Inside San Miguel... The Blog

Jul 6, Beautiful, Rainy, San Miguel de Allende

Sat, 6 Jul 2013 14:26:12 -0400

We are having a wonderful rainy season in San Miguel de Allende this year. Yesterday (July 5th) we had over 3/4" of rain. Maybe that's a problem in other places--for us it is WONDERFUL! Everything is so fresh and green, the temperatures are comfortable, the air is like crystal, and the hills will soon be full of wildflowers. Come join us! This great photo of the Jardin on a rainy night is from the San Miguel Like FB page. Check them out at the link below.
San Miguel de Allende LIKE on FB

Sep 17, Day of the Dead in Mexico

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 03:47:08 -0400

Mexicans celebrate Day of the Dead, Dia de los Muertos, to both remember their loved ones and to laugh at the very idea of death. Here's how...

Jul 2, "Los Locos" Do Their Thing in San Miguel--2012

Mon, 2 Jul 2012 00:24:29 -0400

The annual parade of "Los Locos" in San Miguel de Allende every June is pretty much impossible to describe completely or well with just words. So I was delighted to find this slide show on YouTube today of this year's annual celebration of craziness on June 15th. It gives a great idea of the range, the fun and the pure whackiness of this unique-to-San-Miguel, quasi-religious holiday. For more detail of exactly what it is, and why, click on the link.

Jun 25, Bargains NOW at 7th Heaven in San Miguel

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 18:53:53 -0400

My long-time friend Sabrina Surving is about to close her fantastic San Miguel shop, 7th Heaven, and take it exclusively online. And that means it's time for bargains. Sabrina's "transformation sale" begins this Friday, June 29th, with 20% off everything for cash, and continues until August 12th. Sabrina has the BEST taste and has stocked her shop with wonderful jewelry, clothes hats. Check out the erotic section, too. And be sure to save enough for one of her signature San Miguel jewelry designs, like this wonderful bracelet featuring the San Miguel "skyline." I advise to get in early for the best pickings. Her stuff is so fine it won't last long. To see more images of her offerings, visit the shop's facebook page at the link below. 7th Heaven is located at Sollano #11 in el Centro. Tel: 154-4677. Open Tue-Sun, 10-6.

Jun 17, Toller Cranston in San Miguel de Allende

Sun, 17 Jun 2012 21:35:45 -0400

Long famous as the greatest men's figure skater of the 20th Century, Toller Cranston always defined himself first as "a painter who skates." Here's a look at his home, his life and his painting...

Jun 16, Music and a Garden - San Miguel Magic

Sat, 16 Jun 2012 14:30:26 -0400

I've just discovered the blog "Jax in Mexico" and wanted to share the most recent post with you. She captures so perfectly the magic of San Miguel de Allende with her description of music and a garden on a lovely summer night. I wish I'd been there too. I would have been one of the ones bopping to that music, joining all those women on the dance floor. And I have a very long and ongoing love affair with that Sauto parrot! Do read this. Then go have dinner in that patio garden the next time you are in San Miguel.

May 3, RAIN!

Thu, 3 May 2012 01:04:19 -0400

The rain has come, giving some relief from some pretty oppressive heat the last few days. Much as I love San Miguel de Allende, the usual heat of May can get me down. Since the heat is usually so short-lived, there are many, many places in San Miguel without air conditioning. If you live in a house or apartment without air conditioning, your day sometimes becomes a process of wandering from one cool spot with a cold drink to the next cool spot with a cold drink. (Starbucks is good for this. Also, the outdoor cafes int he portales often have a nice breeze running through.) So the rain today has been a refreshing change. It's early days to say the rainy season has begun. Weather Underground is forecasting a hot day tomorrow with rain tomorrow night followed by a 40-60% chance of rain most days for the next week. So let's just tenjoy it while we can.

