Tacos al pastor, three delicious places to try them
The taco al pastor is probably one of the most famous dishes in Mexico City (and probably in the whole country). It is THE taco and if you come to visit you simply can’t leave without trying some authentic chilango tacos al pastor. It will be one of the best culinary experiences of your entire trip. And although it is a dish that makes the whole country proud, it is not a recipe that was born in Mexico like mole or chiles en nogada. The mixture of seasoning and ingredients comes from Asia and Europe. It has Turkish and Lebanese roots that have been modified to catch that unique flavor of the classic taco pastor. Pork is seasoned with achiote, the ingredient that gives it its characteristic reddish color. The recipe has been perfected with time and now each taquería has its own seasoning that is the result of variations in the marinade. Although there are not two tacos al pastor that are the same, they all have that delicious flavor that becomes unforgettable when combined with tortilla, onion, coriander and pineapple. At FlowSuites we found three establishments where you can try the most delicious tacos al pastor when you are in Mexico City. El Vilsito Car repair shop by day, taqueria by night. El Vilsito has gained international fame because it was one of the main taquerías in the Netflix documentary The Chronicles of the Taco. And its fame is well deserved, they have more than 25 years of experience and some of the most flavorful tacos in Mexico City. When the car repair shop closes its doors, the taqueria receives all the hungry diners. It is a place with bar chairs and few tables, but if you run out of place you can stand by the flaming meat in order to live the full experience. After eating some tacos al pastor, we recommend you try the gringa, a classic delight of the Vilsito. Where? On Av. Universidad and Peten, Colonia Narvarte. A 35-minute walk from FlowSuites WTC. When? Monday through Thursday: 20 to 3 hrs. / Fridays and Saturdays: 20 to 5hrs. / Sundays: 16 to 12 hrs. El Califa If eating while standing is not your thing and you prefer to see how they prepare your tacos from a table, with air conditioning, internet and valet parking service, you have to go to El Califa. It´s a taqueria that has all the flavor of good tacos, very fast service, very generous portions, delicious sauces and all the comfort of a formal restaurant. Their tacos al pastor are exquisite and you can also try practically any other you want: ribs, steak, inside pita bread, gringas, volcanes, cheese chicharrón and more. An important stop for anyone who wishes to enter the culinary universe of tacos in Mexico. Where? This is the best part, they have branches all over Mexico City: Condesa (8 minutes walk from FlowSuites Condesa), Pedregal, Bosques, La Roma, Palmas, Interlomas, Satellite, Universidad, Polanco (20 minutes walk from FlowSuites Polanco), Reforma, Santa Fe and Perisur. When? They open every day from 1 in the afternoon to 4 in the morning. Taqueria Orinoco A taqueria that emerged from the northern part of the country and later arrived in Mexico City with its delicious tacos. In a small restaurant in La Roma, the lines of people reach the sidewalk, everybody wants to try their pastor, beef and northern chicharrón tacos. Before sitting at the table or bar you have to pay at the cashier, their menu has few items so people come and go fast. We recommend the tacos al pastor and the chicharrón tacos that are a real treat. Also try the hibiscus drink (agua de Jamaica) with guava. Although the line is long, it goes by very fast because of the speed of its service, so do not be frightened by a few people waiting outside. Where? Insurgentes Sur 253, Col. Roma Norte, a15-minute walk from FlowSuites Condesa. When? They open every day from 1 in the afternoon to 4 in the morning, Friday and Saturday until 5.
