used to be one of the best, but bat speed has slowed considerably over the years I don't have a lot of regard for tasting menus & fine dining places, just not my thing. This is well below that but one of the best meals I've had anywhere was a Agua y Sel a couple of years ago. Just walked in because it was a couple of blocks from my hotel and it had been a long work day. Something to keep in mind if your wallet needs a break.
We booked this trip last year when we were in Aruba. A week at Grand Cayman Ritz Carlton with a nice room upgrade to an ocean front room. The hotel set up is like nothing I’ve ever seen. The resort side and ocean side are separated by a road, and the only connection is an art gallery bridge we had been looking forward to going to Blue by Eric Ripert, but they closed for the season on Sunday
Just defeated my battle with this after like 9-10 days Starting on day 3 of being in Tulum I couldn’t quit running to the bathroom. About 12-15 times a day. Got exhausting worrying about what the bathroom situation was going to be every time we left the house rock bottom was probably flushing 7-8 times on the spirit flight home, those flushes are loud as hell finally got an antibiotic and I feel amazing now.
No other complaints and loved our visit. Food was great. Woke up to this at Mi Amor hotel and then had a dip in the pool
We had to cut our trip short over Memorial Day otherwise would’ve stayed there. Ended up at the Westin but walked over to see what we missed. That place is a compound, glad you got the good side. Legendz sports bar is a quick walk away. Go grab a beer and then check out the menu: it makes Cheesecake Factory look like amateur hour. Surprisingly for a place that serves seafood, steaks, burgers, wraps, pizza, Indian cuisine, omelettes, tacos, stir fry and much, much more it was pretty good. We ate there multiple times. https://www.eats.ky/media/menu/EatsMenu2022.pdf
Went to Pujol and Contramar on my bachelor party and they’re very different but Pujol was better IMO. Friend who went on same trip said Quintonil was best if all. Kinda tipsy so I guess I’ll post an email that was forwarded to me that was written by Rick the famous chef whose brother is on ESPN and May or May not know a thing or 2 about Mexican food Spoiler here's my list (at least a first pass). Just remember that where you stay is incredibly important. Traffic is legendary. Legendarily intense. Even a short distance can take 30-45 minutes to traverse. Almost all these places are in La Roma/Condesa neighborhoods, except for Pujol & Quintonil. Those are in Polanco (20-30 minutes away with flowing traffic). MeroToro: Jair Tellez’s comfortable, medium-casual place, Baja cuisine (but no open flame, no big seafood focus). I’ve found it incredibly reliable. Quintonil: Jorge Vallejo’s fine dining establishment. One of my favorite restaurants anywhere, not just Mexico. Strong modern kitchen. Most consider it the best fine-dining in the city. Pujol: Enrique Olvera’s place has just moved and re-created itself, including an omakase “taco bar.” I haven’t been yet, but it seems like it is much less formal, much less tasting/fine dining. Contramar: an all-time favorite, a true stand-out. In the old-fashion tradition, it opens at 1 pm and closes at 5 or 6, since the main meal of the day is traditionally eaten at around 2 pm. Seafood, including wonderful fish a la talla, ceviches, aguachiles, etc. Casual atmosphere, but incredibly good, precise service. Máximo: Lalo Garcia’s bistro with a pretty modern American sensibility, but made with incredibly good local ingredients. Mexican touches, but not really a Mexican restaurant. But everyone loves it. Lalo’s: across the street from Máximo, this places is great for breakfast. Mostly modern Mexican breakfast but super laid back with great pastries. Open from early to late. Lots of pizza and pasta after 1 pm. Panaderia Rosetta (the one on Havre in la Juarez): this is one of my favorite places for breakfast. You can’t make resos, and the place is usually full; but the tables turn pretty fast. Famous for great pastries, but they have some other breakfast stuff. Inspired more by Italy than Mexico, but there are several great Mexican offerings. Fonda Fina: very much a modern Mexican fonda. Traditional sauces, but modern plating in a very relaxed atmosphere. I’ve had some really good meals here. La Docena: though the menu ranges from poboys and burgers to great seafood, it’s the seafood this Guadalajara restaurant is famous for. Great bar, too. They