Happy Holidays!

Chef Gaby Green: Nothing Tastes Better Than Experience

Playing with the big boys isn’t easy but Gaby Green doesn’t think about it. She’s got a kitchen to run.

Chef Gaby Green is on top of her game at Aguamiel, her fifth restaurant and some say her best venture yet.

Gaby previously had three Fondas (traditional home food cafes) and then the very popular food truck with partner Jennifer Posner. That’s when I first met them. In between, Gaby has taught cooking classes.

People love her food because she uses the best quality local ingredients to prepare recipes she’s learned from her grandmother and mother, but does them with her own contemporary twist.

The name Augamiel is poetic, mixing honey and water, and is actually the first extraction from the agave before you make mezcal.

So what lands Gaby in the same group with SMA’s top chefs? She’s always looking to learn something new and creates dishes that you don’t find anywhere other than at Aguamiel. When I go there, I know I’m going to get something different.

Photo: Jennifer Posner

 

I started this post two months ago. It got slightly off track for a month. You see, Gaby and Jennifer left the restaurant in the capable hands of Gaby’s mom, Marcela and Jorge Flores (former general manager at The Restaurant) who managed the front-of-the-house, while they spent the month of November in Myanmar and Thailand taking cooking classes, chef-to- chef, and fine tuning the Asian recipes Gaby already had in her library.

Personally, I think that Gaby’s Asian creations are some of her best. Gaby has that innate feel for what flavors pair well together. She understands how to blend and balance flavors which is especially noticeable in Asian food.

When I visited Aguamiel for appetizers, Gaby prepared bites of:

Grilled Pepper with rice, raisins, nuts, olives and topped with pesto sauce.

Thai Pumpkin and Coconut Soup.

Dumplings stuffed with Wild Mushrooms, topped with Pine nuts and goat cheese mousse.

Grilled Pepper stuffed with Shrimp & Sautéed Vegetables, topped with Chipotle cream sauce.

All of the tastes were different and each had surprising flavors.

She also prepared a Mexican Mole Soup with Wild Mushrooms and Pork - seasoned with Chile Guajillo and Ancho. This dish was a work of art and ties with Mixiotes as my favorite dish in SMA. The soup was perfectly spiced and I was simply blown away by the flavors. It’s her Grandmother’s recipe. The pork she uses is a cut from the spine which is full of flavor on the bone. The mushrooms are all sourced locally and they use oyster mushrooms called setas and chantrells.

Gaby shops at different places like local farms such as Rancho Trinidad, also Casa Collectiva and the Saturday Farmer’s Market. She buys cheeses from Cristina Gerez at El Capricho and Remo and uses Rancho Viejo chickens. Other meats come from various local butchers and purveyors and are bought fresh every week. She knows that good ingredients are the key to Aguamiel’s success, like this spicy shrimp soup called Tom Yam Goong, that I recently had one Sunday morning.

Gaby was born and raised in Mexico City by Mexican and European grandparents. Both of her grandmothers were great cooks, from different cultures but with an excellent sense of food. In fact, everyone in her family cooks and they love to gather for large comidas to enjoy many different types of cuisines.  

She’s speaks fondly of her grandmother “I lived my first five years in my grandparents home. When I arrived from school, I would run to the kitchen just to be with my grandmother, with whom I loved to spend hours.  She had a stool for me in the kitchen and gave me a set of utensils. While we cooked, she would also play the piano and sing, waiting for meal to be ready. She taught me about ingredients and how to cook with love for others. She inspired me with her passion for food and life.”

Gaby had a successful career in film before she started cooking. Twenty years ago, she moved to San Miguel. Still in film, she brought the first art film festival to San Miguel. Cooking was always her other passion and she ultimately decided to change her path for something more personal that she could share with people.

Gaby’s Famous Flan is probably the most sought after dish on the Aguamiel menu. I know. I’m a huge fan and I really never liked flan.

Her most challenging project was when Gaby was hired to cater an event for 250 people and she was serving lamb. The client said they would provide the meat from their rancho but Gaby didn’t expect that she would receive the animal whole. She really had to sharpen up on her butchering skills that day.

Auguste Escoffier and Paul Bocuse, two European men who revolutionized the concept of food in different times have influenced her Modern Mexican cooking style along with Carmen “Titita” Ramirez, a Mayora (for those who don’t know, this name is given in Mexico to woman who achieve the perfection in cooking after years of experience in a private home, in the kitchen of hotels or the kitchens of politicians). She opened a restaurant in 1972, and is probably is the oldest promoter of Mexican cooking in the last 40 years.

