A culinary home in Ajijic
After a few excellently crafted drinks by mixologist Rico in Ajijic’s Alibi Room Tuesday evening, this reporter and a friend went looking for some local tacos to take the edge off, but instead stumbled onto the four-month-old Cenadura Axixic, located next to the Masayume Sushi Bar just a half-block from Donas Donuts.
Lo and behold, one of the collaborators for this amazing local Mexican antojitos emporium was an original Baja Norte founder and later took over Alex’s Pasta Bar.
Now, together with his friends, he is grinding blue corn daily to make tortillas, tostadas and totopos (blue corn tortilla chips) to go with their ample menu (and you can order them to go as well). We tried the pozole rojo and enchiladas verdes and they were both sublime. The cold lemongrass tea is homegrown and served with honey, and was a nice complement to the meal.
Everything is made in house. The guacamole and salsa to go with the blue corn chips were gringo-tastebud friendly and even the pickled serranos with onions and carrot were sweet with only a slight burn that didn’t leave your mouth on fire.
Cenadurra Axixic has a liquor license, so you can enjoy beer, Mexican wines, tequila, mezcal or a mojito with mint, a gin and tonic with rosemary and cucumber or a margarita with your meal.
As of two weeks ago they have been open for breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the lunch/dinner menu goes from 2 to 10:30 p.m. Closed Sundays.
The mature and well-tended herb and vegetable garden in the back is where you might want to enjoy your meal. Work by local artists work is hung and two murals make this place memorable. Don’t delay a visit, as tables are still few and the word is getting out.
Open Circle
Werner Ruzicka will speak about “How to Keep Your Mind Sharp” at Open Circle, inside the Lake Chapala Society, Sunday, July 16, 10:30 a.m.
When we become older, our body becomes weaker and the mind loses its sharpness. Most people say that is old age.
But it should not be like that. Just a little bit of effort and knowledge and our ripe years will be a blessing and not a cause of suffering.
In this presentation we shall talk about the three essential parts which we should work on to keep the mind sharp:
1. The BODY: as the base for the mind should be kept flexible and strong.
2. BREATH: over the years the breath becomes shorter and irregular. This affects the general health, the emotions, and the mental activity. So, we should practice long, calm and regular breathing. Otherwise, we are quickly out of breath when we walk up the stairs.
3. The MIND: the main cause for a weak mind and bad memory is the constant distraction of the mind. With concentration on what we are doing at this very moment, we keep the mind sharp and in the present moment.
Registration is strongly encouraged. Reserve at opencircleajijic.org.
Saving Democracy
Next up in Democrats Abroad Lake Chapala’s Third Monday Meetup series: A timely online discussion about U.S. Democracy on July 17 at 4 p.m. CST.
Well-known political author David Pepper will present practical action steps and inspiration—to push back against the anti-democratic forces in the U.S. and their tactics. His latest book, “Saving Democracy,” was released in May.
Pepper knows what it’s like to work in the trenches. He is a lawyer, writer, political activist, former elected official and served as chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party from 2015 to 2021.
He has also written several books, including “Laboratories of Autocracy,” about the countrywide attack on U.S. democracy. Pepper also appeared in “All In,” the documentary highlighting activist Stacey Abrams’ fight for U.S. voting rights.
For more details—and to RSVP and buy tickets — visit democrasabroad.org/312781/july_17_meetup_saving_democracy.
Proceeds support Dems Abroad 2023-24 voter assistance and get out the vote activities.
American Legion Post 7
The annual Post 7 Christmas in July Artisan and Crafters’ Bazaar and Bake Sale will be held July 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are still a handful of tables left for vendors but they are going fast. Contact Jamie Butler to register, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Auxiliary will also have a baked goods table set up at the event. They are accepting your donated baked goods if you want to show off your baking skills. Proceeds from the bake sale go to local charities. Your yummy creations may be dropped off at the American Legion post in Chapala on July 29 or the morning of the July 30.
Chapala Birders
Thursday July 27, the Lake Chapala Birders will meet at 8 a.m. at the Sculpture (at the only traffic light in La Floresta, south-east corner, near Restaurant Pranzo), leaving immediately for the Rosa Amarilla Loop (a 60-minute drive). Expect to see a variety of grassland birds and possibly a white-tailed hawk. Bring refreshments for the morning and sandwiches for the 12:30 lunch stop. Return to Ajijic about 3:30 p.m. E-mail John at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least two days ahead indicating if you can bring a vehicle and can take others, or you would like to be a passenger.
Bird walks are open to all those interested in birds, both beginners and experienced birders. Just bring binoculars. There are always knowledgeable birders on hand to identify bird species.