Yoshimi

This was another Japanese restaurant at the Hyatt Regency in Mexico City. After our great experience at Teppan Grill, the other restaurant at the Hotel, we decided to try Yoshimi. The ambiance was stunning with the Cherry Blossom Tree taking center stage. 

We started with the Artichoke Tempura, which was an impressive presentation. This was delicious, though hard to eat. The meat on the bottom part of the leaves was not tender. The bottom of the artichoke was exquisite and tender. 

I ordered the Sashimi Especial; 7 assorted fish and seafood. I did not complain when I counted 11 pieces! I had no problem consuming all of them. Sandi ordered the Tonkotsu Ramen, but she did not care for it. When we informed our server, she apologized and asked what she would rather have.  Sandi went for the Shrimp Tempura. She was delighted and was very happy with that choice.  I always have high regard for restaurants that really do care about their service. When someone does not care for a dish and is willing and happy to replace it, I regard that as a good restaurant. 

The dessert menu did not look too exciting, so we skipped it. 

Teppan Grill

Sandi and I decided to have dinner at the Teppan Grill at the Hyatt Regency in Mexico City, where we were staying. She is a Hyatt member, so they issued a 15% discount at any of the hotel's restaurants. The atmosphere was striking the moment you walked in; they had a ceiling-to-floor display of fine wines. 

We were seated at the large stainless-steel table where they did the cooking. Think Benihana but without the show and a lot classier. Sandi ordered the Sirloin Steak over one marrow, spicy serrano, sesame sauce, vegetables in rice vinegar, and totopos, garlic-fried rice.

I, on the other hand, was very hungry, so I opted for the Tasting Menu, which included Roasted Edamame with chili, soy, and sesame oil. Then came the Fire Roll, which included shrimp tempura, tuna, salmon, hamachi, sea bass, asparagus, siracha mayonnaise, and eel sauce with shrimp. This arrived in foil, and the server lit a fire and swayed the foil over it. I enjoyed that one! 

After the Fire Roll came the Surf & Turf: beef tenderloin, catch of the day, shrimp, and 3 types of vegetables. Needless to say, the beef melted in your mouth, and the fish couldn't be fresher.  We were impressed with the spinach, which he rolled and cut into little squares. 

I was getting full at this point, but had something else coming. Fried rice with huitlacoche and garlic. I, of course, had Sandi try everything. 

My dessert, included in the Tasting Menu, was Coffee jelly, vanilla ice cream, and coffee liqueur, a wonderful finale. Sandi ordered something Chocolate with pears, which was delicious as well.

Teppan Grill was a great experience. We were surprised by the quality of the food, as most hotel restaurants are usually overpriced and nothing exciting. This was an exception.

Loma Linda-Reforma

This restaurant in Mexico City was recommended by my son's friend. We made reservations and had dinner there. We were ushered upstairs, which is where the vibe was! The tables in the main dining room were full. There was another area, quieter, and that's where we ended up. As we studied the menu, we both looked at each other because we smelled cigarette smoke. Turns out, this was the smoking section. We immediately asked our server if we could switch tables. The manager came by and asked if we minded going downstairs, as there were no other tables. We didn't mind. Fewer people, no smoke inhalation, so everything was dandy.

Sandi and I ordered the Loin Medallions in mustard, oak-aged sherry sauce. For our side, we were intrigued by the Souffle Potatoes, so we ordered that. The medallions were tender and juicy. The sauce complemented the flavor of the meat. The soufflé potatoes were puffed up and airy. This was more of a gimmick; it was good but not outstanding. Another side we ordered was Corn with Trufa oil and Parmesan cheese. That was outstanding. We were very happy with our meal. The service was not too good. We had to wait to even get the attention of the many servers. 

For dessert, we thought we would split an order of Crepes with Cajeta, a thickened syrup made from sweetened, caramelized goat's milk. Tasted like dulce de leche. It was way too heavy, rich, and sweet, unlike any crepe I have had before. This was a disappointment. 

The food was very good at Loma Linda, though I think they need to improve on service and maybe alter their dessert menu. 

El Zarape Tacqueria

This is by far the best El Pastor Tacos we have ever had in our lives. This was recommended by Hugo from the Concierge counter at the Hyatt Regency. We had planned to go to El Califa de Leon, a Michelin-starred taco stand, but he explained the differences and highly recommended El Zarape, which was close to the hotel. 

When Sandi and I went, we had to stand in line. Not too many seats outside were available, and they were all taken. When I finally caught the attention of one of the very busy servers, I ordered 4 orders of the El Pastor tacos for the two of us. There was a big, puffy item that was on the covered counter that looked interesting, so I ordered one to split. I asked her what it was, and she said it was a Quesadilla.

When a space was available, Sandi acquired 2 seats. We were both in 7th heaven. These tacos with pineapple were unbelievably and incredibly delicioso! We were under a red umbrella, so unfortunately, my pictures were all red. Sandi and I wanted to go back, but Hugo told us they were closed on Sundays. I asked Hugo to take pictures the next time he was there, and so he did. 