Gaby also takes heart from Chef Rene Redzepi’s kitchen philosophies and finds Mateo Salas’ (Aperi, San Miguel de Allende) creativity and innovations very exciting.

 

Of course, her first hero was her grandmother, Francisca “Pachis”.

I find Gaby’s own kitchen philosophy inspiring; “I cook as if it is only for me.”

Jennifer was born and raised in Louisiana and has been coming to San Miguel for 35 years, full-time here for 8 years. She previously worked in corporate marketing and product management and mastered skills that are useful to the marketing of Aguamiel.

Jennifer says “The use of social media is a great way to keep us in front of our audience.  With so many good food options in San Miguel, it is important to help people remember you are out there. Jennifer built the Aguamiel website and posts weekly on their Facebook page.

A photographer, she also likes taking photos of the dishes and uses the photos to convince people to come in. We both recognize that the wow factor always comes down to food photographs.

Jennifer’s mother taught her to be a good host, so she greets everyone and wants to make them feel at home. She loves telling the guests about our menus and is happy to suggest a nice wine to compliment their meal.

Earlier this year, she attended a WSET certification program at the Napa Wine Academy and learned about wines from around the world. She tasted over 130 wines in just over a week. 

At Aguamiel, they have selected mostly old world wines from Spain, France and Italy and also serve wines from Valle de Guadalupe in Mexico. They just introduced a new wine list so you can sample most of their wines by the glass. They want to stay unique so they work closely with their wine distributors to find wines not offered in other restaurants in San Miguel. I enjoyed this rose the last time I was there.

Aguamiel’s client mix is 75% locals and 25% visitors. They have customers who come in multiple times a week.  They have been hovering in the Top 15 Restaurants on Trip Advisor for the past several months. Gaby has a very loyal following.

On Tuesday, their day off, they make no commitments. You might find them at the hot springs or having a dinner out. It’s their day to relax and get ready for the demands of another week.

Brunch and Happy Hour…

One of my favorite dishes from their brunch menu is the Chilaquiles Tower. What makes it notable, instead of a same soggy version of chilaquiles that we’re all use to, is that they use their handmade tortillas that are fried up fresh on Sundays so the dish is really crispy. Aguamiel makes their own salsa picante and build each layer with black beans and chorizo. They will create a vegan or vegetarian version of the dish if someone asks for it. It looks like it will become a stable because so many people have asked them to keep it on the menu.

For Happy Hour every month, they offer a different special from 3-5pm.  Sometimes it’s a drink and botanas and other months it is an early-bird dinner special. No matter the offering, it’s always a great buy. The day we were there, it was 2X1 Mango Margaritas and 3 different empanadas; one stuffed with corn, one with meat and one with cheese.

Aguamiel’s bartender Bernie made me the best tamarind margarita. It tasted like a margarita and that’s what I liked about it because most tamarind margaritas in SMA do not. According to Aguamiel, their secret starts with good tequila. It makes a big difference in the flavor (and the hangover). They use fresh ingredients in all of their margaritas.

We recently spent a late Happy Hour at Aguamiel for the 3rd Anniversary of Cerveceria Dos Aves and the release of Diablos, a Belgian Golden Strong Ale paired with some of Gaby's best Asian Botanas. It was all delicious and priced at $150 pesos.

Behind Gaby in the kitchen is David Ortega, who has been there since they opened and has a lot of restaurant experience and Juanita Chavez, who has been cooking with Gaby for the past 10 years. Gaby recently promoted dishwasher Luz Padron and is now training her to be the newest cook in the kitchen. I, for one, am really fond of restaurants that promote from within. It generates a major, key ingredient: loyalty.

When they’re not at Aguamiel, you can find them on the stools at Ciro’s Gorditas after a swim at Taboada. They like to support local restaurants, so you’ll probably see them out and about around town.

Gaby also likes to cook at home and always finds the time to make a great breakfast. She has the gift of preparing an amazing meal with whatever she happens to find in the refrigerator.  

 

Aguamiel’s 1^st Anniversary is February 14^th. Stop in Gaby’s kitchen to say hello.

If her smile doesn’t get you, her food will.

Buen Apetito!

Aguamiel cocina rustica, Pipila 3A, Colonia San Antonio, San Miguel de Allende
Friday, Saturday, Monday 1 PM - 9 PM Sunday Brunch 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Phone: 415 150 7387

The Best Street Food in San Miguel de Allende

It’s good news for street food lovers everywhere; Hong Kong’s street food vendors are listed in the Michelin Guide for the very first time. A new category was created because street food offers a greater culinary value. Just ask anyone who has eaten on the street and comes home with a pocketful of change from a 100 peso note.   

