Agios Aggelos: A Greek landmark in Zapopan

Greeks began arriving in Guadalajara during the 1930s. Looking to escape the turmoil of the inter-war period, many were en route to the United States while others stayed put in the city. Though only remnants of that community exist today, one of those remnants happens to be a fabulous place to eat. German Rallis, whose family owned a Greek restaurant in downtown Guadalajara in the 1940s, decided to open his own place, Agios Aggelos, several years ago. "I wanted to create something that could become a focal point for what is left of the Greek community -- to eat, drink, have a coffee. And in the plaza, in March, we hold a Greek festival, with food for the public, and where families come to dance and prepare their own dishes."

Located right next to the Zapopan arches, and with outside seating in good weather, it boasts one of most pleasant dining atmospheres in the metropolitan area. And the food only adds to the experience. Not so far ago, GR restaurant critic Glenn Bernard praised the extensive wine list, and a tangy feta cheese described as "the real McCoy." He went on to write: "Main dishes range from Pastitsio (described by one Greek culinary wit as a cross between lasagna and shepherd's pie), to Moussaka (baked eggplant filled with ground meat and Mediterranean seasonings), and an unusually tasty Spanakopita (a warm tart made of fresh spinach and cheese, enclosed in flaky pastry). All the above are accompanied by a Greek salad with yogurt dressing, and a lovely puree of potatoes laced with garlic and olive oil, called Scorthalia, or alternatively, an Athenian potato salad. Tsatziki, a zesty cucumber dipping sauce, is served on the side. The chef displays a sure hand throughout, from first course through baklava for dessert."
Agios Aggelos, located at 20 de Noviembre 356 is open Sunday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., Friday and Saturday until 3 a.m. Telephone: 3833-1131.

Scratch do Ouro: The gold from Brazil

Three young soccer players from Brazil came to Guadalajara two decades ago and never looked back. The people of Mexico welcomed them to their new home with open arms, and they have decided to share their culture in return.

More than a decade ago, Paulo Cesar Silva, Renato Porto and Edso Luis cut the ribbon on one of the city's liveliest Brazilian restaurants, Scratch do Ouro. Located in tranquil Zapopan, the secret of this restaurant's excellent cuisine and service has since spread throughout the resident Brazilian and native Mexican populations. And now the English-speaking community is finding out about this South American treasure.
Brasileña invades all your senses at Scratch do Ouro. Below the sky light running the length of the restaurant lies a cozy wooden dance floor surrounded by green, blue and yellow banners suspended from the ceiling. On your left you might see Paulo preparing a skewer loaded with freshly barbecued steak, smiling his welcome from the kitchen. In seconds, Renato or Filip Berto, one of Scratch do Ouro's bilingual waiters, greets the guests and shows them to their table.
The tables are laid out with Brazil's national colors. Once accommodated, Filip will hand you a menu and take your order for drinks. He returns shortly with a large tray full of over a half dozen Brazilian appetizers ranging from spicy baked potatoes, vegetables and empanadas to macaroni salad and onion rings. Then he explains what that funny looking thing on the table is for.
Half red, half green, the object in question is shaped like an hour glass and called the semaforo de carne –the meat traffic light. When the red end is up it means that all is well and diners are not ready for the main course. Once turned green end up, the constant flow of waiters streaming out of the kitchen will pause at the table and serve onto your cutting board –no plates here– whichever specialty meats they happen to have on the skewer. Top sirloin, three other cuts of beef, chicken legs and pork ribs can be summoned to the table simply by turning the semaforo.
After a full dinner you can sip on a Caipirinha Brasileira, the specialty drink of the house while taking in Brazil's next soccer victory on TV. But be warned that when the house favorite scores, the place comes alive with cheers and the Brazilian rhythms of a band of drummers. The drummers weave through the tables, gathering the jubilant fans and leading them to the dance floor where Renato shows them how to dance where he comes from. Regardless of whether Brazil is playing or not, Saturday and Sunday afternoons feature dancing.
The name Scratch do Ouro comes from the owners soccer-playing background and signifies, quite simply, the best or championship team, which is in this case, the Brazilian national team. For interested soccer fans, is not uncommon that Brazil's team show up to eat at the restaurant when in town, like in 1999 when FIFA Copa Confederaciones was held in Guadalajara.
Paulo, Renato and Edso welcome guests to dine with them from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily. The huge variety of drinks are two-for-one all day, and for groups of ten or more, two get to eat free.
For the quality of food and the service, the all-you-can-eat price of 280 pesos for adults and 140 pesos for children is a steal.
After 7:00 p.m. they have a special price of 199 pesos for adults. 
For those who just want to feast on the meatless appetizers the price is the same as the children's.

Scratch do Ouro is wheelchair accessible and located at Avenida Americas 350, in Zapopan, just north of Plaza Patria. There is ample parking and a small playground for the kids.