El Mercado/La Margarita

The circle of life is not more apparent than when you take your own child to somewhere that you went as a child.

This happened to me yesterday. I thought it would make me feel old, but instead, it gave me that warm/fuzzy feeling.

We went down to Milam Park for an event, and parked outside El Mercado. One of my daughters spotted a bright pink building caddy-corner to us. I explained that it was the Smithsonian Museum called Museo Alamdea. She didn't really care what it contained - she was just fascinated that there was such a thing as a bright pink building.

We went over, and found that admission was free, although they do ask for a small donation.

The museum is the ONLY one sponsored by the Smithsonian outside of Washington, DC, and I was proud that it was located in our own San Antonio.

Our stomachs were empty, so we made just a quick tour of the museum, and will have to come back with more time.

Just outside of Museo Alameda lies El Mercado.

When I was growing up, we came to San Antonio every year to visit family, and I ALWAYS asked to visit El Mercado, or "The Mexican Market". I loved the colors and the music. My husband and I realized that it had been FIVE years since we had been here - and the kids were all too young to remember it. It struck me that my two oldest ones were just the age that I was when I fell in love with the magic of the market.

The Mexican Market is the largest of its kind outside of Mexico. On one side, you will find a long, green building full of stalls with pottery, purses, clothing, and other items that compete with any rainbow for display of color.

To the other side, there are several restaurants, including La Margarita, and the famous Mi Tierra. In between is an outdoor walkway only for pedestrians. There are more vendors selling hats, blankets, and artwork here. Peruvian wind music plays in the background, and several fountains add a steady, calming untertone. It reminds me a bit of the French Quarter in New Orleans, but with a San Antonio flair.

There is a lot to take in, especially for a child.

We chose to eat at La Margarita. We arrived around 4, and were able to be seated right away. Although it had been a long time since we'd visited, my husband and I remembered that we loved their tomatillo chicken enchiladas.

As with any Mexican restaurant, we were first served chips and salsa. However, not all are created equal. Rob and I agreed that this salsa was FANTASTIC. We quickly ate through it all, and discovered that once you stop, the heat of the salsa settles in, and you no longer have taste buds. We quickly ran through our water and had to ask for more. But, we also asked for more salsa. (I think there is no better way to stay hydrated than to consume a bit of spicy salsa in San Antonio - you will be drinking hoards of water after that.)

We found the enchiladas to be every bit as good as we'd remembered, although our ability to taste them was somewhat hindered after the salsa. That's ok - the portions were HUGE, and we brought some home for lunch today.

We also love La Margarita for the mariachis. It adds to the ambiance. If they play at your table, tip them a few dollars. If they play across the room, you will still enjoy the music, but will also be able to hear your conversation.

When we left, having some homemade pecan pralines in our to-go bag, we discovered a huge line to get in. This is typical. We ran into a friend who had an out-of-town guest. Obviously, she was well-aware that this is one of the best places you can take company if you want to give them an authentic San Antonio meal.

Temporarily, our daughters felt like they were on vacation. Nostalgically, (my dictionary says that's not a word), I remembered the wonder I felt at El Mercado, and was happy to be sharing that.

Definitely, we will be back. And we won't wait another five years.

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La Margarita
120 Produce Row, 227-7140
Visit La Margarita's Website!

Smithsonian Museo Alameda
101 South Santa Rosa, 299-4300
Visit the Alameda's Website!

Market Square (El Mercado)
Visit the Market Square Website!

Mi Tierra Restaurant and Bakery - open 24 hours a day!
Visit the Mi Tierra Website!