As a travel and food writer, I have had any number of pseudonyms, but probably the most familiar has been the Phantom Gourmet. It’s hard to calculate the number of readers. To-date since it all started back in 1992 there are some 131,584 recorded worldwide views over various magazines and media platforms. Added to which, I am proud to be a contributor for two columns here as the Phantom Gourmet and as San Miguel Jack for this publication, with its with its healthy monthly publication.
So what it all amounts to is whichever city or town, wherever in the world, the Phantom Gourmet visits, the opinions are not always about food. They include artistic and cultural observations, the emotions evoked by different travel experiences, be it street food, cafes, restaurants, hotels, and cruise adventures. Stories, meant to inspire, and if I’m lucky, to take you on an extraordinary journey with me. From the beginning as the son of an airline pioneer, 161 cities and 51 countries later, the PG has been sharing travel and culinary encounters, which are meant to indulge in the pleasures of travel and leisure, tempting one's imagination, senses, and palates. In every case, the credo remains the same, to arrive anonymously and to share, humble, fair and unbiased, ‘not paid for in any way’…reviews without reservations.
Similar to the Michelin Star rating awards. Likewise, here even one silver spoon has merit. In other words, it was an interesting discovery. In many instances, off the beaten path, perhaps something for the more adventurous traveler. In any event m, to take you where you may not have been.
The Silver Spoon Awards:
One silver spoon: Interesting find, here for the taking
Two silver spoons: A taste above most, it captured one's imagination
Three silver spoons: An emotional standout - good eats, just feels good
Four silver spoons: Aesthetically different - multiple returns
Five silver spoons: Par excellence in all areas; vibe, decor, service (not necessarily the most expensive by any means), and extraordinary artistic gastronomy, worthy of high praise!
Art Garden Café - One of a kind Cafe. Four Silver spoons. Ask anybody who has found this charming cafe and six-bedroom bohemian boutique hotel; a super Expat hang out, with off-the-charts praise by Trip Advisor world visitors. ‘Aesthetically different, worthy of multiple returns.’ Owner, James is the friendliest in the business with General Manager & Concierge, Uriel, at your service, “anything you need.”
Casa de Sierra Nevada Belmond, a hidden gem in the heart of the city - Five Silver spoons. Like so many places in San Miguel de Allende, behind fabulous old doors, exist hidden gems. The Belmond boutique hotel is no exception (a part of the prestigious LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton luxury group of hotels in Italy, England, Peru, India, trains, river cruises, and safari lodges in stunning destinations around the globe) Casa de Sierra Nevada, tells its own fascinating story with her guests of the rich and famous, all held in strictest confidence. Dining in this quiet tree-planted, old stone-tiled courtyard, you feel as if you have stepped back in time. The Belmond Blue bar is a favored spot with local expats for pre and post-dinner drinks. Then there is the coveted Tunki rooftop bar with its inspired almost ‘reach and touch me view’ of the Parroquia. The Belmond is just another example of the long history of culture, beauty, gastronomic wonders, and hidden luxuries to be discovered.
Ki'Bok - A hole in the wall with muy-bueno coffee. One Silver spoon. You smell the coffee aromas as soon as you step in. This little hole-in-the-wall cafe is its second location in Mexico, the first opened in the jungles of Tulum. Some have raved about 'the best' coffee in San Miguel. I'd have a hard time endorsing that, as there are more cafes in San Miguel than in Rome, well that too is a stretch. I'd guess the locals would tell you their favorite. But if you pass by Ki'Bok and feel like a coffee, freshly made orange bread or chicken focaccia, you won't be disappointed.
Altar - Nuevo Mexican
Pre…reviews without reservations courtesy mention. The Phantom Gourmet hasn't yet been as it just opened last month. With Executive Chef Jorge Avendaño in the kitchen, this promises to be epic! Stay tuned… I’m already polishing my silver spoons.
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