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So the real goal is: Portuguese Fluent (B2 level proficiency) in three months. If you think I'm crazy, you might be right. But I also am impatient and have used this same strategy with Spanish and shared it with dozens of others who have used it to gain fluency without the pain of highschool Spanish re-runs.
Picturing..
TACOS, CHILAQUILES, ENCHILADAS OH MY
THIS IS MY POST SAYING, GO DO BUSINESS IN MEXICO.
Find an excuse to get to know the culture, the people and the food. And do it quick.
I have a love affair with Mexico City... (otherwise known as DF) but don't tell my man. It's just between the warm and welcoming people, the incredible museums, amazing shopping and the to-die-for food, it's a hidden gem of a city. And, because I'm in finance, with the peso devaluation vs the dollar and the American mentality of it being dangerous it's hugely undervalued IMHO.
But I'll be honest I don't mind it staying hidden so I get to explore it all for a STEAL!
Leave comments and tell me if you want more particulars and I'll hammer out a hotel/activity guide too but only if you beautiful souls want it!
I've played and worked in Latin America for almost ten years now and somehow walking the streets of Polanco, La Condesa, Roma, it always brings me home. I've included below some of my favorite spots of all time to nosh on lovely edibles while in the city. Since I'm usually there for work I included a lot of upscale places because come on guys, you've eaten so many tacos I literally just can't handle it.
Let me just say that Chilaquiles for breakfast is a need not a want. Pair it with a concha and you can call and thank me, or better yet bring me back a Concha and I'll love you forever.
“Let me just say that Chilaquiles for breakfast is a need not a want. ”
Enjoy eating your way through this city.... oohhhhh you are in for a treat!
UN ABRAZO FUERTE!
Codie
Means trees or forest in Spanish. It's the cool part of town that runs in the middle filled with, you guessed it, trees. These are two of my favorites there. You may or may not get to this part of town, if not don't stress, the next spot is the do or die.
Savannah - $$$$ - Calle Bosque de Duraznos 39, Mexico City 11700, Mexico +52 55 5442 8235. International. Impeccable. Ample carte of wines. Cozy. Elegant. BYOB available.
Puntarena -$$$$ - Vasca de Quiroga 3800 | Centro Santa Fe, Mexico City 05348, Mexico +52 55 2167 8402. Seafood. Fresh gourmet-style cuisine. Staff speaks English.
If I lived in Mexico City it would be this part of town, no doubt. It reminds me of the best parts of Brooklyn and Soho all wrapped into one deliciously old-world present. No high rises are allowed, the streets are lined with bars and restaurants and the people are just way too d*mn hip. Bohemian hipster paradise, no doubt about it.
Pendulo Library & Cafe - Listed as one of the best libraries in the world I secretly love their cafecitos and people watching.
Dulcinea - $$-$$$ - Calle Tabasco 46 | Roma Norte, Mexico City 06700, Mexico +52 55 9688 6595. Contemporary. Relaxed and stylish. Cocktails are very original.
Mercado Roma - Calling all Hipsters. This is your homeland. The hipster version of a market with the best of the best vendors, seating areas and alcoves. The vibe is perfection.
You have a waxed moustache and talk in the theoretical? Mercado Roma is for you and your suspenders my friend.
“Calling all Hipsters. This is your homeland. The hipster version of a market with the best of the best vendors, seating areas, and alcoves. The vibe is perfection.”
Blanco Colima - $$$$ -Calle Colima 168 | Roma Norte, Mexico City 06700, Mexico +52 55 5511 7527. International, Contemporary, Vegan Friendly. Savory dishes. Famous for Carajillo, Foi Grass.
Cedron $$-$$$ -Avenida Mazatlan 24, Condesa | Esquina Juan de la Barrera, Mexico City 06140, Mexico +52 55 2155 6403. Mediterranean, European, Contemporary. First class. Outstanding ambience. Cozy and gorgeous. Artisan & healthy (You add your own salt).
Mero Toro - $$$$ - 204 Amsterdam Ave. | Colonia Condesa, Mexico City, Mexico. Mexican, Latin, Seafood. Chic and cool. Staff speaks English. Top quality.
La Taba - $$-$$$- Av. Insurgentes Sur No. 1605 I-11, Col, San Jose Insurgentes, Mexico City, Mexico. Argentinean. Melt-in-your-mouth prime rib. Known for its beef fondue.
“Have you really lived if you haven’t had a Mezcal in Mexico City?”
Huset -$$-$$$ -Colima #256, Mexico City 06700, Mexico +52 55 5511 6767. Barbecue, Grill. 100% Wood-fired-oven cooked meals. Avocado pizza is a favorite. Unique cocktails.
Mia Domenicca - $$ - $$$ - Calle Durango 279, Mexico City 06700. Mediterranean. Suitable atmosphere to conduct business. Italian inspired dishes with a Mexican pizzaz.
Rosetta - $$$$ -Calle Colima 166 | Del. Cuauhtemoc, Mexico City 06700, Mexico +52 55 5533 7804. Italian. Vegan Option.
¡Viva México!
