But criminals also are active in tourist areas, especially after dark, because that's where the money is. Those tourist areas are in several different parts of the city, which claims more than 100 museums and 2,500 restaurants offering all kinds of cuisine. I ate most meals in restaurants serving Mexican food and was glad I did. A close second was a generous buffet lunch at Clavo and Canela Restaurant. Red and green salsas of varying potency are standard condiments on many tables, as are tortillas and limes.
Prices are very reasonable and many menus are in English as well as Spanish.
They are proud Taco Bell has not been allowed in Mexico City. However, other U.S. restaurant chains, stores and businesses are everywhere. At times, I forgot I was not in a U.S. city. If I was Mexican, I might resent that a blazing Coca-Cola sign and a towering billboard of the Marlboro Man are among my capital's most dominant landmarks. But residents insist such economic or cultural imperialism have not robbed Mexico City of its authentic charm.