Monterrey, Mexico

Regardless if I am traveling for work or pleasure, I always find joy in discovering the charm, culture, and food of every new city. For Monterrey, Mexico, I actually have traveled here quite a bit for work.

Over the last several months, it has been incredibly humbling to meet amazing, hard-working people. These same hard-working people took time out of their day, at no additional compensation, to share meals and their stories with me.

Monterrey constantly reminds me of the importance of friendship and family, showing up for people. It also puts into perspective what a hard work ethic really means.

I have been lucky enough to explore quite a few restaurants in Apodaca and San Pedro! Since Monterrey is nowhere near a body of water, most restaurants are known for some kind of grilled meat platter - whether beef, chicken, pork or goat. However, if you head to a more upscale restaurant, you can still get your seafood fix.

Apodaca:

• El Jonuco

  • Guacamole Norteno (Guacamole with Chicharrones)

  • Molcajete De Atropellado Verde (Minced beef with red pepper salsa and avocado)

  • Tuetanos Asados Co Costra De Mas (Bone Marrow with Onions, Cilantros, Tangy Spicy Salsa)

  • Tacos de Arrachera Co Tuetano Encostrado (Steak tacos with onions, cilantro, bone marrow and salsa)

  • Cabreria Asada y Mole Estilo - Beef simmered in a homemade mole with red salsa

  • Cabrito (Roasted Goat) - I prefer the shoulder and rib meat the most, followed by the thigh

• Santa Fe

  • Mollejas - Sweetbreads

  • From the Grill

    • Tablitas (Short Ribs)

    • Ribeye

    • Verduras (Veggies)

  • Carne Seca - Dried Beef

  • Atropellado (Minced Beef Appetizer)

  • Chicharrones de Ribeye (flash fried ribeye on fresh guacamole)

  • Asado de Puerco (Roasted Pork)

• Il Castello di Frabo

  • The only pizza in Monterrey certified by the Italian government!

  • Polipo alla Calabria (Grilled Octopus) - My favorite octopus in Monterrey! The seasoning is packed with flavor and is grilled to perfection

  • Bruschetta - Bruschetta two ways, one with cherry tomatoes, one with smoked salmon

  • Spaghetti nero di seppia gamberi e bottarga (Squid ink spaghetti with shrimp and cherry tomatoes) - Simple and delicious!

  • Risotto di Aragosta alla Legna - yellow rice risotto with lobster. This is a lighter risotto that has lemon instead of cream, if that’s your jam!

  • Carrajillos - Espresso and Licor 43

Los Fresnos:

• Carne Seca

• Atropellado

• Rib Eye al Aguachile

• Ribeye (Entera)

• Arrachera y Ribeye (Entera)

San Pedro:

• Sonora Grill Prime

  • Braised Beef Tongue

  • Shrimp Ceviche

  • Grilled Octopus

  • Slow Cooked Barbacoa

• Gallo 71

  • Artichoke Salad

  • Al Pastor Tacos

  • Scallops on Crackers

  • Fried Octopus with Black Garlic Sauce

• Cara de Vaca

  • Beef Tacos

  • Green Rice

  • Roasted Chicken