As my faithful readers have noticed I haven’t been updating my blog very frequently lately, preferring instead to post to my Around the Block Facebook page or posting photos to my msbloch Instagram account. But I was inspired by a recent trip to Mexico and wanted to share highlights of my trip.

San Miguel de Allende

Though I know several people who vacation or have homes in San Miguel de Allende, typically when Kansas Citians go to Mexico they head to the coasts of Cancun or Cabo San Lucas. But San Miguel is in the interior, a three hour drive from Mexico City. Beautiful weather year-round, but no beach.

In 2008 UNESCO recognized San Miguel de Allende as a World Heritage of Humanity site, citing the town’s religious and civil architecture. It is beyond quaint, with narrow cobblestone streets, unique buildings dating back to the 17th Century, and a striking palette of color.

San Miguel

The original homes in the city, many of which have been converted into stores or restaurants, were built around interior courtyards and placed side-by-side, so it’s rare for a restaurant to have a 1st floor patio, unless it’s behind the front door. Most restaurants and hotels instead utilize the rooftops, to dramatic effect; sunsets in SMA are spectacular. And no matter the time of day, the views in all directions seem endless.

In addition to allowing me to indulge in one of my favorite pastimes, that of eating, San Miguel also offers the opportunity to enjoy my other favorite pastime, walking. Except for the day when we took a cab to explore the botanical garden, we walked everywhere. For women interested in a trip to San Miguel, leave your heels behind. Sturdy walking shoes are de rigueur, even in the evenings. The cobblestones are too deep to navigate with soft soled shoes, and the sidewalks are so narrow that you often find yourself playing chicken with someone coming at you whom you know you’re going to have to pass. Don’t give into any temptation to hop in a cab, the best way to experience San Miguel is on foot. Below you’ll find photos from some of my favorite meals in SMA. My next post will be about an incredible meal we had at Aperi, a jewel of a restaurant with a master chef from Italy in the kitchen.

Enjoy!

Saturday market–taco fillings.

Enchiladas mole–La Posadita

Tuna on a potato chip–La Azoteca

handmade tortillas

Jicama tacos with shrimp–La Azoteca

frozen margarita–La Azoteca

Tuna tostadas–La Parada

Salmon ceviche–La Parada

Heuvos Rancheros–Lavande Cafe

Chips and salsa

Chilaquiles with three sauces–El Correo

Octopus and potatoes bravas style–Luna

Duck carnitas–Luna

Drinks at Luna

Cochinta Pibil–La Posadita

Chilaquiles with bacon–Lavande Cafe

Brunch at the Rosewood hotel–tortillas and tacos made to order

Eggs layered with cheese and topped with mole. Andanza restaurant at Casa Sierra Nevada hotel.

guacamole at La Posadita

View from the terrace at La Posadita

Pozole verde–La Posadita

La Parroquia