Since the Basha died, Sundays are really hard for me. It had been our 15+ year tradition that Sundays were for jazz, mimosas, and brunch. Sometimes we went out (more when we were back in the States), but over the last 4 years, he made bacon, and I made GF, sourdough, blueberry pancakes. YUM!! Since his death, the habits of Sundays have disappeared. The day becomes chaotic and sad.
My answer for this dilemma (for now) is that Sunday is now my “Chilaquiles Quest” day. If you don’t know what chilaquiles are, find out, they are delicious! And they are available just about anywhere in Mexico that serves breakfast/brunch. They are inexpensive, tasty and filling. And it gets me out of the house and trying new places. A whole new adventure for the Doctora.
The quest so far:
16February – Frida Café-Bar on 16Septiembre: Chilaquiles verde. Pros: Very good – thick, homemade totopos (chips), the salsa verde was slightly tangy but not spicy. It was NOT swimming in crema, as is often the case. The plate was slightly more than I could eat, and came with refried beans. Good service, quick delivery of the order. Cost: $160Mx. Cons: This place is popular for breakfast on weekends. I had to wait for a table, but it was worth it! Would I go back? YES
23Feb – Cocos y Piñas Lokas on Abosolo: Chilaquiles rojo. Meh – the chips were thin and mushy, the salsa rojo was bland and boring. The only reason I ended up here was that I was helping with a community service project, and we all stopped for breakfast afterwards. Service was lackadaisical and uninterested. Would I go back? NO
2Mar – Madero 535 on Madero: Chilaquiles rojo. Very good – thick, crisp totopos, the salsa was flavorful but not spicy. Lots of cotija and not a lot of crema. The plate was reasonably sized for me and came with beans, avocado, a small fruit plate as a side. Cost: $165Mx. Service was great, especially since it is a one-man show. Food came out fast and was well presented. Cons: None. Would I go back? YES (and it is right in the neighborhood – eat local!)
9Mar – el Azteca on Belasario Dominguez: Chilaquiles divorciado (BOTH rojo and verde). Passable, run-of-the-mill chilaquiles. I realized that the salsa roja was definitely the harder sauce to do well, so decided that I’ll probably order rojo from now on to really get a feel for the flavor. Azteca’s salsa roja was boring. The totopos were only crispy on the top of the pile, the rest were a soupy mush. Cost: $160. Service was ok but not excellent, food came out fast and hot. Cons: Popular, but boring. Would I go back? NO
16Mar – 3Amigos on Belasario Dominguez: Chilaquiles rojo. Nice flavor, rich tomato salsa not spicy. The totopos were crispy all the way through the pile, and a good balance of cheese but not too much crema. Cost: $135 Service was good and food came out fast and hot. Cons: The salsa was a little watery, and there was a bit too much of it for my liking. Would I go back? YES
My goal is to (1) remember to take pictures of my chilaquiles and (2) to post each Sunday/Monday on the progress of my quest.
That sounds like a fun quest! Kevin makes a mean chilaquiles. I love a good mole, however.
I love a good mole too!
Get out of my brain. I had chilaquiles for dinner last night. (Breakfast for dinner is a good thing). Did not take photos. 😉
Gotta love breakfast for dinner!!