Photography: Alejandro (Jando) Gonzalez Benites
Plazas de Aragon is a typical colonia on the outskirts of el Distrito Federal-DF. In order to get there you need someone like uncle Angel. He has mastered, through a life time, traffic in Mexico city; the ins and outs of the road. One must be proficient driving against traffic especially on one way streets! You must recognize that land marks are more important than street names, numbers or traffic signs. This is the major key in getting to where you are going. Another important element is good brakes because of their ceaseless use.
We arrived, a little shaken but otherwise in good shape, at Angel and Yami's inviting home. Alejandro, el niño, welcomed us with a refreshing piña colada. After a pleasant discussion remembering the old days, family stories and relatives long gone, we gathered in the terrace for further delightful conversation and more cheers. Angel ignited his custom made grill, which reminded me of the typical taco grills you see in the mercados, and busy corners in DF.
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The menu was a wonderful fusion of Aztec and Mestizo cuisine, a cultural passing from one generation to the next. It consisted of fresh sliced beef steak, chunks of Mexican cheese wrapped in nopales, cactus paddles and Chiles anchos stuffed with cheese and grilled onions. This delicious harmony of Aztec flavors are grilled with natural chunks of wooden charcoal. Angel believes that his choice of charcoal, fresh ingredients and seasoning, along Yami's home-made salsa are the key to his successful repast. It was certainly scrumptious either way.
Apropos to the occasion, Alejandro, eagerly offers us our choice of refreshing aperitifs. He seemed desirous to practice what he is learning in his school of tourism and hospitality. We solicited his recommendation of red wine. He presents us with two fine bottles from El Valle de Santo Tomas for our consideration. They were a 2010 Merlot, a mouthful of red and black fruit, contoured with oak. It was evident that he had carefully selected them, a truly fine tasting experience.
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| For fans of food and tradition, steak tacos, stuffed peppers, hot sauce... GAME ON! |
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| A salad with goat cheese and avocados proved to be the perfect lead-in to the main course. |
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| Mercedes with our cousin Alejandro aka, el niño. |
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| Yami, a perfect hostess, relaxing for the camera.
After a wonderful weekend in Mexico city visiting archaeological sites, museums, restaurants, tour buses and visiting with family, we were amazed of all of the activities we were able to accomplish. Angel dropped us off at the airport promising to visit us in Los Angeles in very near future.We happily returned to our humble abode and daily endeavors.
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