Wanted a burger for dinner
Twas the night for a burger. Like so many suggestions, Grandpa & Son was supposed to be the best ‘smash’ burger in town. The Phantom Gourmet gladly awards THREE Silver Spoons and will say, “a taste above the rest and good onion rings and really good Pina mojito and Bloody Maria”. The jury is still out on ‘the best burger’. A daunting task as so many to try but do put Grandpa & Son at Fábrica La Aurora on your burger radar.
A Night in Spain
We flew to Spain last year for just 1,800 pesos. “WHAT!?”you say, well transported in the feeling of being in Espana. How lucky we are to have these out of body and culinary experiences living here. This is Aqui Castilla. First course: Spanish tapas plate con pan de tomato y tortilla española de chorizo. Paired with Correcto Merlot (this had the legs of a Flamenco dancer and so much so we bought two bottles post dinner). Second course: before the main dish, was a charcuterie of olives and salami and prosciutto. Then the quintessential Spanish seafood paella. I have had better but paired with Verdejo Blanco it worked.
Dessert: Tarta de Santiago or Almond cake (I’d eat this till the cows came home) paired with Ocho Basta Rose. In the end, the man himself really from Spain, Basto, played classic Spanish guitar flawlessly, if you closed your eyes you could have really been in Spain. The Phantom Gourmet happily awards THREE Silver spoons for ‘an emotional standout’.
Sweet Dreams of Italyin Mexico
If you’ve ever been lucky enough to have a home-cooked meal in the countryside in Italy, you’ll be on the ‘I get it page’ pronto. Casa Giovanni & Marina is so authentic (both are from Riva del Garda, Trentino) you’d swear you were in the old country. What's on my mind, ITALY with memories of my friend Umberto Menghi's “Villa Delia di Umberto Hotel & Cooking School” in the picturesque village Ripoli do Lari, in the Toscana area. Now transport yourself to a modest house and small vineyard twenty minutes outside of San Miguel de Allende, and BAM! Here you are at Casa Giovanni & Marina - Bella Italia! The wine, a 2021 Morellino de Scansano not quite as refined as my personal favorite, Brunello di Montalcino, but a perfect blend of flavors for this rustic meal of warm eggplant and vegetables, devine fresh baked bread, mushroom-ricotta tortolini in butter and parmagano-reggiano, a paper thin in-home cured beef carpaccio, followed by a fruit costarta and of course a little Grapa to finish. Are your dribbling on you vest yet. Some who have visited here chefs, and notable food critics have declared this 'The most traditional Trentino Italian region meal you will find. And the best Italian ristorante anywhere in San Miguel - molto bene!’ The Phantom Gourmet happily (and the girls) agree and would strongly recommend you call for a reservation 52 415 168 7465 velocemente! Open: 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Five Silver spoons is what you’ll get in the way of vibe, tastes your mother, if she were Italian would serve, the warmth of familia Giovanni (San Miguel Jack’s friend aka Mick Jagger, sweet Marina and handsome son Nicholas) in service and hospitality. A gastronomical memory that will stay with you for a very long time. Enough said, it’s time for a siesta - sogni d'oro d'Italia in Messico.
One Of The Best Cafes
Cien 24 was the Breakfast Club venue the other morning. The warm bread, butter, and hibiscus jam were worth it alone with a delicious cappuccino. The Phantom Gourmet has already given owners Haniel and Chief Cecila their coveted FIVE Silver Spoons for one of THE BEST Cafe's in town. Cecilia originally from Mexico but trained in Italy, knows that a surprise complementary Amuse Bouche and a warm brownie dusted with powdered-sugar at the end will aim to please. To say nothing of her stylish plating and wonderful dishes - bravo.
Oh and a new credit card system, makes it even easier to go if you are cash poor. Twenty plus visits in the last year, ya I'd say, buen provecho guaranteed!
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