Mexico City, Saturday night, we went down to the concierge to ask for restaurant suggestions. The well turned out señor suggested two places within walking distance of our hotel, Hilton Reforma, as it was already closing in on eight o’clock.

Out and to the right we walk, expecting a breath of fresh night air, there is none, its stale. A few crowded blocks later we came to the first suggestion(to all tourists) the Torres Latino Americano Restaurant which offered ‘international’ fare. We were super surprised and kinda horrified at the condition of the building(tallest in Mexico City in 1959?), rundown and through the windows it seemed that all one could see was stuff strewn up against the grubby windows floor after floor. Next…

Next was the task of finding Café Tucuba, local fare and authentic Mexican said Mr concierge. That was really the the one we were aiming for anyhow.

At Tucuba street now and the sight of a crowd and the lure of drumming took us to the gorgeous Museo de Artes where I’d say about 50 dancers were in a dance that seem to be about saluting the four directions, the elements and freedom(of sorts).

A few more blocks and we see Café Tacuba! From the outside it looked like a small bakery, oh the hesitant momentary disappointment, but, when we went thought the doors, delight and sheer awe of the décor and architecture, Mexican/Spanish to the core, what a hidden gem, I love it! Omg, i think this is going to be good.

Our lovely server Margarita in her nursemaid outfit with her perfectly hairsprayed bleached blond hair with giant bow all of 50 years was a pro you could tell. $2.80 Modelos and we are ready to check out the menu. What to have? Appies, special of the house, ensaladas, sopas…we chose: 4 little things(tamale verde, chicken taquito, enchilada?…), Puerco Oaxaca (con guac, frijoles y tortillas), cheesay chiles rellenos in a rojo sauce, and the boys had crazy garlic soup with poached egg in the middle with cheesy toast.

There was a gang of talented mariachis to top off the vibe.

Ok so we had such a lovely experience we went back the next night and I had Tinga(pictured above), it was a delicious pork and stringy cheese delight!

[Show as slideshow]