I have to mention that we tried El Califa de Leon, the Michelin-starred taco stand. We thought it had to be even better than El Zarape. Boy, were we so disappointed. They only took cash, no credit cards. We asked a local what the best thing to order was, and he suggested the Castilla Rib, so I ordered 4 for both of us. The meat was tough! We had to put a lot of the brown sauce for flavor. Apparently, they lost their star in 2026, and I can see why. Hugo was absolutely right; El Zarape Tacqueria is the best!

If you ever visit Mexico City, be sure to try the El Pastor Tacos at El Zarape.

La Gruta

This restaurant in Teotihuacan, Mexico City, is one of the most fascinating places in the world. We went for our Balloon Ride, and lunch was included at the La Gruta Restaurant. It is set up in a cave. I've been to cave restaurants before, but this is the most impressive. This has been in operation since 1926.

The menu was set. The lunch came with a 1-piece of bread, Pan de Pueblo. We also had a small dish of Plato de Frutas, seasonal fruit with maguey syrup and amaranth. We had a choice from 6 entrees. The coffee was excellent. I did not order Mexican coffee since it had cinnamon, which I love, but it does not belong in my coffee. 

Sandi ordered the Flautas Doradas de Barbacoa con salsa verde, crema, queso fresco, cebolla y cilantro. Crispy taquitos with green sauce, cream, fresh cheese, onion, and cilantro. The presentation was impressive. 

I had the Chilaquilles Verde con crema, aguacate, queso fresco y cebolla morada, plus a protein of my choice. Green chilaquilles with cream, avocado, fresh cheese, and red onion. I have never had this dish, but it sounds good with cheese and cream... how can I go wrong? It was a wonderful dish. I really enjoyed it.

At the end of our meal, we were invited to take a lit candle and place it on the back of the cave, symbolizing rebirth and renewal. This was a Mesoamerican mythological tradition that viewed caves as sacred gateways. One was supposed to make a wish, leave the candle on the stone altar, and leave one's old self behind and emerge into a new light.

If you ever visit Mexico City, make sure you go to La Gruta in the city of Teotihuacan, just outside the city.

Porto's Bakery & Cafe

Sandi and I were coming back from Bakersfield, and we both thought of stopping by Porto's Bakery in the valley for breakfast. We both have never been there for breakfast. We were only familiar with their famous cheese rolls and some of their delicious cakes.

There were a lot of people around 8:30 a.m., but the line moved quickly. We were amazed at how organized they were.  Sandi ordered the Guac & Cheese Omelette Croissant Sandwich, and I ordered the Chorizo & Cheese Breakfast Sandwich. Both were very good. I must mention that their coffee was strong, which is how I like it, and I ended up adding 3, maybe 4 packs of sweetener!

We were not going home without buying some of our favorite pastries. I got excited to see the Yuzu Calamansi Eclair; yuzu calamansi curd with vanilla mascarpone whipped cream, candied kumquat, sweet orange strips, and tangerine microgreens. That was delicious. I should have gotten more. I also got a few Potato Balls stuffed with meat. That too was delicious.

Sandi got carried away and bought a bunch of her favorite Cheese Rolls and Guava Rolls. I particularly like the guava for breakfast.

We later found out that the closest Porto's to us is in Downey, which is not too far. Needless to say, we shall be visiting that location in the near future.

The Majestic Supper Club

I read Richard Foss's review of The Majestic in February and learned that the owner is Dustin Trani of Trani's in San Pedro. The restaurant is in an elegant building on Beacon Street in San Pedro. Filippo Trani opened "The Majestic Cafe" in 1925. Dustin operates the family business, including J. Trani Ristorante.

We were pleasantly surprised by the subdued elegance. They have a stage where, once a week, they have a comedian on Wednesdays and a musical guest on another day. I loved the vibe as soon as we walked in. Antonio Carlos Jobim was the background music. None of this is rap rubbish.

We already knew to order the Focaccia, which was unlike the ones I have had before, as it was nice and light. It was served with homemade ricotta, and that made it super delicious. Our server, Colette, helped us decide on the appetizers. We ordered the Fritto Misto: calamari and shrimp with a very light batter, drizzled with hot honey and the lovely squid-ink aioli. 

Sandi ordered the Buccatini Basil Pesto, which was delicious, and Zohreh, Cindy, and I ordered the Rigatoni Mushroom Bolognese (crimini & trumpet mushrooms), cooked in veal stock. We all loved it. Super flavor and aldente as it should be.

Colette brought Sandi a lemon sorbet with a candle to remind her of her birthday. We ended up ordering the Carrot Cake, which Colette highly recommended. We all agreed to share a piece, even if we were all full; we thought an extra serving of vegetables would be beneficial. 

As we left, I passed a couple, and the man was having the fried chicken, which looked amazing; he confirmed it was indeed amazing. His date had the steak, and she was also very happy with it.

The Majestic is truly a classy restaurant, and its reputation exceeded our expectations.