San Miguel Jack: Insiders' Social Scene

Around Town: A name most of the local crowd knows is Michael Solof aka 'The Adventure Hound'. Not only does he introduce and entertain our visitors and regular expats to different restaurants around San Miguel, he also offers 'iPhone photo' tours (alook him up on Facebook).

Then there is the San Miguel de Allende Hope Harmon Croquet Club, what? You say... Yes indeed, full regulation-size grass courts with 30+members. Guests are welcome on 'Open House' Mondays and at their monthly birthday celebration get-togethers referred to as “Wine & Wickets”. For all the info and to get on their mailing list, WhatsApp President, Robert LeVine: 52-415 180 6404. This is as I call it, "Polo without ponies and about as much fun as you can have with your whites on!" Seen about town, the author of the book, Fire Weather, John Vaillant at Jacques Cafe on Pueblita. San Antonio residents, Steven & Jenni Sonnenare back in town from their Colorado winter. Alan Dell, owner of Katz NYC no less, was singing high praises after breakfast at Silveyra’s. Three-times International Best-Selling Author/Badass Intuitive, Jo Davis is one lady you absolutley want to run into around town. Last month was the Modernism Week Trina Turk Fashion Show at Marrakesh Country Club in Palm Desert, which local social-butterfy Brenda Sexton flew back for. Mexican actress, Adriana Paz looked radiant in local designer, Neithan Herbert’s dress on the red carpet at the Oscars last month. 

Music: The Felecia Ford and Soul Fame concert out at Foro El Obraje Amphitheater was a great success attended by faithful fans and sponsors Sophia of Mata de Monte. El Monarco General Manager, Frankie Cruz-Aedo, last month organized two Parque Juárez jam fest benefit concerts with local musicians in solidarity with their music venue being shut down. Dedicated owner, Kim Knight kept staff on payroll and fingers crossed, they will have reopend by now. 

El Señor de la Conquista (The Lord of the Conquest) is the vibrant pre-Hispanic-influenced festival in San Miguel de Allende which was celebrated early last month.  

Food and Beverage:  Isaac del Castillo is busy at work, what with rebranding his Spanish place (formely Aquí Castilla) at Jesus 5, now Zaki’s Mediterraneano. He is also expanding next door to his NY Style Deli, the Marketplace Restaurant - Opening to be announced. Hank’s, one of the busiest watering holes and consistently great dining experiences in our town, recently celebrated their founder’s birthday in memoriam. Bob Thieman, an iconic restaurateur and developer in San Miguel, passed about one year ago. Hank’s (open every day and featuring a daily 2-for-1 happy hour from 5pm to 8pm) is running strong under the guidance of his widow Lisa and his only daughter, Amanda. A 'hidden gem' Agavia 115 restaurant on Hernández Macías 115, this creative and unique modern take on traditional Mexican food makes it a worthy visit. Local, organic dishes cater to meat lovers & vegetarians. Reservations are a must in this minuscule multilevel establishment: 52 415 1030933 

The Last Word: Let's not forget a shout out to our own Insiders News wonderful writer, Aundria and publisher of two books and her slowdowngranny.com blog, which is anything but! As some of you will know I/we have been down in Zihuatanejo. For those who might want to escape for some fun in the sun by the seaside, here are a few places we’ve enjoyed. Thompson Beach Resort at La Ropa. Nestled into the rocky outcrop of Zihua is one of only 600 "Small Luxury Hotels of the World", La Casa Que Canta, with just twenty-five rooms, it is the perfect hideaway. North of Ixtapa is the former lux Capella Resort, now known as Cala del Mar. An absolutely stunning architectural marvel built into the side of the hillside. There is everything in-between along this coastline, with moderate and ‘all inclusives’. For the really laid-back places, you are just half an hour north up to Troncones. The tres amigo’s favorite was a lovely little yoga retreat & boutique hotel called Present Moment, which pretty much sums up our frame of mind living down on the coast. For list of restaurant recomendations, don't hesitate to drop me a line here. Note: an special muchísimas gracias to Lady Sexton of ‘Hidden Gems' fame for her contributions.