chef_hef's Profile
Condesa and Roma Norte
La Rauxa is still on Parras, but he is non-committal as to the name of the place. Still the same chef. I was there today, had a very nice meal, and left just as satisfied as the first time.
Condesa and Roma Norte
I had 2 great food experiences today. No, not Pujol or Contramar- both out of my budget...
For Comida:
La Rauxa, Parras 15 (off Nuevo Leon) (No sign advertising name.. look for the address)
Chef Joaquin Jaril has operated his restaurant for several years, but only recently made the switch from Catalan to Mexican. He serves a 4 course comida at a set price of a whopping $69pesos (that's US $5.50!!). For a glass of house wine, add $30pesos.
This is not your standard comida. Today, I had a choice of 2 soups. A smooth black bean seasoned with Mole Amarillo de Queretaro, or a leek, potato and fennel. The chef suggested the Black bean. It was a simple soup, but the flavours and mild spicing were nicely balanced. A green salad with jicama and a creamy cucumber and herb dressing followed. Again, simple, but really nicely executed. There were several choices on the menu for mains.. I chose a whitefish (Carpenter?- I have to look it up) "Pastor", which came with rice, thinly sliced and sauteed zucchini, chayote and carrot and rice.
Finally, for dessert, a small square of bread pudding with chocolate, ginger and tabasco and a burnt sugar layer on top. I ordered espresso to go along with that.
My total.. $115 pesos. This is traditional Mexican comida with a twist from multicultural inspirations by a very sincere and warmly welcoming chef. It was such a pleasure to eat there (and not feel like I was counting my pennies)
Forgot to mention the Melon horchata.. similar to the usual horchata, but using melon seeds which gave it a touch of canteloupe flavour. I have to figure out how to make this.
Later.. I got hungry again.. and discovered just around the corner from where I was staying in Roma Norte:
Don Segundo Pizza
Take-out, delivery or stand at the order counter and enjoy truly the most delicious thin crust pizza I have had in many years (since I worked at renowned Al Forno in Providence, RI). Owner and chef, Gabriel Bourdin is from Argentina where his family also owned a pizza joint. Once again, simple, but so perfectly executed: a traditional cracker-crisp thin crust, topped with a perfect balance of toppings. I had 2 different slices: Anchovy and green olive, and a Prosciutto and Arugula. I was in heaven. Slices run $15-$25 pesos. Also on the menu, Calzones, Empanadas, salads and baguette sandwiches.
San Miguel de Allende - feedback on a few places
Geoff
Cafe Iberico is very nice and worth going to.. just tapas though. Closed SUn Mon, 1-9 every other day.
Jason of Cafe Rama is one of the best chefs in town-- only open for dinner on Fridays. Go mid-day...Make sure you have one of his truffles to finish your meal.
Longhorn is supposed to have great ribs, very Gringo, if that's your thing.
Dragon Chino.. it's busy because it is the only decent Chinese in town. Emphasis on "decent"...
The others? I have heard very mixed reviews of Jackie's. I am a chef, so I tend not to go for more pricey meals unless I hear rave reviews. I think I heard Carcasonne is gone, Sicilia is nothing special.
Better: go to Alhombra behind the Parroquia for posole, Tues market or San Juan de DIo Market for Huarachas, and the gorditas wagon on Mesones, just east of Reloj after 8pm.
POsadita on Cuna Allende has a great view and the cochinita pibil is the thing to order there.
Enjoy your visit!
Ottawa... eclectic, ethnic?
My daughter has just moved to Ottawa from Toronto for university. She has grown up with a taste for good food, but hasn't the budget for it as a student. In Toronto, she could eat well, cheap... from Bacchus Roti to Pho Hung to Sushi Time on Queen. Can anyone recommend good, cheap eats in Ottawa? Also, I want to take her out for her birthday and I am stumped. DOmus looks great, but too pricey, same with Black Cat Cafe... we love to eat, and I'd love to treat her, but I'd prefer to take her somewhere that she could conceivably return to with friends for a celebratory meal..