arguably have the best oysters in town—get both the raw ones and the wood-grilled ones, especially when they have the oysters from San Blas. (Across the street is an outpost of my favorite churrería, El Moro. Don't miss it. There's also a branch in Mercado Roma. Lardo: a lot of people are raving about this place from Elena Reygadas (the owner of Panaderia Rosetta and Rosetta high-end Italian restaurant). I like it, but am not sure that it’s as good as the hype. When Mexican flavors don’t appeal, this modern Italian offering can be good. Cardenal: in the Centro Historico, this hundred-year-old place is best for breakfast. Really: The. Best. Breakfast. A great experience. Mercado Roma: The high-end market experience with stalls from a lot of Mexico City’s top chefs. Crowded, fun atmosphere. You can even get my favorite churros there (from El Moro). Montelobos/Ancho Reyes bar in the back, and beer hall on the top floor. Don’t miss the paletas in the back left corner. Taquerias: I know that everyone thinks tacos are the be-all, end-all of Mexican cuisine these days, but I think of them like most Mexicans: a quick bite. That said, I love the tacos de guisados at Tacos Hola/El Güero in Condesa at their spinoff, Tacos Gus. Think of these are tapas, but served in a tortilla rather than on or with bread. Fancy grilled tacos can be had at El Califa, though I really prefer the ones across the way at Farolito. Some think those are both overrated, but I think the food is good. For a crazy fun late night taco excursion, I’d go to Vilsito about 10 minutes further south into Colonia Navarte. You stand on the street and order from one of two huge trompos and it’s an amazing experience. The place is an auto shop in the day, a taqueria at night. I really love that place. While you can enjoy mezcal lots of places (and well known mezcal bars are La Bótica, La Clandestina & Bósforo), Alipús Endémico is my favorite. They do make cocktails, but doing a tasting of mezcales is the way to go. (Just tasting mezcales in cocktails is like going to Scotland and only tasting Scotch cocktails). Alipús also has Oaxacan food, which is quite serviceable and delicious. A really good craft cocktail bar (the first one in CDMX, in fact) is Limontur in La Roma Norte. If you’re looking for anything else in particular, please let me know. I could have written pages, so this is heavily edited. here's my list (at least a first pass). Just remember that where you stay is incredibly important. Traffic is legendary. Legendarily intense. Even a short distance can take 30-45 minutes to traverse. Almost all these places are in La Roma/Condesa neighborhoods, except for Pujol & Quintonil. Those are in Polanco (20-30 minutes away with flowing traffic). MeroToro: Jair Tellez’s comfortable, medium-casual place, Baja cuisine (but no open flame, no big seafood focus). I’ve found it incredibly reliable. Quintonil: Jorge Vallejo’s fine dining establishment. One of my favorite restaurants anywhere, not just Mexico. Strong modern kitchen. Most consider it the best fine-dining in the city. Pujol: Enrique Olvera’s place has just moved and re-created itself, including an omakase “taco bar.” I haven’t been yet, but it seems like it is much less formal, much less tasting/fine dining. Contramar: an all-time favorite, a true stand-out. In the old-fashion tradition, it opens at 1 pm and closes at 5 or 6, since the main meal of the day is traditionally eaten at around 2 pm. Seafood, including wonderful fish a la talla, ceviches, aguachiles, etc. Casual atmosphere, but incredibly good, precise service. Máximo: Lalo Garcia’s bistro with a pretty modern American sensibility, but made with incredibly good local ingredients. Mexican touches, but not really a Mexican restaurant. But everyone loves it. Lalo’s: across the street from Máximo, this places is great for breakfast. Mostly modern Mexican breakfast but super laid back with great pastries. Open from early to late. Lots of pizza and pasta after 1 pm. Panaderia Rosetta (the one on Havre in la Juarez): this is one of my favorite places for breakfast. You can’t make resos, and the place is usually full; but the tables turn pretty fast. Famous for great pastries, but they have some other breakfast stuff. Inspired more by Italy than Mexico, but there are several great Mexican offerings. Fonda Fina: very much a modern Mexican fonda. Traditional sauces, but modern plating in a very relaxed atmosphere. I’ve had some really good meals here. La Docena: though the menu ranges