Go West My Friends – Part 3

Let’s continue our food journey westward.  I’ve covered the Taquerías Tacos Diáz to the south and Don Chava to the north.  Both are for that Taco crave from late afternoon up until midnight or so.  What about lunch?  I´ve got the perfect place for you.  If you are out and about shopping on the west side at Chedraui Villamar, Walmart La Cruz or even the newest Walmart in Villamar one of my favorite lunch places is called Silao.  The specialty is Carnitas and Barbacoa. 

For Locals, this type of Restaurant is not only reserved for lunch but for breakfast as well.  Don’t expect huevos al gusto, this restaurant is pure Mexicano.  Silao opens at 7 am and is busy all day until closing at 4:30 pm.   Serving Barbacoa de Borrego, Surtida, Maciza, Nana, Buche, Costilla, Cuero, Oreja, Patita Entera and Sesadilla.  For the novices out there, Borrego is lamb, Surtida is a mix of carnita meats, Maciza pork from Medio or Upper Back,  Nana comes from the area of the neck, Buche the stomach, Costilla is rib meat, Cuero the neck, Oreja is the ears, Patita Entera is the foot and Seso is the Brains.  Carnitas are not for everyone, even I draw the line with some of the cuts.  In reality, almost every part of the Cerdo (pig) is consumed so there is not much left to this little piggy except the squeal which is NOT on the menu.

Silao is located on Avenida Petempich in the Colonia Nueva Creación approximately 1 block north of Avenida Solidaridad.  All of the meats are cooked in traditional ovens that are somewhat built into the ground.  When you enter, the Cocineros have kilos and kilos of Carnitas ready for hungry customers.  A typical lunch for me would be 3 tacos Maciza, a small consommé de Borrego y Cerveza.  Price is about $150 pesitos.

Silao is not a Tourist spot, and it is rare to see any Expats there at all.  The Restaurant is huge with tons of tables both inside and outside in the rear of the restaurant.  This type of food is just as much culture as it is sustenance.  When I go it is usually with my Mexican Neighbors and is a true learning experience getting to know the different cuts.  For me it is always a unique experience.  As I have alluded to in my book and other articles I have a very large circle of friends here in Playa and rarely go anywhere that someone doesn’t know me.  Silao is no exception considering it is well off the beaten Expat path.  On many occasions, I have run into Attorney’s and Gestores (Facilitators) that I have worked with over the years.  It always raises an eyebrow from other Locals in the restaurant to be the only “Gringo” and even more so to be greeted by many well respected persons in the Community.