Mexico has one of the most extensive street food cultures in the world and some of Mexico’s best cuisine is found in the streets. Street food is a unique experience and a voyage into the center of a city’s culture.

Many people who want to try out street food in San Miguel have asked me how I know what’s good and safe to eat. I look for places that are crowded. In other words, eat where the locals eat. As a rule, I do not eat anything that I don’t see being prepared.

San Miguel’s street food scene is growing with new carts popping up everywhere.

Let’s face it, when you see chefs like Donnie Masterton eating at Andy’s Tacos or Matteo Salas wanting to stage at Don Santos Tacos, you know they’ve got to be good.

Need a few reasons to get up early or chow down late after an all-night fiesta with a bottle of tequila?

Here they are…and here’s to making it home by sunrise.

Salud and Buen Apetito!

Bautista Brothers Carnitas

Guadiana #2

If you saw carnitas being cooked in large vats of fat, I’m sure you wouldn’t make a steady diet of this street treat…or would you? The flavor is unmatched so you will be tempted.

Bautista Brothers is an institution in San Miguel. I recently was reunited with the original at Guadiana #2.

Guadiana #2 is the heart of the Bautista Brothers operation. The carnitas are cooked here, along with a house down the alley and up the stairs where you can also buy bones to make soup. You’ll never find it on your own. A local named Johnny, who knows everyone in the neighborhood but doesn’t live here, took me upstairs to meet Mota.

The tortas made here are so much better than the ones I eat at Tianguis de Martes. They come straight out of the fryer and into your sandwich. The bread is also made by a commercial baker and is like no other torta I’ve had in San Miguel.

Bautista Brothers has pop up stands all over SMA that serve late night and two stands at Tianguis de Martes that are serving when I get there at 9:00 AM.

The Bautista Brothers, Pedro, Mota and Flotino, took over the business from their father when he retired after 47 years. Mota’s son Antonio is aspiring to be a chef and is in culinary school in Queretaro. His youngest son, Augustine, who just turned 14, helps him out as well. Mota operates the stand where I eat at Tuesday market every week. Older brother Pedro runs the original restaurant at Guadiana #2. Flotino’s son Danny has the stand near San Antonio church…and the list goes on but one thing is for sure: everyone is related.

In a torta or on a fresh tortilla, carnitas is at the top of my list of the best street food in SMA. Now, let’s see if you can resist going back for seconds.

Pair the Torta with a Mexican Coca Cola for a 30 peso lunch.

Andy’s Tacos

Insurgentes and Hidalgo

If you’re the kind of diner who’s interested in the pedigree of your chef, try this one. Andy was written up in the Wall Street Journal last year and that’s more than other street chefs – or even chefs for that matter – can brag about.

Andy’s is the king of the street in San Miguel and both locals and tourists get a sense of that when the late night lines are five deep.

The mere aroma of Andy’s attracts aficionados who jockey for a plate of flavorful Tacos Al Pastor. This pork is marinated in dried chilies, spices and pineapple and is slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie then covered with a spicy, red chipotle salsa.

Andy's is a favorite of partygoers looking for an after-hours feast and still intoxicated by the magic of the fiesta. 10 pesos each.

Don Santos Tacos

Clavel 8 off Refugio Sur

Don Santos earns its accolades with authentic Mexican food at this location and a satellite at the Tianguis on Tuesday.

It could be called the Tale of Two Tacos; Don Santos famous Taco de Costilla and the other taco; Taco de Res. So this is the secret: The Taco de Res is the best beef taco in San Miguel.

The thin strips of beef are cooked in a pile of intestines and chorizo. It’s so well flavored and tender you can’t stop eating them. Honestly, I could eat the beef right off the grill it’s that good. Heap on a mound of onions, cilantro and some of their remarkable salsas.

The peppery salsas have an indisputable kick that adds a whole other layer of flavor to the dishes.The red salsa is particularly popular, made with tomatillos and cascabel chilies. 9 pesos each. Opens at 6:30 PM nightly.

Note: As with a number of the streets in San Antonio, Clavel is not marked so this place is hard to find. Turn left on Refugio Sur and go down a few blocks until you get to a colorful fruit store on the corner that says San Antonio at the top. Take a left down the narrow, cobblestone street and Don Santos is in the middle of the block on the left.

