Mexico City was always my father’s city, where most of his family lived. When I was growing up in Tepoztlán, a small town an hour or so away, we would come here for the important things – family gatherings, my parents’ work and the museums. I remember coming to the movies. It was always this special big city with an emotional link. And then I made it mine – when I was 19, I came to university here.
Mexico City is so visually exciting. I love simply walking in my neighbourhood, Condesa, and going to the park or cycling with my son. We’ll head out and get a really good flat white at Qūentin, a great café close to home. As a chef, I think one of the best things about Mexico is the markets – they are like worlds of their own. I love Mercado Jamaica, the big flower market, where they also have great produce. Of course, I adore La Merced. It’s the biggest traditional market in Mexico City and it’s insane; there are tons of fruits and vegetables – it’s full of life. The best way to see it as a tourist is on one of the special food tours, like Anais Martinez’s The Curious Mexican. There’s also La Nueva Viga, the huge fish market, and the organic market Mercado el 100, which I was partly responsible for creating. The “100” is because all produce comes within 100 miles of the Zócalo, the public square downtown.