The Phantom Gourmet…Reviews Without Reservations

El Manantial: margaritas muy especiales y fuertes: three silver spoons  

Like most finds in San Miguel you never know what's behind, in this case, the turquoise swinging saloon bar doors up on Barranca #78. Our Diners Drive-Ins & Dives, Guy Fieri, would love all the Living Dead black and white murals on the walls. A tiny bar (some say the oldest in San Miguel). The shrimp tacos are some of the best, along with their unique take on guacamole, and the chips delicioso to the max. But their killer strong margaritas, I had two that nearly knocked me on my ***. Thanks to our waiting driver, it was a happy and painless drive home to Casa Bella for, 'an out-like-a-light' siesta. Don't forget their 2nd location, just off the Jardin on Calle Correo, La Hija del Manantial. In either case, be forewarned, hang on to your hat, three margs will have you flat out on the mat. 

LIMA ‘an emotional standout’: three silver spoons

Peru is famous for its iconic landmarks, including Machu Picchu, Colca Canyon, Rainbow Mountains, Nazca Lines, the historic city of Cusco, and Lima, its capital. The culinary scene in Peru is renowned for dishes like ceviche, pisco sour cocktail (brandy, egg white, lemon juice, and simple syrup), quinoa and potatoes, and chocolate. The nice thing about living or visiting San Miguel de Allende, is you have the best of Peru right here with Lima - we were a party of eight world travelers hailing from Kentucky, Houston, Dallas, Vancouver, and Uruguay. Our waiter Alfredo made ordering and service seamless. We dove in without hesitation, Pisco sours, vino blanco & tinto. Lomo saltado - beef and thick-cut fried potatoes - ceviche Nikkei: shrimp & chicken arroz chaufa (fried rice & noodles) - 2 for 1 sushi, the Dragon & Samurai - torched ever so slightly. Something chocolatey was called for along with a Sambuca Negro, Baileys, and a couple of Spanish Licor 43's to round out the night.

One might wonder about the Chinese-Japanese fusion but it is as a result of their immigration as sugarcane and cotton laborers in the early 19th century. The melding of flavors works deliciously. The chef obviously has this cuisine down-pat. Reservations are a good idea as popular with locals, ex-pats, and visitors +52 415 152 7868. ‘An emotional standout, good eats and feels good’ three shiny silver ’s from The Phantom Gourmet. Muchísimas gracias - a visit to Lima, while in San Miguel is a worthwhile trip.

FARI - Bella, tastes and feels good: three silver spoons

Like so many restaurants in San Miguel, their reputations proceed them always with mixed reviews. However, when friends say, “We've been at least eight times”, you join them. Fari (which means lighthouse) the little Italian trattoria on ‘restaurant row’ on Salida Celaya, gets consistent top-drawer reviews.

The other evening was a sheer delight. Cocktails, Martini’s, Negroni’s, and Bellini’s jump off the mini-drinks menu, highlighted by little table lamps adding to the ambiance. The wine list is limited but fair. The complementary, home-baked bread with the burrata, olive oil, and balsamic will disappear before your eyes with everybody diving in… more is called for, pronto - por favor. There are antipasti and ensaladas to tempt you before the pasta. The favorite at our table was the filet Ragú pappardelle. Others, like grilled chicken skewers or the grilled filet in a mushroom Marsala wine sauce, were equally tempting. 

Postres? Crépes con gelato or Tiramisú, heads or tails, you decide. This Chef has honed his craft and his customers keep coming back for more. Overall feel, very European street-side cafe-like with busy traffic whizzing by, which somehow adds to its appeal. Service is a well-trained, very friendly, and attentive staff.

This is part of the Quattro family of restaurants, the others being Tostevere, La Chope, and Bocaciega. There is always more to taste in this fair town. ‘An emotional standout, good eats and just feels good, with more to go back for!’