DF, Cafe Azul y Oro: Delicious
Just back from a late lunch at Cafe Azul y Oro at UNAM, located in the Centro Cultural, on the second floor above the bookstore (near Sala Nezahualcóyotl). The cafe is run by chef Ricardo Munoz Zurita, author of Diccionario Enciclopedico De Gastronomia Mexicana. The menu has a strong Oaxacan influence, with many types of moles, for example. In addition to an extensive menu, they have a very reasonable comida corrida, which today was lentil soup and chicken with poblano salsa (or a veg lasagne), rice, and agua de guayaba for 50 pesos. Instead I opted for the cochinita pibil, which was delicious. I cannot claim to be an expert on this particular dish, having never had a real version myself, but what I can say is that they delivered a beautiful plate of succulent pork, with a very flavorful sauce of marinated onions, tomatoes, and orange (or tangerine?) rind wrapped in banana leaf along with very soft, thick corn tortillas and black beans. The menu features modern twists on the standards, including a duck ravioli in Oaxacan mole, a Spying on the other diners around we saw large, brightly colored, superb-looking salads, big plated of aromatic meats, and an incredible array of desserts. For this, I went for the pastel mamey, a sweet, fruity custard-like cake with rich chocolate and caramel sauces and DC had nieve de leche quemada, both of which were excellent. Although not the most conveniently located, it is a wonderful option, especially for those wanting some inventive, well-prepared food at reasonable prices. Although they are open for breakfast, they do close early (around 6 on weekdays, slightly later on weekends). I hope we will have a chance to make it back soon.
chilibaby
Mar 13, 2007 04:27PM
I am lucky enough to count Ricardo as a friend and I've been fortunate enough to have cooked with him as well. Oaxaca is one of his favorite places in Mexico. Do go back for breakfast and have the hot chocolate. It's specially blended for him in Oaxaca and is about as good a chocolate drink as you will find anywhere in the world. He also does some amazing tamales of every variety. If they are on the menu do not hestiate, order them.
I've been recommending Cafe Azul y Oro on various boards for the last 3 or 4 years and most people don't take me up on the recco. I know it's off the beaten path and that D.F. is an enormous city and it might not be the most conveninently located restaurant, but it is really worth it.
BTW, the library under the cafe usually has some of Ricardo's cookbooks available; occasionally the Diccionario tambien.
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Would love to get back for breakfast as I did notice the chocolates. We were lucky enough to go on local recommendation, as we would not have thought to look to UNAM otherwise. It was really wonderful!
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Dining Diva: Do you know if Azul y Oro is Open during the weekend? I''ll be in Mexico City saturday and sunday in mid july and I'm looking forward to eating there.
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I'm sorry, that I do not know. Since this is on the UNAM campus I would bet they are probably not open on Sunday. However, it is in the cultural center and if there is something going on at one of the concert halls or the cinema I think they're open. I do know that Ricardo opened another location on the UNAM campus and is supposed to be in the process of opening a place called "La Esmeralda" in the centro historico.
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I beleive it's only open Monday through Friday.Here's the phone no. 5622-7135
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I am almost certain is IS open on the weekend; we went for Sun brunch one day -- delicious Oaxacan chocolate!
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Call - they follow the University calendar and are open only Saturday and Sunday during summer session. They should be gearing up to reopen on a full schedule now.
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Good news from Café Azul y Oro. Chef Ricardo Muñoz Zurita has opened a second location (same menu, same prices) on the UNAM campus. It is in a handsome contemporary space on the ground floor of the new state-of-the-art Torre de Ingeniería. The location is:
Torre de Ingeniería
Circuito Interior sin/nombre
Frente a la Facultad de Ingeniería
Tel. (55) 5623-3500, ext. 1065
Hours
Monday and Tuesday 8:00am – 6:00pm
Wednesday through Friday 8:00am – 8:00 pm
The location of the original Café Azul y Oro is:
Centro Cultural Universtario
Circuito Exterior sin/nombre
Tel. (55) 5622-7135
Sunday through Tuesday 10:00am – 6:00pm
Wednesday through Saturday 10:00am – 8:00 pm
This is a great place for lunch after the Sunday noon-time symphony concerts. In good weather you can sit outside. There is ample parking for 15 pesos in lots 3 and 4.
For additional information, see page 13 of the September 3, 2007 issue of the UNAM Gaceta (Gazette) - http://www.dgcs.unam.mx/gacetaweb/200...
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Here is a photo of Café Azul y Oro,
Centro Cultural Universtario
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Here is a photo of Café Azul y Oro,Torre de Ingeniería
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I will be visiting the DF in a couple of weeks and am considering going to Azul y Oro if schedule permits. Has anyone eaten at the new cafe in Torre de Ingenieria? Is one location better in terms of food or ambience? Thanks for your help!
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