Off Menu: Exploring Mexico City for tacos, carnitas, pan dulce and more

In this special bonus episode of “Off Menu,� Food columnist Lucas Kwan Peterson heads to Mexico City to sample some of the city’s best food. He’s guided by three food writers and editors: Alonso Ruvalcaba, Claudio Castro and Renata Lira. They lead Lucas on a tour through different neighborhoods in the vibrant capital city, highlighting different dishes along the way.

Claudio takes Lucas to a part of northern Mexico City called Industriál where they sample carnitas, tender bits of pork shoulder, before heading to a local market for ceviche and freshly pressed sugar cane juice. Renata brings Lucas through the neighborhood where she lives, a quiet, serene part of the city called Coyoacán, home to excellent bakeries and Frida Kahlo’s Blue House. Alonso takes Lucas on a walking tour through Mexico City’s Historic Center, sampling tacos and other snacks on the street and in traditional Mexican fondas, or home-style restaurants.

Lucas also speaks with Jesús Tornes, founder of Expendio de Maíz Sin Nombre, a place that’s less of a restaurant and more of an experience. Tornes uses ancient techniques passed down in his home state of Guerrero to make simple, delicious dishes like picaditas with stone-ground blue corn and tomatillos, and chilate, a frothy, refreshing drink made with cocoa, cinnamon and piloncillo, reduced cane sugar.