Apr 16, July Events in San Miguel de Allende

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 02:55:01 -0400

Summer is both the mini-season and the rainy season and July events in San Miguel de Allende offer a lot to interest both visitors and locals.

Apr 16, June Events in San Miguel de Allende

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 02:38:29 -0400

Though the pace is still slow, in June, events in San Miguel de Allende begins to pick-up for the "little season." The "locos" come out to create their own June madness...

Apr 16, May Events in San Miguel de Allende

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 02:34:47 -0400

May events in San Miguel de Allende are lazy affairs as many of the

Apr 2, Apartment For Rent in San Miguel de Allende

Mon, 2 Apr 2012 18:50:38 -0400

I want to live here!

This gorgeous apartment is being rented by my friend Patricia, a lovely woman. For more details about it, click on the link below to contact her.

Mar 29, The Jacarandas Are in Bloom in San Miguel de Allende

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:38:50 -0400

This amazingly gorgeous panoramic photo of San Miguel de Allende in all her jacaranda-draped glory has been making the rounds of my San Miguel facebook friends. It was taken by Jeremy Woodhouse and is guaranteed to make you homesick if you've ever been in San Miguel at jacaranda time. The town now feels completely misted with purple, like a glorious mauve cloud. Of course, if you're severly allergic, this is probably not your favorite time in San Miguel.

Mar 28, Semana Santa in San Miguel

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 23:11:18 -0400

The most magical time of the year for me in San Miguel de Allende is Semana Santa, Holy Week or Easter Week. It's really longer than a week and it is an almost non-stop spectacle of pageantry, piety and processions, the visible manifestation of the traditional soul of Mexico. Although the celebrations actually began last weekend with the carrying of the statue of Our Lord of the Column from Atotonilco to San Miguel, the best is yet to come, starting with the Viernes de Dolores, the Night of the Altars, this Friday. For a complete guide to the events of Holy Week in San Miguel de Allende, follow the link below, then click on the links to learn more about the various processions and events throughout the week. This time of year is truly special in San Miguel and you don't want to miss any of the magic.

Mar 26, DonDay in San Miguel - a Foodie's Take on the Local Fare

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:49:40 -0400

One of my favorite blogs about San Miguel de Allende (unfortunately intermittent, appearing only when the writer is in town) is DonDay in San Miguel. The name is a clever play on words: "donde" in Spanish means "where is" and when it comes to food, that's pretty much the question DonDay tries to answer. And he does it with a discerning eye, a dry wit and an engaging charm that makes you not only want to try the places he mentions but to do it in his company. Basically, the blog is all about what to eat in San Miguel and where to find it. It might cover a special dish, a specific restaurant or stores where you can buy special ingredients. Today's post is all about where to find the best barbacoa in San Miguel de Allende, and if you don't know what barbacoa is, he answers that question too. And his advice, as always, is spot on. Do yourself two favors: eat barbacoa at El Pato the next time you're in San Miguel, and subscribe to the blog, "DonDay in San Miguel."

Feb 2, Not to be Missed -- The Grand Opening of the Gallery at the Chapel of Jimmy Ray

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 03:21:47 -0500

This Saturday, tog yourself out in your most festive, colorful, jestery clothes. Then head out to La Cieneguita, 5 km from San Miguel de Allende to Anado McLaughlin and Richard Schultz's magnificently eccentric "Casa de las Ranas" for the grand opening of their new Gallery at the Chapel of Jimmy Ray. The Chapel Compound has been five years in the making and the Opening will be a golden opportunity to see this "over- the- top" marvelously magical folly that Anado has envisioned. The Chapel of Jimmy Ray is an ever unfolding homage to Outsider and Visionary Art. Anado will be featuring some new and older works titled "Installed Poetry" inspired by the Major Arcana of the Tarot Deck. Noted New York photographer Spencer Tunick will share the bill with 31 rarely seen photos from Mexico City. For the hungry, San Miguel's own fantastic gourmet food truck, Hierbabuena Cocina, will be on hand with sumptuous delights. Look for some further surprises from Mexico City's Experimental Theater Group, Cartaphilus Teatro to add to this celebration of Mythical Folly and Inspired Revelry. Think Renaissance Faire with a Mexican accent! To get to the Chapel of Jimmy Ray, follow Canal St. all the way out to the Railroad Station. Bear to the left and cross the railroad tracks. Follow the new road to Guanajuato for 5 km. Keep going straight past the left turn sign for Guanajuato and make a right turn about 100 meters past the sign. Go up to the church in front of you and make a short right and follow the signs for Las Grutas de Guadalupe Balneario up the hill parallel to the side of the Church. The Chapel of Jimmy Ray Gallery and Casa de Las Ranas are on your left. It's best to park near the church walk up to the Gallery.

