Fredi Magazine Winter 2016 / Volume 2 Issue 2 | Page 39

One of the world ’ s largest cities , the Mexican capital is home to 22 million people . Mexico City – or DF as locals call it , short for Distrito Federal – is packed and chaotic , guaranteed to invigorate intrepid travellers . And still , if you wander into the city ’ s inviting colonias ( neighbourhoods ) there is a quaint intimacy that beckons you to unwind and sip a latte al fresco . Mexico City is a study in contrasts , and a place that will inspire you beyond your imagination .
Built in the 16th century by the Spanish on the ruins of Tenochtitlan ( the old Aztec capital ), Mexico City remains one of the most captivating UNESCO World Heritage Cities . Its heart beats in the Zócalo Plaza in the Centro Histórico . This impressive plaza , officially called the Plaza de la Constitución , is flanked by the majestic Metropolitan Cathedral , the Renaissance-style National Palace and the Colonial Arcade . Soak up the scene . The Zócalo is buzzing with life and bystanders watching performers re-enact Aztec history . Steps away stand the pre-Hispanic ruins of the 14th century Templo Mayor , an Aztec temple where anthropologists continue to unearth ancient relics displayed at the onsite museum .
Discovering the city is a life lesson in purging stereotypes . If you think you know Mexico City based on past media reports , you don ’ t ! Become acquainted with DF ’ s resurgence by exploring its distinctive colonias , many of which have been gentrified . Start with the bohemian Condesa and Roma districts that will lure you in with their hip bars , trendy restaurants , sidewalk cafes and edgy boutiques . La Condesa features Art-Deco architecture along the treelined Avenida Ámsterdam that circles Parque Mexico . Its neighbour , Roma , was adopted by artsy Chilangos and is lined with Frenchstyle 19th century mansions and an inspiring street-art movement , perfect for Instagram photo-ops . For glamour and high-end fashion , head to the swanky Polanco neighbourhood that serves as the playground for the rich and famous , with its main street Avenida Masaryk reminiscent of Rodeo Drive .
Much of Mexico City ’ s spectacular architecture is European in flavour . Not only was the former Aztec city rebuilt and redesigned by the Spanish in the 16th century , the country ’ s former President , Porfirio Díaz , was so enamored with France that he had Europe ’ s finest architects replicate its beauty throughout . Nowhere is that more evident than along the striking avenue , Paseo de la Reforma , styled after Paris ’ s famed boulevard , Avenue des Champs-Élysées . Mexico City offers all the history , allure and great culinary experiences of a European getaway , but at a fraction of the cost and travel time .
Mexico City was originally built on a network of canals that were later filled to accommodate its millions of citizens . If you look closely , you

Travel Like There ' s No Mañana will note that many of the buildings appear lopsided because of this . Like Venice , Mexico City is a sinking beauty . Board a colourful trajinera ( a pre-hispanic boat ) and journey back six centuries ago along the canals of Xochimilco as you eat , drink and take in the sites , while listening to live mariachi play along the waters .

Many are unaware that DF is home to more museums than any other city in the world . There are literally hundreds of galleries and museums to explore . Among its most exciting are the massive National Museum of Anthropology with its remarkable collection of Aztec and Mayan artifacts ; the Palacio Nacional with its bold mural from the legendary Diego Rivera depicting the history of Mexico ; and Frida Kahlo ’ s ‘ Casa Azul ’ ( Blue House ) that provides an intimate glimpse into the life and times of this artistic icon . Admire Latin America ’ s largest collection of decorative arts at the Museo Franz Mayer ; visit the modern marvel known as Museo Soumaya ; the Museo Nacional de Arte is housed in a neoclassical building that is just as impressive as the art ; and of course you must visit the Palacio de Bellas Artes , which features a variety of exhibits in one of the city ’ s most iconic buildings .
Mexico City ' s atmospheric markets are teeming with colour and life . From woven blankets to painted pottery , exotic fruit to produce , herbal remedies to shaman healers , DF ’ s markets are a lesson in Mexican folk-art and culture . There are over 300 markets to choose from , not including another 1,000 + tianguis ( open-air , pop-up markets ). The standouts include the Mercado Jamaica , La Cuidadela , Sonora Market and La Merced .
Thirty minutes north of Mexico City you will find the mystic Teotihuacán (" teh-oh-tee-wa- KHAN ") Pyramids , known as the ‘ Birthplace of the Gods .’ Built in 300 BC , this pre-Aztec site is home to the third largest pyramid in the world and is one of the most impressive archaeological sites this side of the Nile . Keep your camera close and climb to the top of the Pyramid of the Moon for an awe-inspiring view over the Valley of the Dead .
Mexico City brings to mind a famous quote by Mark Twain , “ Travel is fatal to prejudice , bigotry , and narrow-mindedness .” Much has been said about this city , but all who visit would agree that this modern metropolis with its warm-hearted people , incredible cuisine and countless cultural riches is having its moment right now . If you haven ’ t gone , you should !
Dining in Mexico City / Quickly becoming a foodie destination , Mexico City ’ s culinary scene offers up a world of flavours and is bursting with trendy eateries from a new generation of chefs that take locally sourced ingredients and modern applications to create new versions on Mexican classics . The food is so good it was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status — a global first . From traditional to trendy , DF ’ s emerging food scene is reason enough to visit . Here ’ s a mouth-watering list of where to eat !
Located in the trendy Roma district , FONDA FINA is a place where locals gather in a warm and inviting setting to enjoy an affordable home-style meal off a daily set menu . However , don ’ t let the word ‘ affordable ’ fool you ! Chef Juan Cabrera really flexes his culinary muscles by using an array of fresh ingredients to reinvent and enhance the flavours of traditionallyinspired Mexican dishes ; each plate beautifully presented and utterly delicious . Wash down specialities such as bonemarrow panucho , pork belly sope and noodles with chilaquiles with a cold Teporocho ( a tequila , rum and beer drink served in a paper bag covered glass ).
Housed in an underground cave behind the Pirámide de la Luna in Teotihuacán , LA GRUTA restaurant (“ The Cave ” in Spanish ) is a journey through Mexico ’ s culinary heritage . This ‘ farm-to-table ’ traditional Mexican restaurant has been family run for three generations . Executive Chef , Carlos Cedillo , serves up local specialities such as homemade mole , enchiladas , chapulines ( deep fried grasshoppers ), escamoles ( ant eggs ) and deep fried white worms that are surprisingly good , especially when accompanied by a delicious Xoconostle margarita . At the end of each meal , guests of La Gruta are invited to light a candle and leave it at the altar of the God Xolotl located inside the cave to send positive energy to staff and local residents . The ambiance and experience here is one you won ’ t forget !
Executive Chef , Atzin Santos Candia , will blow your mind – or should I say taste buds – with
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