[JAH]

It has been requested that I start a thread addressing the topic of mealtimes in Mexico. More to the point I guess would be how does one know when the various smaller establishments are open for business. Although I run across a closed restaurant occasionally, it has only caused me to shrug my shoulders and move on. That's probably easier for me because I know I'll be back in the near future to give it another try. When a person is in the area just now and then, it is definitely more frustrating.

I think a good place to start is with a discussion of when the people of Mexico traditionally eat their meals. It sort of goes like this:

Early morning - Coffee and pan dulce

Mid morning - full breakfast

Around 2 or 3pm - la comida - the main meal of the day, most always eaten at home with the family

7 to 9pm - la cena -- tacos, tostadas, etc., often eaten out

It isn't always like this, and not all regions follow this, but it is fairly widespread. When you arrive in Mexico, the sooner you fall into this rhythm, the better off you'll be. In fact, my husband and I find ourselves trying to do it here in the States. We find we vastly prefer it over our usual 3 rigid meals a day.

Many of the changarros that are mentioned on this forum and other places on this site open and close around this kind of schedule. There are others that are only open in the evening when the business is better. The clue for the evening meal is to not arrive too early.

So this is a start. Hopefully many of you will have additional words of wisdom.