Sunday, February 23, 2014

Colonia Guadalupe's Eat Street: Calzada de la Luz/Calzada de la Aurora

I stayed in Colonia Guadalupe my first few days in San Miguel. The little Bed and Breakfast, owned by Marcia Dolce (Airbnb) turned out to be not only one of the most economical and fun Bed and Breakfasts in San Miguel but left me with a lasting love for the area...especially the artists who live there.

Calzada de La Luz/Calzada de la Aurora was part of my navigational routine. I had to cross it every day to get to Centro and most of the time I was asking directions because I was forever lost.

One thing I discovered: Getting Lost In A New City Is A Good Thing.

I love to explore so getting lost was part of the process of discovering new people and places including some great little restaurants.

On Guadalupe's Eat Street, you can order just about anything from a 38 peso bowl of Pozole to a platter of your best prime rib.

Here are some of my usual stops.

Buen Apetito!

Mexican Comfort Food:

La Pozoleria
Calzada de Luz 51A
12:00 Noon - 9:30 PM
Closed Monday

It was 80 degrees and sunny. Tell me again that people don't order soup when it's warm? This place was packed.

I spent 38 pesos for a bowl green Pozole with pork and have to say it was some of the best I've eaten in San Miguel. The red Pozole? They were out.

This tiny restaurant is super clean and cute with nothing but very, very happy customers.

The Pozole came with an array of condiments - both on top of the soup and on the table to add - and a small tin of crispy tortillas which I am devoted to when I eat soup.

The open kitchen is a delight with Dulce and Maria cooking up the magical potions. Yes, this brew has medicinal qualities. Mexican comfort food for sure.

The Asian connection:

Delica Mitsu
Calzada de la Luz 49
Wednesday-Monday 12-7
Closed Tuesday

What's not to love about really good food at a great price? It's amazing what really fresh ingredients create. I've been back twice and selected the Bento - 2 Selections: 45 pesos both times.

The Asian Spinach Salad with carrot, jicama and Asian Sesame Dressing and the Fresh Spring Roll with chili sauce were delicious. I haven't had anything this fresh since leaving Chicago.

The next time, I devoured the Fried Curried Rice Ball. I'm not really a fan of rice balls but this one was very lightly curried.

This place is on the top of my list when I'm eating healthy.

The Diners, Drive Ins or Dive Find:

Camaronicto
Hidalgo and Calzada de Luz

The kitchen? A taco cart parked to the front of the room. So who ever thought that this little dive would be at the top of your list of places to go for a shrimp in SMA? Ridiculously long lines on Sunday. 

The fun food on the menu: this ball glass of beer surrounded with mini shrimp.

Consistently Great Food ... and even better specials:

Hansen's
Calzada de La Aurora 12

100 peso weekend specials are a great buy. Unquestionably one of the best pieces of beef I’ve had since I've been in San Miguel. Delicious Caprese salad and don't forget the finisher: the chocolate pie. 2 for 1Margaritas after 5 PM. Really strong Margaritas. 

Yep - the package is pretty perfect.

A Casual Breakfast in the Garden:

Casa de Carly’s Café Yénatu
Calzada de la Aurora 48
8:30 AM - Noon
Closed Wednesday

If you're not in a hurry and don't mind the mañana service, this restaurant, which is part of the Bed and Breakfast with the beautiful gardens, has French toast made from Bolillos served with a fruit compote salsa topping and a variety of Eggs Benedict alternatives.

Sit outside in the garden. You may have to remind the waiter to refill your coffee but it's worth the views.

Sweet Treats:          

Panaderia San Sebastian
Calzada De La Aurora 24

Some say that their Empanadas are the best in San Miguel. I like them because they are thin and not over-stuffed.

The powdered sugar and chocolate galletas go down painlessly with a large glass of ice cold milk.

I could develop a severe addiction to this place.

Between Inspirations:

Fabrica Aurora
Calzada de la Aurora SN

From a restaurant up front to the casual center courtyard, there are several places in the Fabrica complex to grab lunch.

It's my favorite place to go when I need a shot of inspiration.