Guadalajara Newsletter — November 2016
The International Book Fair is celebrating 30 Years
Guadalajara’s International Book Fair is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month from November 26 until December 4. Originally established by the University of Guadalajara, this event is considered the most important publishing gathering in the Americas. Authors, literary agents, librarians, booksellers and over 1,900 publishing houses from 44 countries visit the fair ever year. The festival’s energy spreads beyond its location at the Expo Guadalajara. Throughout nine days the city is filled with music, arts, cinema, and theatre. The fair is open to professionals and the general public. For more details on the Guadalajara International Book Fair visit www.fil.com.
Light Rail Expansion
Traveling throughout Guadalajara is very easy and accessible to visitors, and is about to get even easier. Guadalajara is excited to announce the expansion of its light rail system with the addition of a third line. The first Metropolis train will arrive from the Santa Perpetua Factory in Barcelona, Spain at the end of the month and will be followed by 17 additional railcars. The Metro line will provide service to the cities of Zapopan, Guadalajara, and Tlaquepaque with stops at 18 stations.
Hotel Spotlight
Hacienda Lomajim
Tucked away in the Sierra Madre Mountains is Hacienda Lomajim Hotel Boutique & Spa. Located just a short 45 minute drive from downtown Guadalajara, this tranquil hotel is the ideal getaway for locals and visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. This tastefully renovated ranch, which overlooks the San Cristobal Canyon, has 17 rooms, each uniquely decorated with traditional and modern Mexican art. Guests can relax poolside or dine al fresco at the hotel’s restaurant which serves traditional Mexican fare. With an onsite cathedral and expansive grounds, the hotel is a popular wedding venue. Other amenities include in-room spa treatments, guided hikes, mountain bike rentals and a jacuzzi overlooking at the majestic canyon.
Chilaquiles with Fried Eggs
Chilaquiles are a breakfast staple in Guadalajara. This hearty dish is typically served three different ways, either verde (green salsa), rojo (red salsa) or divorciados (a combination of red and green salsa). Although chilaquiles is a dish that can be commonly found throughout Mexico, Guadalajara is the only region that prepares it in a cazuela, a clay pot that allows the ingredients to simmer to perfection. Locals prepare this dish in their homes or enjoy it at neighborhood restaurants. Chilaquiles are a great dish to add to your weekend breakfast or brunch menu.
Recipe:
Ingredients Red Chili Sauce
- 7 dried guajillo or Mexico chilies
- 1 28-ounce can of whole tomatoes, drained
- 1 medium white onion, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
- 5 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, with seeds, chopped
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons honey
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 9, 6-inch corn tortillas, quartered or 36 large tortilla chips
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- Kosher salt
- 1 cup crumbled queso fresco or mild feta cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 large eggs
- Finely chopped white onion
- Thinly sliced radishes
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Method: Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of 1 1/2 inches. Prop deep-fry thermometer in skillet with bulb submerged. Heat over medium-high heat until thermometer registers 350° degrees Fahrenheit. Working in batches, fry tortillas by turning occasionally with tongs for 2 to 3 minutes until crisp. Transfer chips to prepared sheet and season with salt.
Preheat broiler. Toss chips and 1 cup of sauce in a large bowl. Transfer half of chips to a large ovenproof platter or skillet. Scatter half of cheese over chips. Top with remaining chips and cheese, along with 1/2 cup more of sauce. Broil until cheese is golden and melted, 4 to 5 minutes
Meanwhile, pour oil into a nonstick skillet to lightly coat. Heat over medium heat. Add eggs and fry until whites are set but yolks are still runny, about 4 minutes.
Top chilaquiles with chopped onion, radishes, cilantro, and lime wedges. Top with fried eggs and serve with remaining sauce alongside. Recipe courtesy of Bon Appetit.
Q&A
Josefina Barragán Álvarez
Tourism Director of Zapopan
1. What is one off-the-beaten-path activity that visitors must try?
Visitors must see ‘La Barranca de Rio Santiago’ (also known as Rio de Santiago Canyon) located just outside Guadalajara’s downtown. The area is filled with lush landscapes, beautiful flowers and trees, and provides some of the most scenic vistas in the area.
2. List your top three favorite reasons to visit Guadalajara and why?
- History - Guadalajara’s historical downtown is full of beauty with monuments, colonial style buildings, and pedestrian squares.
- Local Culture – Many people aren’t aware that the best of Mexican culture including mariachi and tequila are from Guadalajara.
- Shopping – Visitors can choose from a wide variety of stores and malls in Guadalajara. There’s even shopping malls dedicated entirely to jewelry and shoes!
3. Where would you send a client to experience the rich culture of Guadalajara?
I would send a client to enjoy Plaza Tapatia, Institute Cultural Cabañas, Degollado Theater, and the Cathedral in Guadalajara’s historical downtown. I would also suggest exploring the districts of Tlaquepaque and Tonalá to discover towns rich in traditional art and handcrafts. Another must-visit district is Zapopan where travelers can see the impressive Plaza las Américas, Juan Pablo II, The Art Museum of Zapopan (MAZ), and the Huichol museum. A visit to the area isn’t complete without seeing the Basilica of Zapopan, home of “the Virgin of Zapopan”, one of the most important religion centers of catholic faith in Mexico.
4. If you had just one sentence to describe Guadalajara, what would it be?
Identity, tradition, and authentic Mexican roots.
Guadalajara in the News
Lap of Luxury: Mexico’s Interior Cities Offer Myriad Ways to Pamper Groups – Meetings Today creates luxury itineraries for group travelers looking for the ultimate experience of Mexico’s interior cities.
How Guadalajara Is Luring Upscale Travelers TravelAge West takes a look at Mexico’s second-largest city, Guadalajara, as they work on attracting luxury travelers.
Guadalajara Getaway Teems with Culture – San Diego Tribune praises Guadalajara, the heart of Mexico, as a must see destination.
How to Spend 3 Days in Guadalajara, Mexico – Fodor’s Travel breaks down how to see all that city of Guadalajara has to offer in 72 hours.
9 Things To Do in Tlaquepaque, Guadalajara – The Culture Trip provides a list of activities for travelers to do on their day trip to Tlaquepaque a town just right outside the city.