Café 1910
A Mexican celebration in the pride of cooking good eats.
For Mexicans who know their history, the revolution of 1910 represents the turning back of repression. In this case, it is a celebration, as Café 1910 is not a revolution so much, but an evolution in its new location, for well over a year now. A proud stand for offering tasty food, and friendly service in a welcoming old house venue. You don’t have to look far to see complimentary review after review. This is a popular gathering place for expats and locals alike. Enjoy a little history and some darn good food. They are known for their gargantuan BLTs, fluffy omelettes, and Bob's always warm welcome.
The Phantom Gourmet is delighted to award a well-deserved FOUR Silver Spoons for consistency and for being "aesthetically different, well worth putting on your return list". Congratulations to owners Miguel & Anna and their new baby girl, together with their well-oiled and dedicated team. Muy bueno and as always "buen provecho!" Note: No liquor license and cash only.
Firenze
It translates the same in Italian or Spanish, Florence
Now add the word restaurante and you have one of the best Italian restaurants here in San Miguel de Allende, plain and simple. And FIVE Silver Spoons by the Phantom Gourmet ‘23 & ‘24. Chef Antonio welcomes us warmly as he always does.
He showed us his latest paintings, one of Paris and the other a dark and ominous tornado. Now what to eat - a Ceasar, the pasta casera; peas, pancetta in a cream sauce, fresh mahi-mahi (his purveyor brings it in from the Sea of Cortez) in a beurre blanc caper sauce… y para el postre, a warm almond sponge pudding with caramel sauce sliced almonds y vanilla ice cream. Let's not forget the vino, a nice crisp Pino Grigio. Bellissimo!
Ghar
San Miguel - like being in the heart of India
Having visited Delhi, India on several occasions, Ghar Restaurant measures up in spades. It could be argued, that some cuisines are even better outside their host country, like London and Vancouver in this case. Ghar means ‘home or house’. It's fair to say, that articles this past year in Travel Life and Global Design have helped push its reputation beyond Mexican borders. But for those of us living in SMA, we’re lucky, that owners, Kevin and his lovely wife Kelly O’Connor, and partner, Hiran Patel have the chops as it is a gutsy move.
Equally lucky they have had several iterations of Indian Chefs who have added their own choice of complex techniques representing various regions, who know the nuances, and who have deftly navigated the myriad of spices, sauces, and cooki ng styles. If you have never been to India, enter the portal at the entrance to boutique hotel Casa Hoyos, Mesones 14 in Zona Centro. The Phantom Gourmet is pleased to award, FOUR Silver Spoons as,"aesthetically different and well worth a return visit". May the Bharatnatyam dance of India and all her senses excite you and guide you home to Ghar. Namaste, Kevin & Kelly.
Salvajes Brasserie
French French French - Tres Bon!
To say I am crazy about French food is an understatement. Give me gobs of butter, loads of creamy sauces, rich heapings of protein and I’m a happy contented devotee. Let this elegant and limited (seating for 12 only) begin. Synapse overload, tastebuds, and pallets be prepared to send startling messages to the brain, it's about to be blown!
First course: Wild spinach/citrus supremes / Chantilly cream Mesquite honey vinaigrette. Paired with Sake, Ishikawa, Japan. Second course: Ratatouille, roasted vegetables bathed in tomato and basil sauces. Paired w/a French Alsace Rose. Third course: Porcelet, a crispy suckling pig w/ potatoes Duchesse, jus & pepper oil paired w/a Grenache Shiraz from 137-year-old vines, Russian River, California. Fourth course: Soupe A Loingion a classic French soup w/raclette cheese, smoked bacon & French bread. Paired w/ Canto de Sirenas Cabernet Franc 100% Vinedo Los Arcángeles from Dolores, Guanajuato, Mexico, (the standout vino of the evening!) Fifth Course: a deconstructed Creme Brulee, paired with a Classico sweet liqueur-like Chianti from Italy- the surprise of the night.
The Phantom Gourmet’s previous FIVE Silver Spoon Award and latherings of praise from last year's incredible lunch might just have been eclipsed by this extraordinary dining experience.