Polance is like your stylish, European influenced neighbor, who has been to Spain but loves France and can dance salsa. Well, I don't have neighbors like that but if I did I would nickname them Polanco. It's the poshest part of the city and one of my favorite parts to stroll in.
Bistró Chapultepec - $$ - $$$ - Calle Lago Mayor S/N - 1era Sec. Chapultepec. Mexican. Short seating waiting period. Relaxed atmosphere. Great lakeview.
Bistro Chapultepec... Ok so you'll butcher the name but the views are worth the embarrasment.
Biko - $$$$ - Presidente Mazarik 407 Polanco, Mexico City, Mexico. Spanish/Mexican. Elegant. Contemporary. Stylish.
Dulce Patria -They are super fancy here but if you are feeling fancy, looking fancy and looking for other fancy folk, this is your crew. $$$$ - Anatole France 100 | Col. Polanco, Mexico City, Mexico. Mexican/Latin. Artisan cuisine. Famous for Nogada Stuffed Poblano Peppers. Fantastic and delicate.
“They are super fancy here but if you are feeling fancy, looking fancy and looking for other fancy folk, this is your crew.”
La Buena Barra - Gin is big in Mexico, I don't know why that is not my drink of choice but this place makes it tasty. Also - eat on the roof. You're welcome. $$$$ -Calle Aristoteles 124 Piso 3, Mexico City 11550, Mexico. Mexican/Latin. Everyone’s Gin Cart rave. Roof garden.
Prosecco Polanco - Plus guess what drink here is awesome, yup, the bubbly. $$ - $$$ -Calle Virgilio 7 | Polanco III Sección, Mexico City 11540, Mexico. Italian. Cozy & contemporary. Exotic flavors.
Pujol - IF YOU HAVE ONE SPLURGE THIS IS IT. I mean have you seen his Chef's Table episode. He's not a chef, he's an artist. The food shows it. You will not regret the price point, queridos. $$$$- Tennyson 133 | Polanco, Mexico City 11560, Mexico. Mexican/Latin/ Fusion. Internationally renowned Chef Enrique Olvera. One of the world’s best restaurants. Book at least within two months in advance.
“IF YOU HAVE ONE SPLURGE THIS IS IT. I mean have you seen his Chef’s Table episode? He’s not a chef, he’s an artist. Run, don’t walk there.”
Quintonil - Another place that gets me salivating like a dog on a bone. $$$$- Newton 55 | Polanco, Mexico City 11560, Mexico. Mexican/Latin. Not your average restaurant experience. An explosion of flavors.
Sylvestre - I love the feel of this place, food is amazing but the restaurant itself is a slice of bohemian heaven. $$$$ - Calle Anatole France 74, Mexico City 11550, Mexico. International. Amazing ambience. The staff is extremely attentive.
This is the main drag of the city, think of it like the artery to the heart. It's where all the commerce is, all the protests are, and leads straight to the Zocalo where the Presidential Palace is. If you are in Mexico for work, this is where I stay. Also - great running paths up and down it.
J&G Grill - This is my home away from home in Mexico City. It's in the St. Regis so if you aren't looking for a chain this is not your jam, but I sit here and work for hours. $$$$ -Paseo de la Reforma 439 Hotel The St. Regis, Mexico City, Mexico. Top notch service. Famous for Avocado Pizza.
Cantina La Piedra - They get a little wild here, and I like it. But in a classy way, because I'm a lady. $$-$$$ -Calle Aristoteles Esq. Masaryk 124 | Esquina Masaryk, Mexico City 11550, Mexico. Mexican Bar/Pub. Excellent service and very (ahem) lively atmosphere.
“They get a little wild here, and I like it. But in a classy way, because I’m a lady. ”
Contramar - Did anyone say ceviche. Oh no, my mouth was full of it, so I didn't say it, I just ate it all. $$ -$$$ -Calle Durango 200, Mexico City 06700, Mexico. Mexican/Seafood. Relaxed and informal atmosphere. Nouvelle seafood cuisine.
You probably are not going to find yourself in the south of the city (unless you go to a bullfight or soccer match, but if you do this is my go to spot there. Multi-layered, feels like a modern jungle inspired open air mansion.
SUD 777 -$$$$ -Avenida de La Luz 777, Mexico City 01900, Mexico. Mexican/International. Great atmosphere, gourmet cuisine, perfect wine pairing, fantastic sites all in one place.
SUD777, doesn't suck huh?
All in all my friends, my goal here is that you step outside the taco joints and taste a little more of the metropolitan Mexico. You will be surprised at what you find.
Adelante,
Codie
Written by Codie Sanchez Topics: The Struggle Isn't Real
Today I went to a charity event in Dallas. Now typically how these things go are like this: lots of beautiful women, beautifully dressed, buying beautiful things, on behalf of a charity. All good, right? A bit surface level, but if at the end of the day we are helping a worthwhile cause I am all for it. Today though I went deep, my heart hurt a bit. Why? Well – I typically don’t ask women what they do at these events, because many of them work inside the home and thus they seem to feel awkward when I ask that question. To me, you are not what you do for a living but I can understand the sentiment. So I ask the question, tell me your story? This is more interesting regardless. I love stories. We as humans are fascinated by them, we get pulled into campfires, books, movies, conversations, due to our thirst for an intriguing story.
