From the moment we entered the historic district we were enchanted by the architecture that surrounded us. Mexico City is a mix of the old and new - cobblestone streets, modern markets, 16th century churches. The historic district is a melding of both Spanish and French architecture built upon the ruins of the Aztecs.

Knowing we would return, we began the hunt for our next hotel destination, stopping in at every building that looked old and intriguing. We came upon the Central Zocalo Hotel quite by accident while getting lost on our way to the plaza. As we entered the lobby to inquire about the property we were pleasantly greeted by the hotel concierge. She immediately offered us a tour of the property and rooms.

The modern-style room she showed us was located in the center of the hotel with a double bed and quaint Mexican tiled accents scattered throughout. Though a bit small by American standards, it was comfortable. We decided the next time we are in Mexico City we will stay at this quaint little hotel.

After touring the hotel we decided to stay and have a bite to eat at the roof-top terrace restaurant, Balcon Del Zocalo (Balcony of the Zocalo). We were given a table near the edge of the terrace that gazed out over the square and cathedral. The hummingbirds were flying about the flowered shrubs lining the terrace railing, singing their sweet tunes while sipping the nectar they were enjoying for their evening meal. The sun was setting and creating a beautiful backdrop for the cathedral and Palacio National. We felt like we were part of something special dining in such a magical place in the heart of the city.

We ordered a bottle of Nebbiolo from L.A.Cetto, a Mexican winery located in the Valley of Guadalupe in Baja California, and the Guacamole de la Mesa. The Nebbiolo is a soft, well-balanced red wine, similar to a Sangiovese. For the guacamole, the waiter brings a cart with all the ingredients needed for this amazingly fresh dish – avocados, onion, tomatoes, fresh limes and cilantro – and then makes it right at your table. Peeling and crushing the avocados, adding each ingredient one at a time to the stone bowl, then blending them all together, it was like watching your own private cooking show while enjoying the wine and view before you.

I noticed out of the corner of my eye a camera crew had entered the room and they were setting up. They were here to interview the renowned chef, Jose Antonio Salinas Hernandez.

For a few minutes, they watched our waiter making the tableside guacamole and decided to film the process. They asked us questions about our time here in Mexico. What we liked? Where we had been? They were here filming a travel show on great restaurants in Mexico City.

How fortunate that we had just stumbled upon this one! We sat enjoying the guacamole and wine while watching as they interviewed Chef Jose. When the interview had finished we continued with the rest of our meal. One trick I use when ordering at a new restaurant is to watch the dishes coming to the other diners and then ask my server about them.

One dish that caught my eye was a rice dish covered with beautiful prawns. Asking our server, I discovered it was Shrimp Risotto and it was the special for the day. We decided to share the risotto and a delicious tortilla soup.

First came the tortilla soup with homemade bread warm from the oven. This soup is made fresh per order and trust me when I tell you the freshness and flavors that arise from a bowl of authentic Mexican soup are one you have to experience for yourself. It has a rich, chicken-based broth filled with fresh vegetables and tortillas topped with fresh cream and avocado. The bread is perfect for dunking! We savor every drop and look forward to the risotto.

We had learned from our server and TV crew that Chef Jose was known as a master at combining the fresh flavors of Mexico with other world cuisines to create dishes that were truly unique.

The risotto is cooked to perfection, creamy and not sticky. The shrimp plump and juicy. Eating the risotto you can almost imagine that you are overlooking a piazza in Rome, not Mexico City. But that hint of cilantro and touch of chili brings you back. The shrimp melts in your mouth with every bite and the crispy tortillas are still warm from the oven. You cannot believe that you are sitting in the heart of Mexico City eating this scrumptious Italian dish, the perfect fusion of Mexico and Italy.

After our meal we sit and enjoy the view of the plaza. Night is falling and the lights are coming on. The staff has lit the propane heaters scattered throughout the terrace, chasing the slight chill from the air. Nothing is hurried here in Mexico. We sip our wine and watch the people in the square and the lights from the federal buildings and cathedral. Stretching out beyond the square you can see for miles all the colorful homes and architecture that encompass this historic square.

We cannot wait to go exploring!