What to do in Mexico City during January 2020
Hello 2020! There’s nothing better than starting the year knowing what to do, what to visit and where to eat. If you are visiting Mexico City on January, we will give you the best things to experience so you have the most wonderful time. January is a great month to visit Mexico City. You can get to know many places and visit monuments without worrying about large crowds (it’s the low season). In addition, traffic is very relaxed and the weather is ideal, maybe a bit cold, but in general very pleasant. Get ready to have a great time with the activities you can do this month. Hurry up! The Möet Chandon pop up store will be up until January 2nd at the Palacio de Palacios in Polanco. Here you’ll find the best bottles and you can customize them with gold leaves, make Christmas cards, buy boxes of chocolates or bouquets. You can also monogram your initials, write a message or whatever you want on your bottles. Where: On the ground floor of El Palacio de Hierro in Polanco, Moliere 222, until January 2nd, 2020. This month you can still enjoy the Broadway hit Chicago in Spanish. It isone of the most acclaimed Broadway musicals and is taking the critics by storm. It is ending at the beginning of February and it has been a total success, so if you have not seen it we assure you that it will be a great experience. Where: Find your tickets here. Until February 2 at the Telcel Theater. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra # 386. The ice rink in the Zócalo in the city’s downtown will be running until January 6th. You just have to see the ecological synthetic ice rink and the Christmas festival with lights and the Christmas tree. Enjoy the disco nights with mariachis, cumbia, salsa and rancheras. Where: Find schedules here. until January 6 in the Zocalo. SEVENTEEN, the K-pop group with 13 members from Korea, China and the United States will come for the first time to Mexico on January 17th. If you want to know a little more about this musical genre that became so popular, this concert is a great option. Where: At the Palacio de los Deportes at 20:30. Granjas México. Find tickets here. On January 22nd, the National Auditorium presents Playa Limbo, a Mexican pop group that sings in Spanish with a jazz influence. If you know the style of groups like Presuntos Implicados or Belanova you’ll know what to expect.. If you want to go to dinner before, we recommend the Karisma bar that has good food, an excellent atmosphere and is a few blocks from the Auditorium. Where: In the National Auditorium (Auditorio Nacional) at 20:30. Karisma Bar, Campos Elíseos# 219. Visit the Tamale Fair in Coyoacán. National and international producers with more than 100 varieties of tamales will be there for you to try everything. You can pair them up with traditional atole, Mexican hot chocolate, champurrado or coffee. Where: From January 30th to February 3rd. In the National Museum of Popular Cultures. Miguel Hidalgo # 289. Visit The Two Fridas in the Museum of Modern Art. This work is one of the most recognized pieces of this Mexican painter and this exhibition shows documents, works and photographs that illustrate the influence that Marcel Duchamp and the French capital had on Frida Kahlo. The exhibition also includes Marcel Duchamp’s visit to Mexico City and his encounter with one of Frida’s students. It is an exhibition of Las Dos Fridas and the influence of these two cities in her work. Where: At the Museum of Modern Art, Paseo de la Reforma s / n until January 2020. Patrick Watson will be at Plaza Condesa on January 31st promoting his new Wave album. This singer and composer of the Indie Pop genre has composed songs for soundtracks in series such as Grey’s Anatomy, American Idol, Heaven and The Blacklist. Surely you’ve already heard one or two songs of his. This show promises to be a great experience for any music lover. Do not miss it! Where: In Plaza Condesa, Juan Escutia # 4 at 21:30. Find tickets here. At FlowSuites we will be happy to host you so that you can experience Mexico to the fullest. Book your trip at www.flowsuites.com or visit our social networks to find out about the best offers and promotions. If you prefer, you can contact us by WhatsApp at +52 1 55 7989 3074, we will be happy to help you.
The best Christmas desserts in CDMX
Some of the sweetest gifts that the Christmas season brings are the delicious seasonal desserts that you can find throughout the city. Restaurants and bakeries compete to see who offers the best one to the public. Ready to try the most delicious one? Who does not love to enjoy the winter with a good cup of hot chocolate and something sweet to compensate for the cold. Get ready, because Mexico City is an expert in its seasonal creations. Hang tight, because we’re about to tell you which Christmas desserts are the best ones and where to try them. Fruitcake from Maque No Christmas is complete without the traditional fruitcake and Maque does not disappoint. This bakery-restaurant is famous for its great flavor and its exquisite sweet bread that is baked daily and sold fresh. Its ‘conchas’ and brownies are exceptional and at Christmas time they make the best fruitcake in the city. You can order the whole cake to take away or order a slice at the restaurant, the pieces of fruit are generous and full of flavor, it has nuts, cherry and quince jelly. Find it at: Any one of its branches: Condesa, Polanco, Monte Líbano and Altavista. Shake Shack Christmas Cookie Shake Since Shake Shack arrived in Mexico it has been a sensation. Their delicious hamburgers with top quality ingredients are already a favorite to many, so much that they make kilometric lines to be able to eat there. Another attraction are its special desserts such as custards and milkshakes, there are even some for dogs! During the Christmas season they have a very special one: a Holiday Christmas Cookie Shake. It has frozen sugar cookie custard, whipped cream, shortcake cookie crumbles and Christmas sprinkles. Nothing better to accompany your French fries with cheese. Try it! Ver esta publicación en Instagram Find it at: any one of its two branches Cuauhtémoc and Santa Fe. Christmas cookies from Mielmesabe Bakery This bakery is a newcomer in Mexico City and is already a success. Its handmade processes and fresh ingredients make this bread taste like love. Their recipes are not very elaborate, they focus on classic ingredients and that is exactly their secret. They have perfected their procedures so well that even the most classic recipe like red velvet or carrot cake will surprise you. You’ll love their cookies since they are their specialty, they change every day and they are always fresh out of the oven, they melt in your mouth. And for Christmas they have come up with something amazing, you’ll have to try their Christmas