Plaza Mayor Gran Hotel de la Ciudad de Mexico

Plaza Mayor Gran Hotel de la Ciudad de Mexico Restaurant Review:

Grand, to be sure, though sometimes a wee bit lonely (like the astounding Art Nouveau hotel that houses it), Plaza Mayor maintains its sense of downtown hotel formality. Try for a table with a spectacular view of the Zócalo, Mexico City’s imposing central square. The menu, refreshingly not too extensive, relies on what your parents called “Continental cuisine,” but there are also some surprises, such as a jabalí (wild boar) chile relleno and a “pre-Hispanic” platter featuring ant eggs, gusano (worms) and other local entomological delicacies. Cream of asparagus soup holds substantial chunks of crab added for fancy fun, and the boda de salmon (the curious name means “salmon wedding”) blends jumbo-size filets of salmon and sea bass, flaky and rich, in a béarnaise-style sauce. Service is as white-glove as could be expected. And if things get too quiet, climb the spiral staircase to the raucous cocktail lounge that hosts cover bands that literally rattle the wine glasses in the dining room.