Fonda Dona Reyes

Mercado Ignacio Ramirez

Dona Reyes is your beloved grandmother reincarnated. She’s owned this stand for over 46 years and she’ll fuss over you until you cry uncle and can’t eat another bite. Such is the case with the Caldo de Pollo con Arroz with a whole chicken leg and a bouquet of fresh cooked vegetables. Smother with chilies and condiments to ramp up the heat. You’ll get a jolt you’ve never experienced at breakfast before. 

Better than a sweater on a cold December morning, you get extra hugs for eating everything in the bowl. It’s mandatory; it’s your grandmother.

Who said you can’t get an adopted family and a warm meal for 50 pesos.

El Pato

Calzada de la Estacion 112

Mixiotes is the next best thing to your mother's pot roast; a traditional, pit-barbecued meat dish made of lamb that is cut with the bone and seasoned with pasilla, guajillo and spices like cumin, thyme, marjoram, bay leaves, cloves and garlic. It's then wrapped in small bundles and cooked in the ground overnight.

At this thatched-roof palapa at the end of Canal Street, Pilar and Jose Luis will convince you there is no better comfort food anywhere in Mexico and they are right. Mixiotes got my vote for the best dish in 2014 and it will get it again this year.

If it weren't for the location, this spot would have a line around the block every day. Take a doggy bag because it's even better the next day. 50 pesos.

Sierra Hamburgesas

Salida a Celeya 100 next to Pinturas Doal

Unlike most of the burgers sold on the street, these are 100% beef and taste pretty delicious, especially since I don’t get them cooked on the BBQ every day.

 

The picture was taken under the lights so it's safe to say it looks better in the daylight but Sierra does not open until 6:30 PM.

You’ll swear the french fries came out of the fryer at McDonalds. I want them extra-crispy and they gladly toss them back in the hot grease to pop the color up to golden brown. Like any culinary soft spot, I savor them one by one.

Get there when they open or you will likely have to eat standing up. Your choice of multiple toppings on the burger and a side of fries for 50 pesos.

Taqueria Gonzalez

133F Calzada de la Estacion

One of San Miguel’s best-kept secrets, this restaurant, located down from the bus station, has some of the best Tacos al Pastor in San Miguel. Let’s just say it runs a close second to the king; Andy’s Tacos in Centro.

 The marinated pork is slow cooked on a vertical rotisserie and not picked off until it is close to perfect; perfect as in caramelized and slightly crunchy. Top it with the colorful orange chimichurri sauce made with vinegar, oil, garlic and Chili de Arbol and you get the aftertaste that pastor lovers hunger after.

Its Mexican street cooking as it should be: fast, cheap and fabulous. Open from 6 PM - 3 AM. Cost: 10 pesos each. Count your blessings and your change.

Tacos Lupita Tacos

Section 3, Aisle 2, Tianguis de Martes

In many cultures, eating eyeballs is a food taboo but not so in Mexico. If you’ve already done all the traditional tacos, try an unlikely combination of cheeks, brains and eyes, piled on a tortilla and smothered in cilantro and onion.

Eating this portion of the brains and eyes does not guarantee that you’ll be smarter or see any better.

Savor every bite. If you swallow it too quickly, you'll miss the nuances.

Tacos Mesones

Corner San Francisco and the Jardin

Location, location, location. It’s no wonder they do an enormous business in the Jardin every night. You’ll get another version of pastor and you don’t even have to ask for the pineapple and fried onions.

I like pastor well cooked so ask them to blacken it on the vertical roaster for a bit longer than the usual. Add just a splash of salsa unless you want the heat.

Tacos Mesones owns another cart that operates nightly on the top of Mesones. 27 pesos will get you a plate of three.

Tamales La Chappis

Insurgentes by Templo del Oratorio de San Felipe Neri in front of the fountain

I hate tamales. That was until I discovered street cooks Maria de la Luz Tovar Hernandez and Educardo Alonzo Zarate Cruz making fiery tamales laced with spicy, green chilies.

The tamales are offered several different ways and always sell out early so get there when the sun comes up.

The blissful half of this breakfast is watching San Miguel come alive in the morning as you savor every spicy bite.

Sunrise isn’t suppose to taste this good. An 8 pesos experience that’s pretty darn hard to beat.

Get Your Merry On: Local Holiday Gifts for Food Lovers

You don’t have to take a trip to Mexico City to purchase Christmas gifts for your favorite food lovers. There are places here in San Miguel that have one-of-a-kind gifts you wouldn’t find any place else.

