We had enjoyed exploring Jalatlaco so much, that we decided the morning of our last full day in Oaxaca checking out the oldest neighborhood Xochimilco, which was founded in 1486. We started at the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán area and headed North.
Passing what had now become some pretty familiar sites like Xochimilco Aqueduct. From here we headed North on Rufino Tamayo.
To say that the street art was amazing is an understatement.
Things were very relaxed and quiet; even more so after we crossed the highway and the street became Calle José López Alavez . But things were no less colorful.
It was non-stop colors and textures...
By now we were getting a bit hungry. I had a place on my list close by called Chepiche Cafe. Tucked away on a side street, with an unassuming street facing storefront, you head thru a gate and then down some stairs and get to the lively, lovely courtyard dining area.
We were seated, the place had a definite modern, almost hipster vibe to it. Service was friendly and professional.
The Missus got some hot chocolate, which was kind of weak and watered down.
Our meals at Boulenc had gotten the Missus to focus in on Avocado Toast, which is what She ordered ($75/MX - $3.90/US).
This was fine though nowhere as refined and tasty as the version at Boulenc. You can't beat the creamy, almost sweet avocados in Mexico. The toast was a bit on the burnt side and the Missus needed more salt for this, but it did the job.
Still being fixated on Hoya Santa, I ordered the La Santa ($105/MX - $5.50/US). Man, this was much more food than I expected.
In some ways this really represented the neighborhood, bright colors and varying textures. The poached eggs were cooked to perfection, just wonderfully runny, with no off flavors. I really got to appreciate the peppery-minty-anise tones of hoya santa. The hoya santa rellena was filled with mildly milky and sharp queso menonita and even more tasty beans. Didn't care much for the "salsa" which was watery and weak. The plantains was an interesting addition, though perhaps it made things a bit too sweet for me.
Overall a decent brunch and no complaints about the portions or prices.
Chepiche Cafe
Genaro Vásquez 6 A
Barrio de Xochimilco, 68040 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca, Mexico
We enjoyed the splashes of color as we headed back to Centro.
For some reason, on the way to the hotel we decided to drop back in at a ceramic shop we'd visited earlier. As I mentioned in an earlier post, they didn't have anything the Missus wanted. All the items She saw was awaiting sale to businesses. When we returned however, the young lady remembered us and took us into a room. Apparently when they create works for various restaurants and such, they make extras, and the Missus found some cups She liked for hot chocolate.
Such thoughtful service!
Tierra Quemada
Labastida 115
Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca, Mexico
From here we walked back to the hotel to escape from the afternoon heat.
It seems that even the street dogs are mellow and follow their own "code of conduct" here.
We stopped by the location of Mayordomo to get some chocolate to take home before relaxing back in our room.
There was something special about Oaxaca....the food, the colors, the sounds, and most of all the wonderful people.
lovely! so much color:)
Posted by: kat | Monday, 30 January 2023 at 01:59 AM
It was so vibrant Kat!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 30 January 2023 at 09:14 AM
Pretty art
Posted by: Som Tommy | Tuesday, 31 January 2023 at 08:41 AM
IT was so colorful ST!
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 31 January 2023 at 09:42 AM