A World Heritage Site and repeatedly recognized as one of the best cities in the world to visit, San Miguel de Allende is one of the jewels of the Mexican Bajío. As announced by its coat of arms (“born here, known throughout the world”), it is traditional and cosmopolitan, historic and modern, a melting pot of local and global cultures.
Since its Franciscan foundation and its history as an obligatory crossing point on the silver route, San Miguel has stood out for its hospitality, offered both to the visitor and to those who come to settle there (including the large foreign community that has lived there since the mid-twentieth century). You will find historical monuments, local and international restaurants, film and music festivals, and shops for all tastes.
After a four-hour trip from Mexico City, we arrived in San Miguel to stay at Amatte, a warm and natural hotel that encourages you to connect with the space through all your senses.
Designed by Japanese Shinji Miyazaki, under the principles of wabisabi, this refuge allows you to recognize the beauty in the uniqueness of the endemic vegetation and an architecture that combines comfort and simplicity. In addition, it has one of the best views of the city.
For lunch, we went to Cumpanio, a space that offers a high-quality culinary experience, but with an informal atmosphere reminiscent of French bistros. The menu offers Mediterranean food in which the protagonist is wheat and its multiple expressions (the place is also a bakery) such as pizzas, sandwiches, hamburgers and even homemade pasta.
Main dishes include salmon, chicken Milanese with salmoriglio (an Italian sauce of lemon juice, olive oil and spices), crispy suckling pig and steak frites. There are also salads and cheese boards. The desserts are not to be missed. The selection of wines and classic cocktails, signature cocktails and mocktails (non-alcoholic) make the perfect complement.
As evening fell, we slipped into Casa de los Olivos, a boutique hotel that doubles as a gallery. This space is driven by Levain & Co., founded by Alberto Laposse and co-directed by Sandra Vázquez, which, through its 10 projects (including Cumpanio, Amatte, Panio, Dos Casas, Hortus and Áperi), combines architecture, restoration, bakery and hospitality to merge and mutually nourish the local life of San Miguel.
Alberto and Sandra also collaborate with local and international initiatives and artists to build a constant agenda of exhibitions and creative spaces in some of the project’s venues. This time we enjoyed Albergue Transitorio, a traveling platform dedicated to promoting Mexican design, curated by Julia and Renata, artists based in Guadalajara.
At night, before returning to the hotel, we came across Xoler, the wine bar of architect Agustín Solórzano. As expected, the design of the space evokes sensations that invite you to enjoy the careful selection of national and international wines in a minimalist atmosphere, but one that is still intimate and authentic.
It is an oenological experience that includes reds, rosés, whites, sparkling wines, natural, organic and biodynamic wines (a production philosophy based on the care and integration of natural elements in every detail of the process). The pairing options include starters and main courses that combine flavors of Mexican and European cuisine.
In 1542 it was founded with the name of San Miguel el Grande, by Friar Juan de San Miguel. It received the category of city on March 8, 1826
Despite its almost 500 years of age and almost becoming a ghost town, San Miguel de Allende is one of the most contemporary cities in the country
Source: maspormas