From dining out and cooking lessons to a Chef’s Table experience at a food festival, here’s a list of gifts that will make your special food lovers sparkle and shine.

Lesson #1 when holiday shopping: You can’t keep these gifts for yourself no matter how much you love them.

Savor the hunt and Buen Apetito!

Buying memorable experiences…

Dinner Out

What’s the ideal gift for food lovers? Dinner out at their favorite restaurant. Try these celebrated spots for a truly joyous, holiday experience:

 In downtown SMA:

The Restaurant at Sollano #16

http://therestaurantsanmiguel.com/
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday from 12 to 10pm and Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 12 to 11pm

Share a variety of the appetizers – all of them exceptional; Shaved Brussels Sprout and Kale Salad; Hamburger night Thursday; Pineapple Margarita and the Coffee and Ancho Chili Braised Pork Cheeks. Don’t forget the desserts.

Chef Donnie Masterton consistently delivers on everything he creates. Look for his new restaurants, Birdies Burgers and Tacolicious, to open after the first of the year.

In the Country:

B’ui Cocina de Campo at Km 2 Camino a San Miguel el Viejo, C.P. 37700, San Miguel de Allende, Gto. Phone: 415 688 0021.

https://www.facebook.com/buicocinadecampo

I call it “The B’ui Experience” because I was captivated, not just by the setting - in stunningly beautiful Otomi - but by everything; from the superior food and wine, to the extraordinary service and the state of its’ simple, country elegance. From start to finish, you can easily do three hours here.

We had the most incredible experience AGAIN at B’ui this past Sunday. Order the tasting menu for the best culinary experience and value. For wine the Espacio en Blanco Chardonnay from Valle de Guadalupe or the Casa Madero 2v, 50% Chardonnay, 50% Chenin Blanc from Parras Coahuila, Mexico are splendid choices.

We think Chef Marko Antoine Cruz is one of the best chefs in SMA. You will too.

In San Antonio:

Zumo at Orizaba 87

http://zumosma.com/

There are only a handful of restaurants in SMA that have it all: great food, creative drinks, world-class service and a million dollar view to match. ZUMO is at the top of that list.

Part of the pleasure of this experience is the incredible staff. You will be completely wowed by the service.

Open for dinner Tuesday – Saturday, with seating at 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Soon to be open for Sunday brunch. Order the tasting menu any night or go on Tuesday night just for Tapas and Artisan Cocktails.

This striking dish is Chef Gabriel Ferrant’s Conde soup with Mexican sausage, baby squid, black beans, crispy jalapeño tortilla strips and fresh Oaxaca cheese aioli.

Something new…

La Canica Calle Pila Seca #2

Chef Bricio Dominguez’s latest street food restaurant with partner, Chef Paco Roncero, a well-known Michelin star chef from Spain, is enchanting. They landed in a beautiful, old home on Pila Seca and put together a fun menu that changes weekly.

Delightful back patio with lights strung above to remind you that twinkle is what you do when you’re dining with your best foodie friends at SMA newest restaurant.

The merriment starts here…

La Azotea at Umaran #6, is the place for a party, large or small. An attractive rooftop with killer views, La Azotea is one of our favorite spots because of the tremendous staff and its signature dish -- a taco shell made from jicama that is filled with lightly-breaded shrimp and topped with fried leeks, chipotle mayo and a tamarind sauce.

For people-watching, the list of personalities who frequent this high-style eatery goes on and on.

An edible Christmas…

La Lonja Carniceria at Mesones 33 and Colegio 21

Love Hansen’s Prime Rib but want to cook it at home? You can order any meat from La Lonja to make that special meal for the person you love.

Open 7:00 AM to 6 PM, they also have home delivery. Steaks: T-bones, rib-eyes, fillets, New York; ground-beef, sausages, lamb-and-pork cuts; and poultry: chicken, ostrich and turkey.

From Your Kitchen:

You’re such an incredible cook, no reason not to make something mouth-watering and box or bottle it up for your special Foodie.

Buying experiences with built-in delayed gratification:

Cooking Classes:

Chef Michael Coon at Casa de Cocinas

Chef Michael Coon teaches cooking classes, does food tours, Mexican day trips and has magnificent tasting dinners in his kitchen every month. Michael has traveled just about everywhere and his knowledge of world food is significant.

The theme of this particular dinner was tequila and his menu boasted some pretty superb tequila combinations.

Get on Michael’s email list. Write him at insideroute@aol.com.

