Coyocan and a sweet birthday dinner

We enjoyed our breakfast at the Hilton Reforma before heading out to Coyoacan to follow another Jim Johnstons Guide Walk before touring Casa Azul.

Coyoacan is a bit farther away from the Centro Historico than other places we visited but the Uber got us there without problems. We marveled at how inexpensive these long rides were!

Coyoacan is full of colorful buildings and interesting architecture.

We had delicious quesadillas and felt like locals for a minute.

We routed ourselves to Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul and waited in line until our time slot to enter.

It was a bit crowded in the house itself but the gardens were more serene. It is a beautiful setting and everyone was glad to see it. 

Our reservation at Dulce Patria was at 8pm so we had time for cocktails at Tio Pepe's and there we ubered from Casa Azul.

When we arrived at Dulce Patria I was disappointed that they wanted to seat our party of 5 just inside the entrance at a too small table. After discussions, and a small wait, they found us a much more comfortable location on the "outside" area at a nice round table. It was decorated with folk art statues and the overall impression was charming.

The food and service were quite good. We enjoyed it and would go back again.

 It had been a very happy birthday in Mexico City!

Next: Off the beaten path

Murals, Roma y Condessa, and Pujol

On today's agenda: the murals at Palacio de Bellas Artes, walking in Roma y Condessa, and dinner at Pujol.

It was another beautiful morning. The Hilton is very close to the Palacio de Bellas Artes so we got there soon after opening. 

Quick line for tickets and we were off to the second floor to view the Diego Rivera and Jose Clemente Orosco murals. There was a special exhibition by Kandinsky called "Small Worlds."

Diego Rivera, 1934
Man at the crossroads or
Man the controller of the Universe

Jose Clemente Orosco, 1934-1935
Catharsis

Our next plan was walking around in Roma and Condessa following the plan in Jim Johnston's guide book. We walked to the Uber pick-up spot, always marveling at the variety of life on display in this fascinating city.

Our first stop was Parque Mexico where the dog trainers were doing their magic.

Across the road to cute Plaza Popocatepeti where the fountain was flowing (unlike in 4/2018).

A few Jacarandas were blooming. They are such beautiful trees!

Over to Foro Lindberg.

And wandering around the area marveling at the interesting architecture.

We routed ourselves to El Tizoncito for tacos. They were delicious, as was the "show" put on by the taco master.

We Ubered back to el Centro Historico to have drinks at Tio Pepe's Cantina.

Tonight was our highly anticipated dinner at acclaimed Pujol. We got to Polanco early, before the restaurant opened, so browsed in a few shops until our 6pm reservation. They have two seatings per night and 930pm was too late for us.

The restaurant is this gorgeous modern building with a great outside patio area.

The inside of the restaurant was a bit dark. Our table was down a few steps in a wood filled room with horizontal windows. Cozy and elegant. They have a cool taco bar (reservations are hard to get!). The service was impeccable. The food was outstanding. Everyone loved it (although husband hated the tamarindo sorbet palate cleanser). We would love to return!

Happy birthday to me! :)

My friendly husband got a tour of the kitchen and met the tortilla maker.

It was a great way to (pre-)celebrate my birthday!

We Ubered back to the Hilton Reforma and crashed.

Another lovely day in Mexico City!

Next: Coyoacan and Dulce Patria