Oct 11, Cheap and Easy Picadillo

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 02:49:12 -0400

Donna's Note: This dish is a staple in many Mexican kitchens as well as in the food stalls at the markets. In San Miguel de Allende, you can try it at

Aug 10, Mezzanine bistro´s European flare

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 02:11:53 -0400

I´d been hearing about Mezzanine Bistro that opened within the last year and how it was completely different than anything else in San Miguel. Portuguese

Aug 10, Beef Tongue Tacos

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 02:06:10 -0400

1 Beef tongue 1 Tbsp salt 1 Tbsp pepper 1 Tbsp garlic powder 1 onion (chopped) corn tortillas Cut thawed beef tongue into 3 or 4 big pieces, place in

Jun 21, Authentic Mexican Capirotada Recipe

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 02:29:29 -0400

Here's a traditional and authentic Capirotada Recipe for the Mexican bread pudidng dessert served during Lent...

May 29, Luxury Hotels in San Miguel de Allende

Sun, 29 May 2011 03:18:08 -0400

Looking for luxury hotels in San Miguel de Allende? Here's star all the info you need to be pampered in elegant, 5-star style...

May 11, Don't Believe the Hype About Violence in Mexico

Wed, 11 May 2011 17:22:59 -0400

Here's a nice video about San Miguel de Allende. It debunks the danger factor we are all being encouraged to believe.

Apr 14, Altars & Aguas at Abrazos

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 17:26:33 -0400

Tomorrow, Friday, April 16, as part of your "Night of the Altars" pilgrimage, be sure to visit Patrice Wynne's wonderful boutique, Abrazos, at Zacateros 24 (near Pila Seca). Check out the beautiful traditional altar and enjoy the equally traditional fresh fruit "aguas" being served. Patrice's shop is the most delicious taste of San Miguel available. Mexican kitsch and retro design bursts from the walls in an explosion of color in the form of aprons, handbags, dolls, jewelry, clothes, bathrobes. Everything is made by hand, by locals. It's 100% original and 100% fun and helps support many local Mexican women "artesanas."

Jan 11, Lunch at the Sunset Bar

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 17:48:17 -0500

Foodies in San Miguel de Allende, take heart! Noren, the former owner and chef of the much-missed Burrito Bistro, is now cooking at the Sunset Bar and Cafe, situated on the roof of the hotel Casa Linda, on Mesones, facing the Teatro Angela Peralta. And the wonderful friendly ambiance is maintained by your host, Tim. The terrace is a great place for a bite, a meal or just a drink before a performance at the Angela Peralta. Hotel owner Linda McLaughlin is often on hand, too, as a great hostess. Lots of reasons to stop by. Do it. You won't be sorry.

Sep 17, Bicentennial Fever is Burning!

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 11:55:17 -0400

VIVA MEXICO! The bicentennial celebrations for Mexican independence are in full swing in San Miguel de Allende. Last night, the Jardin was completely packed with locals and tourists alike. Never seen it so full. The most thrilling part (besides the massive fireworks display) was probably the reenactment of the insurgents setting off. When the uniformed riders galloped past the Parroquia, it was literally "spine-tingling." Mexico is throwing herself one very grand party! 200 years and still going strong--despite what you read and hear in the northern press. VIVA MEXICO!