Chef Laura Buccheri at La Cucina di Afrodita

Phone: 415-124-2435
https://www.facebook.com/LaCucinadiAfrodita

Laura has the wonderful ability to create dishes such as this homemade cocoa tagliolini with walnuts, gorgonzola sauce and mesquite smoked bacon. It was an unusual combination of ingredients but the flavors worked so well together.

Call Laura for private or group cooking lessons. She specializes in desserts and I can personally recommend every one of them. I’ve tried them all.

She also conducts culinary tours of Italy. You can email Laura at
laurabuccheri@hotmail.it

                                                                  Photo: El Petit Four website

Chef Paco Cárdenas at El Petit Four

Mesones 99-1
http://elpetitfour.com/

This was the first cooking class I took in San Miguel and still one of my favorites. In addition to learning how to make many classic Mexican dishes, Paco takes you to the market and around San Miguel to meet the food vendors he buys from. I still use the same vendors today. The minimum to open a class is 4 people; maximum 6.

The Chef’s Table Experience: SMA Food Festival

The chefs table at the SMA Food Festival was the hottest food ticket in San Miguel last year. $100 USD for a multi-course meal and you pick the chef.

Create a clever I Owe You to tell your favorite food lover you are treating them to this experience.

Look for a confirmation of the dates on http://www.smafoodfestival.com/ . They sold out early last year so be sure to book right away. This is #1 on my own wish list.

Hot Air Balloon Ride: Globo San Miguel

http://www.globosanmiguel.com/

Want to get an aerial view of beautiful SMA? Make it a champagne flight followed by breakfast at the Rosewood. This is my idea of lofty living. Gift certificates are available.

Contact Guadalupe Garza for additional information. reserva@globosanmiguel.com

Sabores San Miguel at Parque Benito Juarez

Tell the kids to start saving their pesos and treat you to the best family food experience in San Miguel, Sabores San Miguel. They will be hard pressed to spend $15.00 USD which will get you 10 tastings.

The festival will be held again this year in mid-June, the same weekend as the Fiesta de los Locos. Look for more information on http://www.saboressanmiguel.com/

Sketching Classes: Susan Dorf

Do you daydream about keeping a sketching journal with all of your favorite food and restaurants? Take a class from Susan Dorf who publishes her sketches in Atencion San Miguel each week. Susan swears she can teach anyone to draw, even me.

Email susan@susandorf.com for information and to register. www.susandorf.com

Don’t forget to package the gift with lots of colored pencils, pens and a beautiful sketchbook from one of the many markets around San Miguel.

A trip to the Food Capital of Mexico: Oaxaca

For years, I've been told that the food in Oaxaca was the best in Mexico but I had to see for myself. It took just one plate of dark, rich, and wonderfully sweet and spicy mole negro at Catedral Restaurante and Bar in Oaxaca to convince me.

Food lovers will also enjoy the markets in Ocotlan on Friday and Tlacolula on Sunday. Indigenous people from the villages all over the central valleys of Oaxaca come for market day. You will be seduced by the smells, the sights and the sounds.

This trip is inexpensive:

A flight on Interjet, my favorite airline in Mexico, is usually under $100 each way from Mexico City. Interjet Website

Grab a room at Casa Colonial for as low as $45 USD. This bed and breakfast is in an ideal location and a short walk to downtown. You’ll love the communal breakfast in the morning with others from across the globe. http://www.casa-colonial.com/. Want to splurge? You can also book a room at Casa Oaxaca, the #2 hotel in Oaxaca and home to Casa Oaxaca Restaurante.

You can also take a Wednesday cooking class at Seasons of my Heart Cooking School with Susan Trilling for just $85.00 USD which includes a trip to the Etla market. www.seasonsofmyheart.com

Gifts with instant gratification…

Charitable Giving

Giving to a charity is one of the BEST ways to celebrate the holidays. My favorites are:

Nourish Mexican school children through programs at Feed the Hungry http://feedthehungrysma.org/

Celebrate the fact that you are giving a family their own kitchen to cook in at Casita Linda. http://casitalinda.org/en/

While you’re at it, a great gift to give yourself is to volunteer at Feed the Hungry or Casita Linda. Nothing outshines the gift of your time.

A REAL Christmas Tree

There is something heavenly about waking up in the middle of the night to twinkling lights and the smell of fresh pine. Size the tree perfectly to the person you are giving it to. At Costco. $900 pesos.

