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From jewellery to street food, film producer Bárbara Arredondo Ayala shares her favourite women-owned spots
Strolling through Roma Norte, Mexican producer and activistBárbara Arredondo Ayalais in her element, showing off the centralMexico Cityneighbourhood’s cool mix of tradition and trend. With its century-old facades, green spaces, and design-forward shops and restaurants, this is the capital’s artistic heart.
“It’s the energy in Mexico City, the layers of history in every corner, and the sense of feeling alive,” says Arredondo Ayala of what she observes here. Her day job keeps her plugged into the city’s creative culture: She’s reshaping the narrative forLatin Americanand Spanish women in the film and TV industry throughAnónima Media, a production company she co-founded.
In her leisure time, too, Arredondo Ayala throws her support behind the women in her city, whether she’s grabbing a bite at the curbside stand of the famous “quesadilla lady,” shopping from local designers, or indulging in a co*cktail at the bar of the world’s best female chef. Here are some of Arredondo Ayala’s top picks for immersing yourself in the local scene while supporting vibrant, women-owned businesses in Mexico City.
“It’s the energy in Mexico City, the layers of history in every corner, and the sense of feeling alive.”
For the best street food in town: Jenni’s Quesadilla
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Every morning around 10 a.m., Jenni, “the quesadilla lady,” sets up her stand at the corner of Colima and Merida in Roma Norte, drawing locals and tourists alike for her famed quesadillas, tlacoyos (stuffed masa cakes) and pambazos (salsa-dunked sandwiches). With options ranging from meaty chicharron and tinga to vegetarian delights like pumpkin quelites (wild greens), hongos (Mexican-style sautéed mushrooms) and flor de calabaza (pumpkin flowers), there’s something for everyone. Arredondo Ayala swears by the quesadillas with huitlacoche (corn smut, also known as Mexican truffle) with green salsa. “It’s such a treat. I get excited just thinking about it.”
For a cherished souvenir:Sangre de mi Sangre
Some of Arredondo Ayala’s favourite jewelry is by designer Mariana Villarreal, whose flagship shop, Sangre de mi Sangre, is in Roma. “I get hooked on a piece for some time, and it’s very telling of that moment I’m living in,” says Arredondo Ayala. Here, you’ll find handcrafted pieces made with recycled metal and natural stones, including elegant rings that marry minimalist design with the intricate details of Mexican heritage, and bespoke bracelets that combine traditional metalworking techniques with contemporary flair. You can also venture to the nearby Colonia Juárez neighbourhood to explore Villarreal’s studio atGeneral Prim 30, a 20th-century mansion that also showcases photography and contemporary art exhibitions.
For posh sips and snacks:Salón Rosetta
In Roma Norte, an elegant 19th-century mansion houses Rosetta — the restaurant of Elena Reygadas, recently named the World’s Best Female Chef 2023 by the World’s 50 Best. And tucked away on the second floor, you’ll find a lesser-known gem that complements its famous sibling: Salón Rosetta. Bathed in the warm glow of vintage lighting and adorned with lush greenery, the intimate bar feels both cosy and luxuriously bohemian. Known for its creative co*cktails and elegant tea service, it also serves snacks and small bites, from crystallized Jerusalem artichokes to risotto croquettes with dried chilies, and tiny, perfect seasonal desserts.
For statement fashion: Maison Manila
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This local label sets the sartorial standard for the cool kids of Mexico City, offering what Arredondo Ayala describes as “the uniform” of Roma and Juárez, its neighbour to the north, where the shop is located. Designed by Rossana Diaz del Castillo, the fashion house is known for its unisex looks and limited-run collections in luxurious fabrics, such as Japanese linen and Italian silk and wool. Solid, mostly neutral shades with occasional pops of colour define the esthetic, and pieces can be worn from day to evening. “They did this series of kimono jackets in wool, and I am obsessed,” says Arredondo Ayala. “I want one in every colour.”
For contemporary food and drinks: Meroma
This Roma hot spot, from restaurateur Mercedes Bernal and her chef husband, Rodney Cusic, is celebrated for its farm-to-table cuisine, with unexpected dishes like quail marinated with harissa, and comfort-food favourites like handmade agnolotti. But it’s also the duo’s passion for wine, spirits and co*cktails that keeps locals coming back for more.
The constantly evolving menu of co*cktails especially strike “the perfect blend of everything,” says Arredondo Ayala, who considers this her “Cheers,” a place where everyone knows your name. Her go-tos include the whisky sour and the Hot Rita, the latter made with maracuya (golden passion fruit) and mescal, showcasing the bar’s flair for combining traditional ingredients with a fresh twist.
