BY NAAILAH AULADIN
When I agreed to write an additional column in the paper about noteworthy La Paz businesses, I made a list, a very long list.
How could I not?
La Paz is what I consider a “crossroad” town meaning that La Paz resides in the intersection of new and old technology. We simultaneously have businesses using the latest technologies as part of their daily operations while multiple others rely solely on more manual, specialized skills for theirs.
This instantly fascinated me when I moved here. In a world where technology is evolving at such an exponential rate, it was so refreshing to walk around town and marvel at the incredible craftsmanship that this town has to offer. This column is fun for me because now, I get to write about these incredible businesses that coexist side by side.
While selecting businesses to be featured here, I am open to all businesses. Whether in the service industry or product-oriented, utilizing old or new technology, I am happy to write about it. My focus and promise are to bring you the hidden gems of La Paz. I will review the value, customer service as well as quality. Additionally, I will look for businesses that are contributing actively to society and are engaged in the community.
For my very first “La Paz Gems” I made the conscious decision to write about an experience I had last Wednesday.
I’ll admit, that I had my top three businesses picked already and after experiencing a weekly food trek, guided by Chef Richard, the owner of M Bistro, I knew that I had to write about it first.
My decision to write about this tour was not because it was a free tour or because we got to taste a variety of different treats from fresh cheese to locally sourced cold brew coffee, artisanal mezcal, herbal artisan elixirs or local candies. It was also not because Chef Richard so graciously and generously hosted the entire group after our tour or that he treated us all to delicious, perfectly balanced margaritas accompanied by his in-house baked pita bread, still warm from the oven served with his dip trio and tangy salsas.
None of these reasons, even though very compelling, convinced me to write about this trek. I was already pre-sold before any of these events even happened.
Chef Richard’s food trek is an act of service to this community. His goal with this tour is to shine a light on the various local businesses in La Paz as well as sharing his favorite spots.
“When I moved here three years ago, I walked everywhere!” he shared while guiding us. “I tried as many restaurants as I could, exploring all the time.” His genuine love for La Paz is apparent. The tour was comprehensively curated, with stops at some bulk spice stores, where the prices were not only affordable but also cheaper than your average big box store. We got to visit the oldest barber shop in town and got introduced to the original owner, who still charges a ridiculously small amount for a haircut, ending our tour at the Mercado Bravo.
I purposely omitted many details from the tour, leaving plenty for you to experience on your own. I can say confidently that I learned more about La Paz in a single day than in my six months here, and you too have a chance to attend it.
Currently, the trek is held for a limited time every Wednesday, from 10:30 a.m. to around 1 p.m. To book yours please message me at: +52 612 2914564 or www.eatatmbistro.com,
Chef Richard and his staff are currently accepting donations for a family that they are supporting. We were advised: “Cash and/or gently used goods and clothes welcome, but not mandatory.”
To add to his generosity, Chef Richard is extending a 15% discount off his menu at Bistro M to anyone who shows up to the tour with a copy of this article. Enjoy!
