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La Europea (Wines and spirits, Canal #13, 152-2003)
Fine selection of imported wines, spirits, some deli items, canned condiments and snacks that make for fine appetizers in a pinch. Good prices, helpful staff. If you’re serving up martinis, might be one of the only places to find decent gin, but expect to pay premium prices.
Bella Italia (Canal #21 at H. Macías, inside Plaza Colonia, 152-4989, $$>)
Tasty Italian food, reasonably to moderately priced. Lovely courtyard dining, great service, open kitchen, lively atmosphere. Titillating if not intoxicating wine list. Reservations recommended. This charming restaurant is known for their delicious homemade pastas and succulent grilled meats, from hearty T-bones to duck breast to tuna steaks. Their goat cheese salad is a perfect starter. The delicate duck breast, grilled to perfection, is melt in your mouth dreamy and complimented by the savory kick of a tangy blueberry sauce. Save room for the tiramisu. While the food is satisfying, treat yourself to a night when they offer live jazz. It will blow your socks off – even though no one in their right mind would be wearing socks.
Doc Severinsen regularly performs here along with the fantastic Gil and Cartes. To guarantee a table during one of their performances, plan on reserving two weeks in advance by stopping in and making a “down payment” of ten dollars per head for those in your party. You’ll get a receipt and your dinner bill will be credited for the amount. This is not your grandparents jazz. You’ll see enthusiastic fans ranging from 25-85, sporting anything from pierced eyebrows and assorted unseen sundries, to blue hair and leopard print leisure suits – all digging the vibes of the still fabulous Doc, Gil and Cartes and their back-up ensemble. Hands down some of the best music you will find in San Miguel and coupled with the reasonably priced fare, a steal for your buck. Make this a special night out.
La Ventana (Sollano #11, 154-7728)
Small coffee café or beans to go. Organic, fair trade coffee from Chiapas. Delicious variety of roasts; order by the kilo (kilo=2.2 lbs.) whole bean or ground. For my money, the richest, most flavorful and full-bodied ground coffee to go.
Bagel Café (Correo #19, interior, 154-6524, $)
Nice plant-filled respite off the jardin. Slip in and have a fresh fruit or veg jugo or smoothie. Tender bagels and wholesome grain breads baked daily. Healthy sandwiches and sopas, daily specials. Laid back atmosphere conducive to hanging out solo with a magazine or a book, or just to savor a bit of quiet. Call ahead to order take out.
El Burrito Bistro (Correo #45, 154-8956, $)
Generous, if not obscene burritos, but in a good way, and reminiscent of my old Mission haunts in San Francisco. Gussy ‘em up with the “extras” offered. Refreshing aqua frescas, beer and wine. Creative and delicious Mediterranean inspired salads and wraps, hearty sopas, tamales. Great value for portion and taste. Colorful interior, casual ambience.
Calles Hernandez Macías, Jesus, Umarán, Cuadrante
La BuenaVida (Hernández Macías #72, 152-2211)
Bakery. Outrageously delicious breads from French to wholegrain, tender and flaky with a perfect crust. The sourdough gets a thumbs up, and being raised on sourdough in the San Francisco Bay Area, that is big snaps. Wonderful crackers, breadsticks, cookies, donuts, muffins and rolls. Their breadsticks and parmesan crackers are light and crisp and perfect dippers for a homemade guacamole. A few of their products can be found in local stores including Bonanza, Espino’s and Natura natural foods.
Mama Mía’s (Umaran #8, 152-2063, <$$>)
Fun, lively place with yummy pizzas and attentive service. Their grande margaritas are served in vessels in which you could bob for apples, but while thick on taste, are a tad thin on tequila. Don’t let the punchbowl size fool you. I’ve enjoyed some good live jazz during my pizza capers, however, later in the eve it takes on a nightclub flavor with an energetic dance scene. Live music can range from rock to salsa to just about everything in between.