Reindeers

15 Pesos will get you an adorable little reindeer and a hug from Guanayadra and her mother Erica.

In the Jardin every afternoon until Christmas. Skip that cup of coffee and you can buy two.

High spirited gifts…

Wine Festival: Cava Sautto Wine Fest at Hotel Sautto, Calle del Dr Ignacio Hernandez Macias 59

http://www.cavasautto.com/

Reserve wines are in abundance at this show as well as high end liquors like Hennessy, Dewar's, Bacardi, Johnny Walker, Herradura, Chevas Regal, Bruxo, Grey Goose and other leading labels. For 300 pesos, you sample any of the wines or liquors featured at the event. At the end of the night, take your ticket stub into Cava Sautto, Hotel Sautto’s wine shop and you get a $200 peso credit against any bottle in the store. 

Mark your calendar for the next Cava Sautto Wine Festival on February 6, 2016.

Give your Foodie a bottle of Casa Madero wine from Cava Sautto when you gift them.

Cerveceria Dos Aves 

www.cerveceriadosaves.com

This brew, made in San Miguel, won major awards this past year in the 2015 Mexico Professional Beer Competition, with gold medals in both Pale Ale and Stout Imperial.

Dos Aves makes a Christmas brew every year, so look for it in stores around San Miguel.http://www.cerveceriadosaves.com/san-miguel-de-allende.html

Make a Christmas Party Kit: Put bottles of Dos Aves in a wooden case and package it with handmade coasters, and vials of glitter and confetti.

Gourmet Food, Wines and Liquors…

Carnevino at Ancha De San Antonio 24 has a wonderful, extensive selection of wines, liquors and high-end meats from Sonora. You’ll need at least an hour to explore all of their offerings.

Carnevino also carries the exquisite Carmen Chardonnay that I had at ZUMO the other night

Visit La Europa at Canal 13 and create a Bellini kit with your favorite Champagne or Cava and seasonal fruits.

Ask Felipe about other distinctive tequilas and mezcals on their shelf including San Miguel’s own Tequila Casa Dragones.

Your favorite food lover can’t have too many…

Festive Gifts: Abrazos at Zacateros 24

http://sanmigueldesigns.com/

There should be a sign on the door: Smiles Happen Here! This place is an experience.

Nothing shouts MEXICO more than Abrazos. When you walk in, you’ll be tempted to throw a fiesta, or handfuls of confetti, buy something rosa, build an altar, count your primos, down a bottle of tequila, set off fireworks, ring the church bells, sing with the Mariachis, plant a chili garden or play the Loteria with your favorite group of Lucha Libres.

Abrazos carries a full line of kitchen gifts including festive aprons and chef coats. You’ll fall in love with the Mexican designs like Jardin de Frida, Elotes Amarillos, Chiles Fiesta Azul, Dia de Los Muertos, even festive Pinatas.

It’s my happy place when I want to be reminded of why I am in Mexico. Owner Patrice Wynne will likely be there to inspire your choices.

Gift up to persuade your food lover to come back for another visit because three weeks was simply not long enough. They’ll love you for reminding them that the party’s here in Mexico and happens every day.

Floor Cloths

Beautiful and artistic floor cloths by Joy Wesson. www.joywesson.com

Kitchen Gadgets: Blime at 50 B Esp. Nunez

Blime is a one-stop cooking and gadget store. From garlic crushers and whisks to a good set of pots and pans, it’s so nice to finally have a kitchen supply store in SMA. If you can’t find it here, ask them to order it.

Blime is opening another store on Ancha San Antonio soon. Ask for Marisol.

Spices and Chilies: A Granel at Puente De Umaran 27

When I want fresh, this little store, up from the Mercado Ignacio Ramírez, has everything: seeds, chilies, sweets, spices , grains  and many other raw ingredients.

Load up a basket and give it to that food lover along with a recipe or two. 

Something Extravagant: Sollano 16 at Sollano 16

http://www.sollano16.com/

Beautiful, elegant gifts for your favorite food lover including Chamba, the handmade black pottery from Colombia and milky white Astier de Villate from Paris.

Stunning coffee table books from all over the world. My go-to shop when I am looking for something extravagant. You’ll be surprised at the prices...in a good way.

Ceramics and Pottery: Arte y Artesanias Paloma at Ancha de San Antonio #28

Lovely and unusual ceramics and tableware from all over Mexico. This shop is tiny but has plenty of items for all the food lovers on your list.

Fair prices along with first-class service. It’s another one of San Miguel’s best kept secrets.

