Field Notes 03 | Mexico City

I love cities.

Discovering the unique urban mix of people, culture, food and style is the reason I travel. My favorite cities are the ones that take my preconceived notions and throw them instantly out the window.

This is Mexico City.

To be honest I have always been intimidated by CDMX. This sprawling capital of 21 plus million people seemed too big, too rough, too gritty to be an alluring place to explore. I was wrong.

Mexico City’s charming neighborhoods are bursting with sophistication, amazing food and vibrant Mexican style. I spent most of my time in the Roma, La Condesa and Polanco neighborhoods but the bustling Plaza de Constitution should not be missed. Grab a drink or lunch at on the rooftop at El Balcon del Zocalo and take it all in!

There are many world-class museums and galleries in CDMX, but I found wandering the neighborhoods the real delight.

We stayed in Roma. Each morning began with marvelous churros and coffee from our local El churrero. We filled our days walking the tree-lined streets exploring shops such as local fashion designer Carmen Rion’s vivid atelier.  I met the lovely Martha Alvarez Montero @maamceramica for coffee and local perspective. She is an uber talented ceramic designer who has done work for many of the best restaurants in Mexico City. I am thrilled she is making one of a kind dishes designed especially for a home I am doing on Nantucket. So Special! 

Stay

Condesa df

ADDRESS:
AV. VERACRUZ N.102 COL. CONDESA, 06700 MÉXICO DF, MÉXIco

VIBE:
Young, Cool, Hip. Great top floor terrace for evening drinks.

Four Seasons Mexico City

ADDRESS:
Av. Paseo de la Reforma 500, Cuauhtémoc, 06600
Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

VIBE:
old world fancy, where your parents want to stay but with
some modern cool

Hippodrome Hotel Condessa

ADDRESS:
Avenida Mexico 188 Col. La Condesa

VIBE:
chic modern boutique hotel just off the park in my favorite
CDMX neighborhood. Adults only

Eat

Casa Virginia
Avenida Monterrey 116, Planta Alta, Colonia Roma

Merotoro
Amsterdam 204, Hipódromo

Contramar
Calle de Durango 200, Colonia Roma

Amaya
Calle Gral. Prim 95, Juárez

El Balcon del Zocalo
Av. 5 de Mayo 61, Centro Histórico

Pasillo de Humo
Av Nuevo León 107, Hipódromo

Máximo Bistrot
Tonalá 133, Roma Norte

Huset
Colima 256, Roma Norte

Balmori
Zacatecas 139, Colonia Roma

In between wandering and discovery, there was the food, the food, the food!  I was blown away by the complexity and variety of the flavor of each meal, as well as the originality of the presentation. I have shared a few of my favorite spots below. My first trip to Mexico City will surely not be that last. I cannot wait to go back!