of art pieces; like the kind of whimsical, slightly strange Cocodrilo by artist Leonora Carrington.
More on Cocodrilo here.
To the more serious and dignified, like the Monumento a Cuauhtémoc.
And of course, people (and pooch) watch.
That's El Caballito above.
At this point, we took a right turn at the fountain…..
Onto Avenida Juarez and headed to Alameda Central, which was established in 1592; making it the oldest park in the Americas.
We enjoyed the lovely paths…..
Statues….
And fountains., like the "Fountain of Virgin".
There was of course, way more than one could see while walking through the area.
There's even a Barrio Chino on Dolores Street.
The most popular attraction in the area is undoubtedly the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) with its distinctive dome.
And, the Missus had read that if you'd like to get a really great view of the Palacio de Bellas Artes, you can get it from the Sears across the street.
Well, actually from the Don Porfirio Café on the 8th floor of Sears. You'll need to first wait behind a rope if no seat are available…we had no problem since it was rather early and there were seats with great views. And of course, you need to order some coffee, tea, or other beverage as well.
But that view…….well, we think it's worth it.
For at least once…….
Don't you think?
Don Porfirio Caffe
Avenida Juarez 14 (On the 8th Floor of Sears)
Mexico City, Mexico
On our way down the elevator, and older gentleman, who I believe is perhaps one of the Sears managers smiled and said "Buenos Dias"….then asked us where we were from. We told him "San Diego"; and he told us "it is a beautiful city…..there is Sea World. Welcome to our city….it is pretty beautiful too, no?"
Yes, it is quite beautiful too……
Thanks for stopping by!