gingerbread cookies. Delicious! Find them at: Monterrey 225, Roma Norte. El Encanto de Lola’s Cobbler This San Angel restaurant has become famous for its original, nostalgic and delicious recipes. Nothing like a spaghetti sandwich or a Chocotorro milkshake, they are a real treat. This Christmas they have a special eggnog milkshake with vanilla, whiskey and nuts that is decorated it with Christmas candy canes. But that’s not all; its true protagonist is the cobbler. A butter pancake with lemon zest that can be made of bitter chocolate, raspberry, M & M’s or blueberry. The best of all? You can make an advance order and bring your own container so they make it there and you can heat it in your own oven when you have company. Ver esta publicación en Instagram Find it in: Amargura 14, Col. San Ángel. Order at: 55 508429 Pan-tástica rosemary and lemon cookies An auteur bakery that gives every recipe it’s own touch. Everything you try here has an unexpected and flavorful twist like matcha chocolates or chocolate chip cookies. It is also one of the few places where you can find stroop waffles that are filled with honey. At Christmas they have cookies covered with a rosemary and lemon glaze, a super fresh and original option to take to any Christmas dinner or enjoy while you drink your morning coffee. Ver esta publicación en Instagram Find them at: Río Danubio 63, Col. Cuauhtémoc. Catamundi Christmas doughnuts Right in the heart of Polanquito you will find Catamundi; a restaurant, bakery and shop that has a bit of everything. It is a wonderful place to eat and you can find delicious things at its store that you can use to put together a gourmet dinner. Their bread is exceptional, they have maple donuts with bacon, matcha ‘conchas’, mole bread and even bacon covered with chocolate. This Christmas their seasonal donuts are worth every penny. There come in three different flavors decorated with divine Christmas motifs: chocolate with Christmas sweets, ginger and white chocolate stuffed with raspberries. You definitely have to try them! At their store you can also find Christmas products to give as gifts such as: kits to make hot chocolate, boxes of ‘alfajores’ cookies and Christmas baskets. Find them at: Alejandro Dumas 97, Col. Polanco. At FlowSuites we will be happy to host you so that you can experience Mexico’s gastronomy in full. Book your trip at www.flowsuites.com or visit our social networks to find out about the best offers and promotions. If you prefer, you can contact us by WhatsApp at +52 1 55 7989 3074, we will be happy to help you.
The best Christmas activities in Mexico City
Don’t wait for Santa Claus, Mexico City has lots of Christmas activities that you can do if you are visiting at this time. Remember these are things that you can only do once a year in winter, so don’t waste your time and take advantage of it all. The Christmas season in any big city is lots of fun; everyone is in a good mood, people are about to go on vacation and fun cultural activities are everywhere. Enjoy this time in Mexico City and if you are here to visit, don’t miss all these options. There is something for everyone. What are you waiting for? The Nutcracker This is the classic Christmas story that enchants every audience. This Christmas the National Auditorium will have performances featuring Mexico’s National Dance company and the Orchestra of the Theater of Fine Arts will be in charge of the music. See it at: the National Auditorium of the CDMX. Tickets start at $ 230 pesos. When: December 18th-23th, 2019. Ice skating The traditional ice rink in Mexico City returns this year at the Zócalo. You will find it just in front of the majestic Cathedral in Mexico’s downtown where you’ll enjoy free skating. This year the city’s government decided on a greener option: acrylic. It is much cheaper to maintain because it does not use the electricity emissions that also harm the environment, it feels the same as skating on ice and the same skates can be used. It is a unique experience for sure. Find it in: Zócalo at CDMX’s downtown, but be attentive because this year the track is movable and may be going to other parts of the city. When: as of December 15th, 2019. Christmas Folkloric Ballet It is a show that features Amalia Hernandez’s Folkloric Ballet. It is definitely a must-see on Christmas. The show is called “Christmas in Mexico” and is a tribute that is divided into three acts in which the ‘posadas’ or traditional Mexican Christmas parties, nativity scenes and ‘pastorelas’ or Christmas performances are commemorated; three of the most popular Mexican traditions. The dancers are experts who will not disappoint you; without doubt this is an event that you can not miss. Amalia Hernández’s ballet stands out because it features dances and performances from different Mexican cultures and traditions, many call it «a living museum». Experience it in: Chapultepec Castle. Bosque de Chapultepec I Secc, 11100 tickets may cost up to $ 750. When : from December 25th to January 5th, 2020. Magical Christmas Only in Mexico City can you come across such a different plan. If you are a Harry Potter fan, transport yourself to the Triwizard Tournament and get into your best clothes to attend the Harry Potter-themed Christmas dance. At this place’s Incantatum bar you will be able to dance under the charm of this children’s story, participate in the cash prizes for the best dancing couple, drink a lot of butter beer and enjoy the live DJ. Tickets are already on sale. Find them here. Find it at: Bar Incantatum, Rev. 107 Revolution. Tickets cost $ 250. When: December 19th, 2019 from 8:00 p.m. Christmas Eve in Xochimilco If you want to experience a ‘pastorela’ you have to attend this one in Xochimilco for an unforgettable experience. Start the tour on a trajinera (traditional boat) in the Xochimilco canals at night until you reach an illuminated pier. There you can enjoy a fun ‘pastorela’ for the whole family, an entire illuminated Christmas town, a nativity scene and a 5-meter Christmas tree, all illuminated with more than 200 colored lights. Later that night there will be a light show, many Mexican snacks to calm your hunger, games and souvenirs. It is a perfect event to get to know the trajineras and see Xochimilco’s channels by night, which is a completely different experience. Experience it at: Embarcadero Caltongo, Av. Nuevo León S / N. The cost per person is $ 300. When: December 20th, 21st and 22nd, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. If you want to live the Mexican Christmas experience, don’t hesitate and stay with us at FlowSuites. We have hotels in Polanco, Condesa and WTC, surely one of our locations will be perfect for your plans. Look for offers and promotions on our website www.flowsuites.com or contact us by WhatsApp at +52 1 55 7989 3074. We’ll be glad to help you.
