Restaurant Recommendation in Mexico City's Historic Center

If you're looking for a delicious and authentic restaurant with a view, La Casa de las Sirenas located in the Centro Histórico of Mexico City is a great choice. Its prices are slightly high when compared with other local fare, but the view and food quality makes this restaurant well worth the price.

An Incredible Cake Shop in DF, Mexico

Pastelería Ideal was described at length in a wonderful new book about modern Mexico city and its fabulous idiosyncrasies: First Stop in the New World: Mexico City, the Capital of the 21st Century. He describes DF institution as a cake museum of sorts, and being the sweet tooth that I am, I had to check it out.

On our trip, Nikki and I were a bit concerned about coffee because we like the American style rich, strong, and somewhat sweet roasts. So, we brought along some coffee from the US but also found a couple of local places to get our beans for home brews (we also spent tons of time in the cafes of Argentina - it is known for its cafe culture, after all).

Primula 9 Cup Stove Top Coffee Maker

In case you hadn't heard, Nikki and I are planning to head to South america for about "a while" starting around September 2007. It should be fun. Nikki lived in Buenos Aires for 6 months during a study abroad program and I visited her so we know a little about the country.

One thing we are really dreading is the coffee. Your choices are typically just instant folgers crystals or...well that's it. The standard north american drip isn't available in most places and it's quite a sad thing for two drip fans like ourselves.

Coffee advice from Current Travelers and Expats

The Lonely Planet recommended Dona Luisa Xicotencatl in Antigua, Guatemala as a great bakery/breakfast spot.  We went there both for breakfast (twice) and for fresh out of the oven banana bread at 2:00pm, all of which were amazing.  I had to elbow my way into the bakery line since abuelitas kept stepping in front of me (which was another sign that I was at the right spot since it was jam packed with locals), but it was well worth it for some delicious, warm, and hearty banana bread.

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Dona Luisa is located at 4a Calle Oriente No. 12 in Antigua, Guatemala. 
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