Mexico – Page 53 – Postcards from Barton Springs

Hard to keep the camera in the purse when wandering around Oaxaca. Here are some random shots from our recent stay.

This trip represented the first time we have ever been to Oaxaca with no protesters camped out in the heart of the zocalo. Vendors were unable to fence in the plaza with stalls due to vigilant security on streets leading to it. Locals finally had their favorite benches and gathering spots back.

But one of the things this really means is that, for the first time in years, teachers are not on strike. Kids are in school, finally getting opportunities to learn to read and write.

It would be easy to simply blame it on the margaritas. They are a major magnet. We are absolutely convinced La Biznaga shakes up the best ones anywhere, and we begin every meal there with one. It’s the first place we go when we hit town and the last place we go before leaving.

But our love of La Biznaga also lies in its menu. There are so many different dishes to try, and servers don’t mind if all you order is a quesadilla (under $2) or a bowl of soup. A new favorite for the Mister this time was the luscious blackberry mole over turkey breast meat. I confess I stole a little of the mole and drizzled it over seared tuna encrusted with amaranth seeds; it was perfect for it. The light and refreshing mushroom “ceviche” one day left room for us to share the rich coconut flan bathing in a mezcal-infused cajeta sauce.

mushroom “ceviche” at La Biznaga

sopa azteca at La Biznaga

chicken and plantains in guava mole at La Biznaga

margaritas at La Biznaga

coconut flan mezcal-infused cajeta at La Biznaga

tasajo with sausage and chile poblano at La Biznaga

Cabuche

tuna with green beans and avocado at La Biznaga

spinach and grapefruit salad at La Biznaga

seared tuna encrusted with amaranth seeds at La Biznaga

mextlapique of wild mushrooms at Cabuche

cappuccino coffee at La Biznaga

dorado ceviche at Cabuche

turkey breast with blackberry mole at La Biznaga

watercress salad at La Biznaga

chicken breast with oregano and plantains at La Biznaga

La Biznaga does have a younger sibling restaurant in town, Cabuche. The menu is entirely different. We enjoyed Cabuche’s fresh ceviche and the unusual Mextlapique, a roasted corn husk stuffed full of smoky wild mushrooms native to Oaxaca.

We thought of returning, but big brother Biznaga does have an unfair advantage, that magnetic margarita served on a spacious sunny patio….