Guadalupe-Reyes marathon. Discover this very Mexican way of celebrating in December
Mexican culture is full of tradition and rituals during December. Find all about them here so you don’t miss any and can participate in the now famous Guadalupe – Reyes marathon. In the 1990s, the Mexican government implemented the Guadalupe – Reyes operation, which consisted of deploying police forces around the city from December 12th, Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, until January 6th, Day of the Three Wise Men, to support security and surveillance. From that date forward, the name of this “marathon” stuck, and now it refers to all the festivities we celebrate from the Day of the Virgin until January 6th. This period is very important in Mexico because it marks the moment that all of the Christmas celebrations in Mexico begin. • December 12th, Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Thousands of pilgrims advance to La Villa to thank the Mexican Virgin. Masses are also celebrated throughout the city and pilgrimages occur from many cities. • December 16th – The Christmas posadas or parties officially begin. They are traditional festivals with rituals such as hitting piñatas, exchanging gifts, asking for a place to stay for the night, lulling baby Jesus and eating and drinking delicious meals. They begin on December 16th because, according to Catholic accounts, it took Mary nine days to get from Nazareth to Bethlehem to give birth. That is why nine posadas are held before the last one is celebrated on December 24th. • December 24th – Christmas Eve (or the last posada). Here the birth of Jesus is celebrated: Joseph and Mary arriving to their destination and surviving their enemies thanks to the kindness of those who helped them on their way. It is a night for a family dinner, sharing moments, praying and making a toast at midnight, which is when Christmas officially begins. •December 25th – Christmas. This day people do not work in Mexico and they enjoy it with their family. Traditionally it is when gifts are given (or sometimes on the 24th at midnight). The typical recalentado or leftovers from the night before are warmed up and enjoyed even more. • December 28th – Day of the Innocent. This celebration refers to all the children that King Herod killed in fear of being dethroned. In Mexico it is a day that is celebrated as the equivalent of April Fool’s in the United States for the innocent children that are easily deceived. A very recurring joke is that people borrow money on this date, so be careful! If you lend it that day, they will not return it to you. • December 31st – New Year’s Eve. This day usually makes for a great celebration. A banquet is served to say goodbye to the old year and the sound of 12 bell-strokes at midnight announces the new year. 12 grapes are eaten along with champagne: one to ask for abundance in each month of the following year. There are also many rituals that accompany the New Year’s party. For example: we fill our pockets with lentils to attract abundance, wear red panties for love, yellow for money, go outside with suitcases to attract many trips the following year, sweep the doorstep of the house to drive away bad vibes and gather a bunch of fresh wheat that represents fortune for next year. •January 1st – New Year’s Day. The first day of the new year, a day designed to rest, keep on partying or recuperate from the festivities from the night before (check out great places to cure a hangover in Mexico City here). • January 6 – Three Wise Men (Kings) Day. This day the Three Wise Men arrive to deliver gifts to Mexican homes. This is when the Rosca de Reyes (traditional sweet bread) is eaten. With this tradition the December festivities come to a happy end. Of course, over the years this marathon has become a reason to celebrate during 26 days. It began as a security operation by the country’s police and is now a party marathon for all Mexicans. It is used to justify (a little) all the excesses that are experienced in December. While the authorities take care of us, we celebrate. If you are going to take part in the famous marathon, we recommend you not to use a car, opt for some alternative means of transportation since there are breathalizers waiting in every corner, there is a lot of traffic because everyone is outside celebrating, and there are always many people buying gifts. FlowSuites is waiting for you with open arms to enjoy this special time in Mexico City, book your trip here. You can also contact us via WhatsApp at +52 1 55 7989 3074 for a vacation that you will definitely not forget.