from poboys and burgers to great seafood, it’s the seafood this Guadalajara restaurant is famous for. Great bar, too. They arguably have the best oysters in town—get both the raw ones and the wood-grilled ones, especially when they have the oysters from San Blas. (Across the street is an outpost of my favorite churrería, El Moro. Don't miss it. There's also a branch in Mercado Roma. Lardo: a lot of people are raving about this place from Elena Reygadas (the owner of Panaderia Rosetta and Rosetta high-end Italian restaurant). I like it, but am not sure that it’s as good as the hype. When Mexican flavors don’t appeal, this modern Italian offering can be good. Cardenal: in the Centro Historico, this hundred-year-old place is best for breakfast. Really: The. Best. Breakfast. A great experience. Mercado Roma: The high-end market experience with stalls from a lot of Mexico City’s top chefs. Crowded, fun atmosphere. You can even get my favorite churros there (from El Moro). Montelobos/Ancho Reyes bar in the back, and beer hall on the top floor. Don’t miss the paletas in the back left corner. Taquerias: I know that everyone thinks tacos are the be-all, end-all of Mexican cuisine these days, but I think of them like most Mexicans: a quick bite. That said, I love the tacos de guisados at Tacos Hola/El Güero in Condesa at their spinoff, Tacos Gus. Think of these are tapas, but served in a tortilla rather than on or with bread. Fancy grilled tacos can be had at El Califa, though I really prefer the ones across the way at Farolito. Some think those are both overrated, but I think the food is good. For a crazy fun late night taco excursion, I’d go to Vilsito about 10 minutes further south into Colonia Navarte. You stand on the street and order from one of two huge trompos and it’s an amazing experience. The place is an auto shop in the day, a taqueria at night. I really love that place. While you can enjoy mezcal lots of places (and well known mezcal bars are La Bótica, La Clandestina & Bósforo), Alipús Endémico is my favorite. They do make cocktails, but doing a tasting of mezcales is the way to go. (Just tasting mezcales in cocktails is like going to Scotland and only tasting Scotch cocktails). Alipús also has Oaxacan food, which is quite serviceable and delicious. A really good craft cocktail bar (the first one in CDMX, in fact) is Limontur in La Roma Norte. If you’re looking for anything else in particular, please let me know. I could have written pages, so this is heavily edited.
It’s beginning to look like my CDMX trip will only be me eating. I need to find some other things to do so I don’t come back 10lbs heavier.
well there goes half my day. spent a ton of time yesterday going through all the recs I could find. I am glad I'm staying in the neighborhoods he's mentioning vs Polanco.
https://clubtengohambre.com/mexicocity This walking street taco tour was one of the best things I did. Loved it. Ate about 12 street tacos, then went out that night and drank about 10 tecates. Next morning was pretty prettttttty rough.
What museums u plan on hitting up? Museo Nacional de Antropología will take you a full day to see and is a must do, along with many other museums there. I’m guessing your planning to see Teotihuacan as well?
I have a buddy who I trust that recommend the anthropology museum, so I’ll probably hit that up. Will do Teotihuacan if I have the time. It’s not on the top of my list. I know you can’t compare them, but I’ve been to Chichen Itza before. It seems like it would be a time consuming excursion and I only have 3.5 days.
makes sense, also if you want an authentic nice traditional meal go to San Angel Inn……it’s not the cutting edge super super hip cool Michelin 15 star gringo tourist cool spot, but it’s where a true Mexican family is going to go for a good meal with a great great outdoor bar that has lots of tradition, this is where my uncle and cousins are taking me for our first nice meal in DF, last time I was there I was sitting next to a former Mexican President as we drank our wine…….really cool spot in a cool building (former monastery) Edit: Diego Rivera and Frida’s house is literally across the street and is a quick and easy tour to take before you go eat there
It said he was head chef at a place in berlin Maybe I'm using Chef loosely for sticklers here. "Someone who was trained at a culinary institute, worked at a half a dozen mich star restaurants, was head chef at a place in Berlin, is opening his own restaurant" Whatever you want to call that.
