Specia

Specia Restaurant Review:

Polish restaurants have enjoyed a certain prominence in Mexico City since 1979 when, on his first visit here, Pope John Paul II visited one. There are several, but the best is Specia, an intimate, although often crowded, space in the Condesa neighborhood. It is almost obligatory to begin your meal with a frozen shot of Zubrowka, a vodka subtly flavored with buffalo herbs, and blinis topped with a herring spread. Soups are terrific, particularly the hearty borscht, made with beets and chunks of beef; or the lighter mushroom soup. They make a standout steak tartare here, and a creditable goulash, but the most distinguished dish is the roast duck. It’s a half a roasted bird, with crispy skin and juicy, tender meat, served with sautéed red cabbage and mashed potatoes.