Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting Mexico City on a work related trip. It’s one of the most incredible places on the planet. Its massive size and a population over 20 million makes it one of the very largest cities in the world. The natural beauty of the area and the perfect climate make it easy to understand why people have been congregating in this spot for thousands of years.
Me? I come for the Tacos Al Pastor – one of the staples of the Mexico city diet. Typically, the meat is stacked on a large skewer, flame broiled, cut to order then placed on freshly griddled tortillas. While a variety of salsas, avocado and lime are usually found on the table to garnish the tacos, grilled pineapple is always available as the traditional topping . It’s one of those “melt in your mouth” things. A cold Bohemia beer washes them down effectively.
If you make it to Mexico City, check out El Fogoncito near the east end of Chapultapec Park (Central park of Mexico City) and enjoy the Pastor. You will not be disappointed.
Carving Al Pastor at El Fogoncito
AL PASTOR UPDATE:
On a recent visit to Houston, I was lucky enough to have time to supper at “Ninfas” – one of the oldest and most well known of the great Mexican restaurants there. You know you are in the right place when you walk in and see “real” tortillas being made by hand and griddled fresh.
Two Mexican ladies work in tandem. One takes a handful of masa from a basketball sized mound, hand kneads it and passes it to the other who presses the tacos and throws them on the hot griddle. The aroma is incredible and they melt in your mouth – probably because of the lard they use in the masa (dough). The whole scene takes you to Mexico the minute you walk through the door.
Then, when I set down and saw Al Pastor (with grilled pineapple) on the menu, the only decision left to make was what to order for desert. Empanadas de banana with vanilla ice cream if you must know.
The “real deal” in Houston, TX!