Quirky, amusing, one-of-a-kind, best describes Café Rama. From the outside, the restaurant appears compact and unassuming, but once you step through the threshold, you’ve entered a sizable wonderland of whimsy. Original artwork covers the walls; unmatched chandeliers cascade from the ceiling, old-school cartoons grace the big screens; this is funk at its best.
And the food – fresh, imaginative, and delicious.
Location: Nemesio Díez #7, Centro in [amazon_textlink asin=’1640492704′ text=’San Miguel de Allende’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’theyums-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’208bea95-e371-11e8-8596-e317b85fe444′], [amazon_textlink asin=’1465457119′ text=’Mexico’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’theyums-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’33781fec-e371-11e8-8596-e317b85fe444′]. It’s a block from the main street, Ancha de San Antonio.
Menu: The menu is as eclectic as the decor; there’s a dish to suit every palette. You’ll find Croque Madame and Monsieur with a Mexican twist, and a variety of salads and Paninis. In the mood for something heartier? Look no further than the Swiss fondue or Pot Pie.
Thoughts: As we entered the restaurant, my eyes darted everywhere; there was so much to take in. It was sensory overload, in the best way possible.
We were seated adjacent to a bijou jewelry shop: looking closer, I realized it was [amazon_textlink asin=’B07HMMR465′ text=’Virgins Saints & Angels’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’theyums-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’0c5cd4e3-e371-11e8-8efd-57737d2fda57′]; a well-known line made in San Miguel. As our waiter approached with menu’s, he said, “The owner of Café Rama is the designer behind the jewelry line.” I knew the food had to be original, and memorable, like the jewelry. And it was.
My husband decided to try the pork panini with Manchego cheese, cilantro mayonnaise, bacon, red onion, and lettuce. It came with a cucumber, tomato, avocado, and onion salad. If that wasn’t enough, there was a side of potato salad.
The pork was tender and perfectly seasoned; the cheese added a layer of yum along with the other ingredients. He complained it was, “too much food” while cleaning his plate.
I ordered the tuna salad sandwich on an English muffin; it came with fries. The tuna was unlike any I’ve had. Cilantro, fresh peas, a little mayonnaise, and fresh herbs were mixed lightly and placed on a freshly baked muffin. Light and flavorful; it was delectable.
While the bakery case with its homemade cakes, pies, and pastries, was tempting; we grabbed several giant chocolate chip cookies to munch on later.
Take time to peruse the jewelry and artwork for sale. The owner’s husband is the skilled artist and Café Rama’s chef. Talk about talent; this couple has it in spades.
Price Range: Prices are reasonable; our lunch including a beer and wine came to $23. Croque Madame, and Monsieur $6. Swiss fondue $18. Pot Pie $12. Tuna salad $6. Paninis range from $6-9. Beer and wine, $2-4.
As hopeless Francophiles, she and her husband are planning to move to France; spring 2019.
Barb's articles have appeared in a variety of publications including The Good Life France Magazine, International Living, Fund Your Life Overseas, and more.
She's a member of The International Travel Writers Alliance (ITWA).
Visit her blog at; Chasingthenextchapter.com
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