Finally getting around to writing this review! Lots of mental roadblocks spring up when moving across the Atlantic.
Anyway, I recently moved to Queretaro and was looking for a capsule orientation of the local (meaning, local Mexican) food scene here, including the huge fresh food market. I stumbled upon Explore Queretaro and their featured Tacos, Tequila y Más tour and decided to give it a shot...no pun intended!
After some back and forth discourse, they assembled a tour that would give me some insight to the fresh foods of the Mercado La Cruz, as well as some of the spectacular prepared food stalls in this cornucopia of central Mexican culinary delights. David and I wandered through the market as he pointed out different local foods such as huitlacoche (corn fungus), along with various indigenous herbs, fruits and vegetables. As a passionate cook, this information is invaluable for my future here, especially as I learn to utilize all these glorious products in my own kitchen.
But it didn't take long for David to direct me to Don Chamorro, a fantastic food stall serving tacos of long-cooked chamorro (pork hocks) which are "braised" for long hours in large vats of lard in the style of carnitas. How could this not be delicious? David pointed out that Don Chamorro's motto is 'If the tortilla is able to close, it is not a taco," which tells you just how loaded these tacos are! Quite a score. (I've since returned on my own!)
More wandering through the market eventually led us to David's favorite gordita stand where the gorditas are deep fried as opposed to the normal griddle "baking" found in most places. And, according to local tradition, the corn masa for these gorditas is studded with bits of crispy pork meat...such a lovely bonus. And, yes, the gorditas were fantastic! Leaving the market, we proceeded to a small taqueria where the highlight is the "build your own taco" from a wide variety of fillings. What an experience...I would have probably never found this place on my own. Another score thanks to David's knowledge of local gems.
This sort of exploration continued for the rest of the tour as we navigated the back streets of Queretaro's charming Centro Histórico. But two more places (out of many others) deserve mentioning: a place spotlighting the foods and flavors of Oaxaca called Oaxaca Mia was undoubtedly my favorite stop on the tour...I was ecstatic with the complexly flavored tamal, and the unusual Oaxacan beverage called Tejate--both were exquisite. And our last stop was a traditional but slightly upscale cantina set in an old convent where I had my requisite shot of tequila served with the usual accompaniments including lime juice and sangrita, alongside a plate of delicious quesadillas stuffed with huitlacoche and squash blossoms. Delightful, and a fitting end to the lovely afternoon. By the way, owing to my own incessant yapping slowing us down, David was gracious enough to go well over (more than two hours over!) the proscribed three hours for this tour. An unexpected bonus!
I cannot recommend these folks highly enough. I came away with a wealth of information and food memories. Once I really get my bearings, I am likely to call on them again for another variation of this sort of guided eating, but with a tighter focus.
If you are new to Queretaro to live, or just passing through, you would be well advised to contact David and Annamaria to devise a tour tailor-made for you. Your tastebuds will thank you! read more