Jun 14, Holy Crazies! Day of the Locos in San Miguel de Allende

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 02:55:02 -0400

Today, Sunday, June 13th, had to be what is one of the zaniest (and most eagerly awaited) days of the year in San Miguel, El Dia de los Locos. Unique to San Miguel, this crazy holiday typifies the joy and "Fiesta Spirit" of our town. The name literally translates as Day of the Crazies, but it actually has religious roots and begins with a huge outdoor mass at the San Antonio church. But the rest of the day? Crazy indeed. People dress up in the most bizarre costumes and wind through the streets of el Centro in a long parade. They dance like crazy and throw hundreds of kilos of candies to the crowd like Mardi Gras revelers in N'Orleans. It's wise to wear a hat--not only against the summer sun but to protect from the sting of falling peppermints. Those hard candies are hard! Ask me about my bruised forehead. Mummies and pharoahs, wizards and Fridas, and folks in rubber masks depicting politicians, folk heroes and soap opera stars--they all danced along the cobblestones for hours to bad but joyful oompah-band music or rock blared from speakers. What most amazes me about "Los Locos" is the stamina of some of these guys--they never stop dancing from the parade's beginning to the end. No video yet from this year's parade, but here's a delightful taste from an earlier year of what it's all about.

May 13, The Writers Workshop: San Miguel

Thu, 13 May 2010 03:39:15 -0400

You want to write. We're here to help you. Teaching craft and style, motivation and direction for your writing. It's what we do. And at Writers Workshop: San Miguel, we do it well.

Feb 2, Candelaria Has Sprung!

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 12:15:23 -0500

It's official... sort of. Spring has sprung in San Miguel de Allende. Yes, it's that wonderful flowery time of year again--Candelaria. The annual flower, plant and garden sale has begun it's run in Juarez Park, marking the end of the cold, the arrival of our more normal sunshine and the unofficial beginning of spring. This year, entrances to the park have been garlanded in flowers, turned into springtime bowers. Thousands of flowering plants in every color of the arcoiris line the walkways, where dozens of vendors sell everything for the garden--pots large and small, bags of rich, fertile potting soil, trees, bedding plants. Young boys armed with wheelbarrows will happily follow you through the plant fair to load up your purchases and wheel them back to your car for a few pesos. Look for the plant fair to continue for about two weeks. Now is the time to stock up on all your gardening goodies--even if all you have is a window box or a tiny balcony in a rented apartment or a hotel room windowsill. Do your part to help keep San Miguel de Allende as flowerful and colorful as she is meant to be.

Jan 26, Fantastic Lunch at Baile Cafe - San Miguel de Allende

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:00:54 -0500

We had a fantastic lunch/dinner at Baile Cafe--behind the Arthur Murray Dance Studio on Hernandez Macias, next door to Vivoli restaurant. I had the Swing

Jan 14, What's the Weather in San Miguel de Allende?

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:29:56 -0500

Find out more about the weather in San Miguel de Allende—which is just about perfect for most of the year...

Jan 14, Calendar of San Miguel Annual Events, Month by Month

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:14:21 -0500

There's always something fun going on in San Miguel de Allende. The San Miguel annual events calendar rewards a visit at any time of year...

Jan 13, Atole Recipe--a Delicious Mexican Hot Drink

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:59:58 -0500

Here's an authentic atole recipe for the delicious and traditional Mexican hot drink made with cornstarch or masa. Yum...

Jan 13, February Events in San Miguel de Allende

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:54:43 -0500

At the height of the tourist season, February events in San Miguel de Allende highlight the coming of spring and patriotic celebrations...

Jan 13, January Events in San Miguel de Allende

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:51:19 -0500

As the year begins, the high season ramps up. In January, events in San Miguel de Allende happen one on top of another...

