At Destination Mexico we are always looking for new ways to bring this wonderful destination into the thinking of our clients for future programs. In the next few Newsletters we are including a short blog on the different ‘Flavors and Cuisine’ of our destinations. We hope these blogs will help stimulate not only your enthusiasm for Mexico as a destination for your groups, but your palates also!

Mexico City, the capital, is one of the most populous cities and metropolitan areas in the world with a blend of old and modern attractions. It is built on top of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. Mexico City actually has the most museums of any city even beating out New York. The National Anthropology Museum, located in Bosque de Chapultepec, is widely considered to be the best museum in Mexico City. Aside from the museums, there is also an exploding culinary scene. To know the cuisine of a region, is to know its customs and the soul of its people. Chilango is a Mexican slang term for residents of Mexico City; Chilango is also a brand of hot sauce. Mexican cuisine is so much more than just tacos (with hot sauce) and there are special dishes specific to each region. Foods native to Mexico City are breakfast tamales, pozole and sope, to name just a few, and they are as diverse as they are delicious. Another interesting fact, is that while many people in Mexico consider that the Quesadilla (a tortilla filled with cheese and then grilled) comes with cheese, a quirk of Mexico City is that you have to specifically ask for a quesadilla with cheese. Some try to argue that the quesadilla should come with cheese because the Spanish word for cheese is ‘queso’, and therefore the cheese is implied. Others argue that in Nahuatl, the ancient language of the Aztecs, the word ‘quesadilla’ just means folded tortilla. Pushing semantics aside, just remember while in Mexico City to ask for the cheese or you will end up with a cheeseless quesadilla and no one wants that. Another interesting fact is that while in Mexico, there are few Mexicans who would choose to eat carrots or pineapple as they are naturally, when given the opportunity to completely cover them in Tajín chili. Visitors should at least try it, once.

While exploring the city, we recommend buzzing Coyoacan restaurant Los Danzantes, which has amazing enchiladas (meat wrapped in fried tortillas) or in another part of town, Colonia Roma, there is Contramar known for the best sope. Sope acts as a kind of bowl in which to pile various ingredients such as meats, refried beans, shredded lettuce, and crumbly cheese. For the best churros and hot chocolate, stop at EL Moro Churreria, which has been a favorite in the historic center since 1935. The historic center, better known as Zocalo, is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is the heart of this vibrant city.