The Galleries at Fabrica Aurora

Explore the Galleries at Fabrica Aurora and find great food gifts like these antique bowls from Le Spezie.

Also check out Cantadora Cantera (415 154-8302) and Algarabia (415 154-7505) for attractive gifts you wouldn’t find at any other store.

Bilingual Food Shopping Guide: Biblioteca Pública de San Miguel de Allende at Insurgentes #25

How do you say Pie Crust ready-made in Spanish? This little book converts all the culinary terms to make for instant Spanish. From meat cuts, vegetables and fruits, to the most exotic spices, you’ll want to take this book with you when you shop. 150 pesos.

Tacopedia

I loved this book from the first time I saw it and realized what a resource it is. Tacopedia explores everything about Mexico’s favorite food, the taco, including all of the different traditions and regions in Mexico. You’ll also get 100 authentic Taco recipes adapted from the Mexican best-seller; from fillings and tortillas to salsas and sauces.

My favorite part of this book is the wonderful graphics, photographs and illustrations. I say they make the book. What do you think?

I purchased my copy from Michael Coon at Casa de Cocinas. Email him at this address for availability.  insideroute@aol.com.

Handpainted Tableware: Ceramicalopez at Recreo 10-A

Ceramicalopez sells eye-catching, handpainted tableware.

I love this little oval dish with a matching coffee cup to use at breakfast, my favorite time to plan the day. Fill the cup with peppermint sticks and hand write a special holiday note.

Cazuelas: Josefina at Losa Barro Local #3, Mercado Ignacio Ramírez

A cazuela is as important as a cast-iron pan is to a Southern cook. 

These clay pots are great for cooking soups, beans or stews. It holds a steady heat allowing foods to cook both slowly and evenly.

It’s no wonder that Cazuelas are collected by Mexican families and handed down through the generations. Some people are so attached to them they even give them a name. I call mine FLACO trusting that the calories will burn out of whatever it is I'm cooking.

This stand, inside Mercado Ignacio Ramírez, sells cazuelas for the best price.

Claudia’s Pies

Too lazy to cook? Give your foodie a day off and order Claudia’s pies. Call 415-151-0146 or email her at campanita1985@live.com.

My favorite: this Lemon Meringue. She also sells at La Pulga; next one December 13^th.

Chocolates: Joferej

This is one of my favorite places to hang out, enjoy a cup of high-end hot chocolate from Tabasco and buy a box of top quality chocolates to gift your fellow chocoholics. Open from 10 AM -8 PM daily expect Sundays 11 AM -8PM.

How do you get a chocolate jolt? In addition to hot chocolate, they also serve Chocolate Espeso (thick chocolate) with bitter at 70% and semi-bitter at 60% for 45 pesos.

Ask for Alejandra. Online orders at https://www.johfrej.com/

Pottery: Santa Rosa de Lima
mayolicasantarosa.com

Make it a day trip and go to Santa Rosa de Lima, Camino Real s/n, Santa Rosa de Lima, Gto, México. Phone. +52 01 (473) 102 50 17 

One of the most beautiful Mexican pottery stores in the area, you can find anything and everything for your food lovers’ kitchen.

While you’re on your way out of town, stop at the town bar, Alto’s Cantina, for a bottle of delicious orange flavored Mezcal. You’ll wonder how anything this good can cost just 80 pesos.

Something Sweet: Artesana Boutique

Open for a month, this new little shop, tucked away inside the Rosewood Hotel, sells Salvador’s baked goods including the most decadent chocolate that looks like a taco topped with fruits and nuts.

Designed by Tables and More out of Guadalajara, the shop is drop-dead gorgeous and has outdoor seating.

You’ll likely find the coffee crowd here as they also serve Starbucks for the same price as the Starbucks in town.

Can’t Find What You Want? Time to Hit the Department Stores

Liverpool - San Miguel 

Liverpool recently started carrying both Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn, my go-to Christmas stores back in the states.

Plaza La Luciérnaga, Libramiento José Manuel Zavala Zavala 165 4A, La Luciérnaga, 37745 San Miguel de Allende or shop online at:

http://www.liverpool.com.mx/tienda/cocina-y-hogar/

El Palacio de Hierro - Antea Lifestyle Center Queretaro at Paseo de la República, Juriquilla, Querétaro, Querétaro http://www.elpalaciodehierro.com/

Great gifts for chefs including one of my favorite lines: Emile Henry.

The TAJINE POULET will set you back $2,690.00 pesos but think about the dinner you’ll getthe first time they use it.
I’m already savoring every bite just thinking about it.