Jan 7, San Miguel shoes: The Original Combat Cocktail Sandals

Thu, 7 Jan 2010 03:50:44 -0500

San Miguel Shoes are the original "combat cocktail sandals" from San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Designed for walking on cobblestones, they're comfortable, durable, stabilizing and pretty.

Dec 29, Cafe Iberico - A Gem in San Miguel de Allende

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 11:55:57 -0500

We seek out, know, and much appreciate fine food. I've traveled throughout Spain and even lived in Barcelona for a time, so when we visited San Miguel

Dec 4, December Events in San Miguel de Allende

Fri, 4 Dec 2009 03:47:58 -0500

It's the Christmas season, and December events in San Miguel de Allende sparkle with tinsel and colored lights, music and donkeys in the streets...

Dec 4, Christmas in San Miguel de Allende

Fri, 4 Dec 2009 03:13:46 -0500

Here's a calendar of official holiday events for Christmas in San Miguel de Allende, 2007...

Dec 2, Spanish Tapas and Paella at Cafe Iberico-San Miguel de Allende

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 15:47:10 -0500

On of the best restaurants in San Miguel de Allende, Cafe Iberico is located in Colonia San Antonio Norte (#20). A small, intimate cafe, it offers a

Aug 26, Lucy to Present Her Vision for San Miguel de Allende

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:36:35 -0400

San Miguel de Allende's new mayor-elect, Lucy Nunez, will be inaugurated as the town's first female mayor on October 10. Lucy, as everyone calls her, was unusually open to the foreign community during her recent mayoral campaign, soliciting their input and explaining her ideas for San Miguel's future. She was elected in a landslide victory over the PAN candidate with 65% of the vote. She belongs to no party, but was endorsed by three of San Miguel's four main political parties. This Sunday, August 30, she'll present her vision for San Miguel at the Unitarian Universalist meeting, 10:30 am at the Posada de la Aldea. She'll cover such issues as crime, development, the economy, health care and how she intends to involve ex-pats in her administration. There will also be an opportunity to ask her questions. Nunez earned degrees in communications in California and speaks excellent English. With her husband, she owns the local San Miguel radio station, XESQ, a cable TV station, and an advertising agency. Mayor-Elect Nunez is originally from Mexico City, has lived in San Miguel de Allende for 25 years and has two teenage daughters. Nunez' election is definitely a sign of change to come. Sunday's meeting can be a great opportunity to get a peek into San Miguel's immediate future and to give this dynamic woman your input on YOUR vision of San Miguel.

Aug 16, This Video Captures the Essence of San Miguel de Allende

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 21:51:22 -0400

I've just come across another video about San Miguel de Allende. They seem to be thick as fleas right now on YouTube. But this one is far superior to most others I've seen. Produced by Ambassador John McDonald and Anitra Thorhaug, shot and edited by Alan Geoghegan, its human touch, lyrical videography, poetic voice-overs and loving view of our city really--and especially of her people--captures the essence of San Miguel de Allende for me. If you love San Miguel--or want to know her better--I know you'll enjoy it.

Jul 1, A Lovely Piece of Writing--San Miguel and Casita de las Flores

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 18:30:30 -0400

A couple of years ago, when I needed a place to stay in San Miguel just for a couple of days and I was on a budget, I discovered the Casita de las Flores. It was a charming experience. Francoise, the owner, has created a friendly family-like place that feels just a bit like a hostel for grown ups--but with your own room. There are two shared baths and one shared kitchen, plus a common patio garden with hammock, so meeting the other guests is inevitable and friendships flourish. It's the kind of place beloved more by true travelers than by mere tourists. Francoise has recently started a blog and it made me discover she is also a gifted writer. Click on the link below to read her story about moving to San Miguel de Allende, finding her property, and creating this pleasant home-away-from-home for travelers.

