El Cardenal Awards

El Cardenal Restaurant Review:

A favored hangout for Mexican politicians and TV actors---as well as big families---El Cardenal serves well prepared renditions of time-honored Mexican dishes. Located in the historic center of the city, in the Hilton Mexico City Reforma and across from Alameda Park, the restaurant is in a huge, airy space with high ceilings and picture windows. Breakfasts of huevos rancheros or huevos à la mexicana (scrambled with chopped onions, jalapeños and tomatoes) are highlighted by sweet rolls and hot chocolate. At lunch, among the best dishes are tacos stuffed with a mincemeat and potato mixture and steamed within a banana leaf; chicken breast with goat cheese in mole sauce; or filet mignon cooked with butter and 23 spices. Most diners accompany their meals with traditional Mexican beverages---fruit-flavored water, tequila or beer---but there’s also a limited wine list.