After all we’ve each been on earth for decades, we all have some type of story, don’t we? I asked this question to a woman at the party and her response was, “I don’t have a story.” I was a bit dumbfounded. Of course you do. We all have a story. It begins at birth, sometimes the thread goes further back even before, and hopefully if we’ve made an impact, it continues after we are no longer here to tell it ourselves. So how could someone not have a story? Maybe the question is, why do we not know how to answer this question? It is the oldest form of communication our words, our stories. So how do we tell our stories in a better way? Whether it is our story at a cocktail party, our company’s story, or our story to snare the hot dude/chick.
“We all have a story. It begins at birth, sometimes the thread goes further back even before, and hopefully if we’ve made an impact, it continues after we are no longer here to tell it ourselves.”
Knowing how to speak with conviction and eloquence, slowly drawing in your listener like a spider winding in its web, is a singular power. You literally ensnare people. Haven’t you felt that pull before? When the person you are speaking to grabs your heart by the strings and reels you in to them. I’ve felt it. It’s what moves humans to achieve extraordinary things or terrifying things. The greatest among us know how to grasp you tightly with their words. I started to ponder, how do you tell a compelling story? Here is my story… on how to tell your story.
Have you ever been cornered at a party with long winded Larry? You know him. He loves to talk about his kid’s soccer game or even better, his golf match where he par’d 9 because he used the iron instead of the wedge or whatever the f*ck golfers say. Seriously you want to lose my interest immediately, start re-telling me about your round. Unless your Tiger Woods and the round ends with your wife chasing you with a 9 iron. I. DO. NOT. CARE. Ok but here is the point. Be aware of the human you are speaking to. See if they seem interested and watch for body language. Then try to leave them with a little something. Don’t give them the whole story, snare them along. That is what it means to be good, be brief and be GONE.
Let me give you an example. When you meet someone there are hundreds of ways to express your happiness at crossing paths:
- “So happy to meet you.” (BLAH)
- “What a pleasure to sit here with you today.”
- “I am just tickled to get to shake your hand in person today.” (Try not to smile while saying that one)
- “Absolutely enchanted to know you.”
- “My friend, how lovely to meet you.”
In Spanish we say Encantado/a, it means absolutely enchanted. Everything in the Spanish language is meant to bring you close. To love on you a little bit through words, platonically. Think about your words in that way. Consider it a mind game. Instead of starting a presentation with, “My name is Codie Sanchez, thank you for having me today.” Don’t be cheesy, be you, but have fun with it.
- “My friends, what a pleasure looking out at all your beautiful faces this morning.”
- “Hello all you good looking humans, can I just tell you how excited I am to share this day with you.” Wink Wink.
Your challenge today: Try to introduce yourself to someone in 3 or 4 ways that you never usually would or open up your next meeting in a way that would surprise the rest of your team. See them snap out of their normal route. I dare ya.
“Your challenge today: Try to introduce yourself to someone in 3 or 4 ways that you never usually would or open up your next meeting in a way that would surprise the rest of your team. See them snap out of their normal route. I dare ya. ”
I’m in finance, do you even want to know the number of Powerpoint’s I’ve seen in my day? It would astound you. It horrifies me. I’ve seen more pivot charts then Brady’s seen snaps (ooooohhhh football reference, I’m feeling it today!). The thing is people don’t remember what you’ve told them, they remember how you made them feel. Even when we talking money, baby. So weave in your humanity. Even when talking about finance or investments we can talk like this:
“Close your eyes, picture the day you retire, the day you get to take that trip around the country you’ve been planning, the day Europe beckons, the day you never have to put on a tie again. Picture yourself signing on the dotted line for that beach house, your grandkids playing along the beach while you sit in your chair watching the sun go down with a big smile on your face. Waves lapping in the background. That is what happens when you save. Decisions made today to invest, plan and create goals that you stick to means a tomorrow you’ve dreamed about.”
Think they’ll remember that instead of saying,
“If you invest and start saving now we are confident we can maximize your risk/return profile to reach retirement On average our clients receive x return over time due to compounding and downside protection. We aspire to align your risks to your needs, in order to achieve your family’s goals for retirement and life planning.” Dear lord, did you fall asleep too? Remember you are a person, get personal.
Whether it is your opening line, your headline, or your punchline, get a line with some KICK. Here’s an example….
Which headline is better (these are both real BTW):
A. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 0.4% in October
B. Watch Out: Prices Are Creeping Back Up Again
B, right? It makes them want to open the article. That word creeping has a negative connotation, like a little creepy crawly insect sneaking up on you. You want to know how close it is? When you say CPI, you sound smart but uninteresting. That is often our biggest problem we want to project our intellect and we end up sounding like a robot.
Moral of the story – don’t be a damn robot. You are a human. You have a story. You are interesting. So share it.
XOXO,
Codie
