Log onto any Infatuation city’s homepage—be it Denver or Philly—and there’s a good chance we’ve just reviewed a new restaurant that brands itself as “Mexico City-inspired.” But beyond tuna tostadas dressed to kill and small-batch ceramics, what does that label really mean? In this episode of Restaurant People, Hannah and Bryan talk with chef, author, and Mexico City native Pati Jinich to find out. 

In this episode, you’ll get:

[0:02:12] Notes on Mexico City as a tourist destination in 2019 vs. 2025

[0:06:17] A discussion of Mexico City’s impact on New York City dining 

[0:10:18] Hannah and Bryan’s observations on what Mexico City-inspired restaurants in America have in common

[0:13:50] Chef, award-winning author, and host Pati Jinich defines the dining culture of Mexico City and the term “Mexico City-inspired restaurant” 

[0:20:55] Pati Jinich’s take on Mexican cuisine as a mother cuisine

[0:24:21] A game of ”Is that Restaurant in Mexico City or America?”, based on Instagram posts alone (visit the Infatuation’s YouTube channel to see the game played in full with photos)

[0:29:30] Pati Jinich’s thoughts on the recent influx of tourists in Mexico City 

[0:32:16] Bryan and Hannah’s reaction to the proliferation of Mexico City-inspired restaurants in America