Jun 20, El Jardin, San Miguel de Allende's Heart

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 02:06:50 -0400

In San Miguel de Allende, the central plaza is where everything happens. Read about El Jardin, San Miguel de Allende's heart...

Jun 2, At Last! Some Positive Ink for San Miguel de Allende

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 01:32:30 -0400

All of Mexico has been taking a real beating in the media of late--what with narco gangs followed by the flu scare--and the results are not pretty. Tourism is seriously down all over Mexico, even in San Miguel. So it was a very pleasant surprise to see that Continental Airline's inflight magazine has a nicely upbeat piece about San Miguel in the May issue. The focus is on learning. The author took classes or indivual lessons in pottery, nicho making, Spanish, photography and cooking during her short stay in town. And she clearly loved her time here. She passes her enthusiasm on well, and, unlike so many articles about San Miguel de Allende, she gets the details right. (Well, she did call the Parroquia a cathedral, twice, which it is not; it's a parish church. But we'll forgive her that common mistake.) And I, for one, thank her for coming, thank her for telling the truth, and I hereby pass her article on to all of you to enjoy. Just click on the link below.

May 24, New Restaurants in San Miguel de Allende

Sun, 24 May 2009 22:11:35 -0400

New restaurants have been opening in San Miguel de Allende at an amazing rate. This page will keep you up to date on the newest and best restaurants in San Miguel...

May 17, Bargains Abound Right Now in San Miguel de Allende

Sun, 17 May 2009 20:44:20 -0400

Combine all the dire stories in the news media about Mexico with the usual slow season in San Miguel de Allende and what do you get? Bargains! In conjunction with the San Miguel Department of Tourism, many hotels in SMA are offering special 2-nights-for-the-price-of-1 mid-week packages to lure tourists to town in this slow time. And the range of options is huge. For instance, at Guadiana Bed & Breakfast, you can now get a double room mid-week for two nights for about US$60. And at the high-end, the luxurious Orient Express Hotel Casa de Sierra Nevada will cost you around $US260 for two nights. That's a real bargain. There are 20 participating hotels on the Tourism Department's website, so you should have no trouble finding one that fits your budget and your style. For a complete list of participating properties, with prices and links to their websites, click on the link below.

May 16, Help Bring The Amazing Race to Mexico

Sat, 16 May 2009 18:47:54 -0400

Tourism is enormously important to the economy of Mexico, and it's taken a really bad hit recently. First, all the blood-and-gore news about narco-violence and exaggerations of dangers to tourists had people afraid to cross the border. And then the H1N1 flu virus picked poor Mexico to break out into the open. People began staying home in droves. Mexico deserves a break, some positive images going out over the airwaves that will make people say. "Hey, let's go see that!" You can help that happen. The Discover Channel's mega-hit "The Amazing Race" is coming to Latin America for the next season, and the producers are asking the audience to choose which country they'll visit. Mexico, with its huge range of typography, climate, and peoples, is the perfect choice. As of this writing, Mexico has 42% of the vote to Colombia's 43%. That can change drastically very quickly. Please cast your vote and help Mexico show its stuff on next season's show. If you're not familiar with the show, you can see a video clip (in Spanish) at The Amazing Race. Then click on the link below to cast your vote. Please. Mexico needs your support.

May 15, A Barbecue Bash for the Fourth of July

Fri, 15 May 2009 02:15:29 -0400

It's still a few weeks away, but you can start making plans now for a bang-up 4th of July in San Miguel de Allende. And for U.S. citizens feeling a bit homesick on our national holiday, what could be more "4th" than a good old barbeque? Vista Antigua, a gated community at the top of Independencia at the Libramiento, will be the host for the Mexico Invitational El Grande Cookoff. Teams of cooks will go head-to-head for points and trophies in several categories, including best brisket, ribs, sausage, "open" category (which is really wide open--anything that can be cooked on a grill or in a pit), Texas-style chili, beans and margaritas. Oh man, this is making me hungry just writing it! And while you're feeding your face with all that finger-licking stuff, you'll also be helping feed Mexican kids. The event is a benefit for Feed the Hungry and Patronato Pro Ninos, old-time charities in San Miguel that help thousands of Mexican kids every year. Several well-known San Miguel restaurants are expected to field teams of cooks, but anyone is welcome to enter. The variety of tastes and textures should be staggering...and very filling. Mark you calendar...and get the napkins ready.

