ORIGINALLY FROM THE ISLAND OF COZUMEL, IT’S ONLY NATURAL THAT GRECIA’S CHOSEN MODE OF TRANSPORT IN MEXICO CITY IS A SKATEBOARD.
“skating makes me entirely present to live these little moments of inspiration”
“This space is beautiful. It can make you feel like you’re in an Avatar movie with the plants towering over you”
01. GETTING AROUND
When she’s in need of a brief escape from the chaos, Grecia heads to El Jardín Botánico de Chapultepec J to slow down and enjoy the restorative calm surrounded by more than three hundred native and exotic plants, from wild dahlias and rare orchids to agave, cacti and arboretum. “This space is beautiful. It can make you feel like you’re in an Avatar movie with the plants towering over you,” says Grecia. She’d often come here with fellow Condesa Gin creatives Brand Ambassador Leo Betanzos and master distiller Hillhamn Salome to explore new botanical inspirations too.
02. Welcoming eateries, culinary markets and a local Thai secret
Grecia rises early to savor the first few rays of dawn breaking through trees and warming up buildings and street corners. Her first stop is often Almanegra Café N in Escandon which opens at 7:30am or you’ll find her at El Dorado D lingering over a pot of café de olla and a plate of chilaquiles. La Jarochita L, also in Escandón, is a reliable, no-frills spot for an inexpensive prix-fixe menu. As a transplant to the city, Grecia seeks out local eateries that have a warm and welcoming vibe. Nothing pretentious – “No white tablecloths in sight!” she laughs.
PLACES MENTIONED
- N Almanegra Café
- J La Jarochita
- D El Dorado
Las Quesadillas de Jenni QJ in Roma Sur is Grecia’s go-to spot for quesadillas. “They never disappoint,” she says, and Los Parados, which has multiple locations across the city, is her favorite taco spot. “I like to order the tacos de lengua (beef tongue) or the tacos campechanos, which is a country-style taco with a mix of different meats like flank steak, sausage and pork chicharon. After a night out, I’ll order tacos de costilla (beef rib).”
According to Grecia, one of Mexico City’s crowning jewels is its specialty culinary markets, which are vast, cacophonous spaces full of color and sensory stimulation. Today she’s visiting Mercado Medellín M, in Roma Sur. “Try the jaibas rellenas (stuffed crab) at La Morenita de Medellin L. If you pair it with a michelada it almost makes you feel like you’re beside the ocean,” says Grecia.
“perfect for gathering together some close friends”
An adventurous soul, Grecia enjoys immersing herself in the culture and food of Mexico City’s immigrant population.
Choza C. is a modern Thai eatery in Roma that you won’t find on Google Maps and Kiin Thai-Viet Eatery K., also in Roma, is another favorite for south-east Asian cuisine. In neighboring Juarez is Mog Sumiya MS., a traditional Japanese barbeque restaurant with a delicious sake menu. “This place is perfect for gathering together some close friends and stretching dinner out over good conversation and amazing sake.
Mentioned Places
- C Choza
- K Kiin Thai-Viet Eatery
- M Mog Sumiya
“In general, the vibes of Zona Rosa and Centro are super cool, and inclusive.“
05. After dark
Grecia is a homebody at heart. She considers sipping a perfectly prepared negroni in her apartment as the sun goes down the height of luxury. When the mood to go out and dance strikes, she’ll head to any party hosted by DJ collective Nochenegra. Or head to Baby B in Centro or Club San Luis C in Roma Norte. “In general, the vibes of Zona Rosa and Centro are super cool, and inclusive.”
Quickfire favorites
Favorite bar for a Condesa Gin:
-Cafe de Nadie C. Cafe de Nadie. Great location with cool vinyl music & amazing cocktails
Favorite restaurants:
-Choza C Super chill Asian-inspired restaurant with incredible flavors. (open weekends)
-La Jarochita L. Like eating in a Mexican mom’s house.
-Hugo H. Small plates and a great wine list. Reservations needed, and get there early.
-Oppa O. Great Korean food in a casual atmosphere.
Best late-night chill spot:
-Los Salvajes Mezcaleria.Secret mezcalería in la Roma with chill vibes and good music (dm for location).
-Bosforo B Downtown spot for Mexican vibes and mezcals.
Best dancing spot:
Anywhere Nochenegra is playing.
-Club San Luis C Retro night club for dancing salsa until sunrise. Beginners and learners welcome.
-El Micky M.Best trashy-chic place to dance to reggaeton.
Favorite street food spot:
-Las quesadillas de doña Jenni Q Handmade tortillas, fresh queso and an array of fillings. The best quesadillas in Mexico City.
-Antojitos Lety A Incredible flautas ahogadas (flautas in salsa verde). Say hello to Lety.
-El Compita Taqueria T. Incredible birria tacos in the Tijuana style.
Favorite stores:
–Fortuna Beautifully-curated appointment-only vintage store. Call / DM for an appointment.
–AZAAR A.Classic vintage store on the third floor of a beautiful building in Roma Norte.
-SucuSucu S Beautiful plant and ceramics store with two outlets (Polanco and Roma Norte)
-Saturday bazar at jardin de arte sullivan. Treasure hunting in a weekly flea market.
-Casa Bosques C Iconic neighborhood bookstore.
Favorite gallery:
–Mooni M The coolest modern art, well curated.
Don’t ask, just go:
