El Vilsito

Don't let the signs fool you. This is THE place for Al Pastor.

It's been about three and a half years since my first and last visit to El Vipsito (now called "El Vilsito" but I don't know why). Quite simply, if you're looking for Tacos El Pastor in the DF, this is the place to go.

Nearly twice as expensive as other places, El Vilsito is rockin' when we arrive around 11pm. By 2am this place will be jammed. Right now, it's pretty busy but nowhere near capacity.


Condiments.

Located outside an automotive repair shop, you wonder just how can this place best all of Mexico. Somehow, it does. And I've dreamed of the Al Pastor here since the first (and last) time I ate here.

The menu is simple and features Volcans (like little sopes with pork and lots of cheese) and Gorditas (something massive and scary) but the Al Pastor is the winner. When I was here last, they only had one Pastor spit running. Three years later and they have three stations with the guys spinning and slicing as fast as possible to satisfy the needs of this hungry city.


Tacos Al Pastor.

While everything here is good. Save yourself the trouble of thinking too much and just order ten Tacos Al Pastor. Position yourself in front of the tubs of guacamole, salsa and limon and just go to town. Wash it down with Coke or whatever Agua Fresca they have available. It will be ice cold and brilliant.

I'm thinking a second visit before I go home is only proper!


El Glorioso!



Tacos Campechanos.



With toppings.



Volcan de Cerdo.



Ana and the Horchata.



If only I had one of these.

Costco: Wholesale

iCostco, therefore, iAm.

Mexico City. Just mentioning the name conjures all sorts of imagery. Old castles, sunken lake beds, ancient Aztec civilizations, tacos, quesadillas, Bella Artes, just to name a few.

The strange reality of my visits to Mexico City: Costco.

Yes, THAT Costco. The one of large warehouses stacked with all your home goods. In bulk. And whenever I'm here, I always seem to be at Costco.


Woah, Kirkland has a Chateauneuf!

Costco in Mexico City is pretty much like Costco at home. The same products. In the same quantities. Need plates? Here's 300. Need a croissant? Here's two dozen.

But what they have here that we don't have in Maryland Costco's (because of our draconian, socialist/democratic government) is alcohol. In mass quantities. Curiously, they even have Kirkland Signature (Costco's house brand) Chateauneuf du Pape. Seems like a sacrilege but I'm willing to commit a sin.


And the price isn't that bad. Not cheap, but not bad.

Overall, there's little to differentiate the Mexican Costco from the American Costco (aside from the whole language thing). If you're used to your home Costco layout, chances are you'll find whatever you desire pretty much where you expect it to be.


One Hundred Dollars.



Riding the down escalator.




These specials wheels prevent runaway disaster.



Even for Haagen Dazs - that's expensive.

La Marquesa

Where to eat.

Somewhere to the west, about 35 minutes outside of Mexico City is a recreation area known as La Marquesa. Different "Valles" offer a range of outdoorsy things to do, like horseback riding, ATV racing, water slides and quite a bit more. There's even this thing they call Gotcha that looks suspiciously like paintball.

Of course, things outdoors would not be complete without the great pastimes of eating and drinking and all of the Valles offer plenty in that arena as well. The weather is bright, sunny and cool, making for the ideal conditions to cover yourself in dust from the trails or track and then sit down for some serious eating.


Bienvenidos a Valle de Potrero.



Oliver saddles up!



Melanie and Oliver ready to hit the dusty trail.



Ana and the Wild Horse.



Momma Mylene prepares to lead her kids.



Whatever happened to riding sidesaddle???



Some kind of candy surprise. I think it's a gusano.




Oliver Spins.



Hector fishes for Truchas (trout).



We call this lunch.



Hector and Adriana.



Sylvia and Adriana - I don't know what is going on.



Cerveza.



Sopa de Hongos.



Sopa Azteca.



Sopa de Hongos and Consome de Pollo.



Sides for my Sopa Azteca.



Tacos Cecina Natural.



Oliver llorar.



Table condiments.



Oliver llorar, parte dos.



Huitlacoche.



Chorizo and cecina.




Chorizo Verde Tacos.



Chicharron Tlacoyos with nopal, avocado and cheese.



Hector and the Blue Corn Tortilla.



Trucha Suiza.



Inside the Chicharron Tlacoyo.



Hector entertains.



The women are not amused.



Trucha Empapelada.



Caffe de Olla.



Fried plantains with evaporated milk and cream.



Melanie and Alvaro.