May 4, Bellas Artes in San Miguel de Allende

Mon, 4 May 2009 02:59:04 -0400

The best art school in San Miguel de Allende is Bellas Artes, the Centro Cultural de Bellas

May 3, About Flu Paranoia and Economic Disaster--Here's a Great Read

Sun, 3 May 2009 17:31:54 -0400

I've written on this blog recently about the overblown paranoia and fear-mongering among the press concerning the recent outbreak of the H1N1 flu and its effect on Mexico. I've talked a bit about what it's doing to the economy and daily life of San Miguel de Allende. But I haven't done either of those things as well as Jan Baumgartner does in the article at the link below. The piece was written for OpEd.com and I really hope you'll go read it. It mirrors my own feeling exactly... and is brilliantly done. Thank you, Jan.

Apr 29, A Taste of Italy at Cafe Vivoli--on a Budget

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:12:12 -0400

So, just for a change, let's talk about something other than the flu. If you're in San Miguel right now--and lucky you if you are--and you like good Italian food (who doesn't?), here's an event you won't want to pass on. Tomorrow night, Thursday, April 30th, Cafe Vivoli is offering "A Taste of Italy." Come in between 5 and 7 pm, buy any drink for $50 pesos (~US$4) and indulge in a delicious complimentary buffet of Italian specialties. Part of the same chain as the famous Cafe Vivoli on Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood, this place really knows Italian. Here's your chance take a virtual trip to Italy for a great price--and give Cafe Vivoli a try if you've never been there. I do recommend it. Cafe Vivoli is located at Hernandez Macias 66, on the east side of the street. For more info call (415) 152-0045 or email donato@vivolicafe.com

Apr 28, Flu Updates - Who Are You Listening To?

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:12:17 -0400

Among the spate of recent media reports in the U.S. and elsewhere about "swine" flu, many would have you believe that people throughout Mexico are dropping like flies from the coming "pandemic." Dozens dead, hundreds dead, the reports vary but all are alarming. Without minimizing the very real concern about the spread of the disease, I'd like to remind readers that not everything you read in the media, and certainly not everything printed on a blog or passed among friends, is true. I suppose it is human nature to exaggerate, especially when talking about something as dramatic as a potential pandemic. So I went to the World Health Organization website to see what they had to say about levels of infection and deaths. You can see the daily report at the link below, but to summarize: As of Tuesday, April 28th, the U.S. government had reported 64 laboratory confirmed human cases, with no deaths. Mexico had reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection including seven deaths. Other countries had reported a total of 15 cases with no deaths. Due to the lack of Mexican laboratories capable of detecting the virus, samples are being sent to the CDC in the U.S. for analysis. The numbers for Mexico will likely be somewhat higher when all lab tests come back. Compare these figures with the fact that approximately 36,000 people die in the U.S. every year from normal flu infections. We are all watching the news as these figures change daily. Schools all over the country are closed until May 6th, and the Mexico City government has ordered all restaurants and eating establishments in the city to close for dine-in customers. They may only serve take-out orders. But the country is not in total upheaval, as some press pundits would have you believe. Nor are people dying in the streets in every town and village. San Miguel de Allende is relatively unaffected at this point. We'll be watching the most reliable news sources we can find to help us all stay informed, so we can be concerned and vigilant, but not panic. The best advice: read reliable news sources, filter what you hear and read through a mask of common sense and then make your own judgments, uncolored by the unreasonable panic the fear-mongers seem to enjoy spreading.