Pujol is amazing, but it's been around and gotten so much acclaim that some try to find reasons to neg it. Taco Omakase is a great experience if 3+ hour meals aren't your thing (or you can't get a rez). Going in October and can't wait. Quintonil is phenomenal and will some day take the crown from Pujol but Enrique has too much pull for that to happen. He's on fire opening new places across Mexico (food at new One & Only Mandarina, Manta in Cabo) + LA and others If you pair one of those + Contramar/Entremar with an ass load of street tacos, churros, and G&T's... you'll have a great time. Highly recommend getting to a Lucha Libre match at Arena Mexico if you've never done that.
If anyone followed the phobia thread... my crippling fear is now your gain. I have an $807 voucher for Virgin airlines that I can transfer to someone for a fee. It's miami to london but that can also be changed. If anyone wants to make an offer shoot me a DM.
If you want more information about how/why planes work and all of the precautions that are taken for planes that fly over the ocean, shoot me a message. I know it's not always logical but sometimes facts help more than thinking airplanes run on magic and wizardry.
Awesome. Appreciate the rec. Looks incredible. Also, I think I'm going to do a match day experience thing for the Club America/Guadalajara match. I had some friends do it earlier this year. They pick you up/drop you off. Attend the match with a group. Bar before and after. I can't imagine having to find a way back home after the match. Friends recommended a Lucha Libre match, so I may check that out. G&Ts....gin and tonic? I'm a big tequila fan, so looking to taste a lot. Seems like CDMX is more of a mezcal town? This looks great. Definitely interested. Did you do the day or night tour?
Fwiw I researched and am doing the eat like a local night tour. Just had more reviews and started near my hotel in condesa.
I did the day tour -- just go to different street food stalls and gorge on tacos. Lucha libre is a fucking blast, enjoy.
Anyone been to Edinburgh and have recs? Going with the in-laws so any cool touristy things or good restaurants/bars.
Edinburgh Castle and a day tour of the Highlands are musts. Sheep Heid Inn is the oldest pub in Scotland. I was there 12 years ago and a broke college student so my bar/restaurant recommendations probably aren't useful. Try haggis.
I just got back this May. I love it and was really surprised at how cool the city is. There is old and new town part of Edinburgh. Old town is where the castle is and the royal mile and new town is more modern area. Both within walking distance of each other. I can let you know some things I did and there was a really good restaurant I enjoyed I can look up the name too.
Makars Gourmet Mash Bar is the restaurant I am thinking of. It was a excellent casual spot off of the royal mile. The upscale places are on George St in new town. The national museum in Edinburgh is free if you like that sort of thing. Stirling Castle outside of Edinburgh is something I wanted to do but did not get a chance. This is the castle Wallace and Bruce fought the British at. They will be sure to tell you all about the inaccuracies of Braveheart such as the kilt was not invented until the 16th century. The highlands are really beautiful. If I had to do it over again I would rent a car and drive and then go to the isle of skye. The tour I took went to Loch Ness and was kind of boring to me. I would have much rather used that time to go to isle of skye.
Heading there the last weekend in September. Will only be there for a long weekend so it will probably be very busy trying to see as many things as we can.
I’m going over Labor Day. Don’t have much control over the Edinburgh part of the itinerary but will report back
on the verge of pulling the plug...the third? forth? time on a japan trip half the trip already got thrown into upheaval when ANA cancelled the return flights
What’s needed to get into Japan? Have been wanting to go there for years. Won’t go this year but maybe next year.
We are in the process of getting something booked and we have a travel agent helping. Maybe a dumb question, but were you able to get airfare packaged with the resort? She’s sent us like three packages so far and airfare is always separate. Not sure if that’s typical or not or how much it even matters with the overall cost.
I booked everything separate since I’m flying from SEA - ATL - PUJ and the lady friend is flying BWI - PUJ. I’ve always been skeptical of people booking flights on my behalf given how easy google flights is to search and track prices.
Did a search and found this post. We are currently looking to book our honeymoon in DR for January. Pretty sure we have it narrowed down to Zilara and Secrets which apparently are basically right next to one another. Any feedback on your experience?