Candice Roterman

What’s special about Mexico City?

Mexico City for me is a colorful chaos. Growing up in this city meant embracing traditions, merging in traffic, living in color and enjoying wonderful food and views. 

Tell us a bit about your brand, Mexycandi, and the idea behind it

Mexycandi is a brand of accessories and bags created to show Mexican craftsmanship through a Huichol technique which uses colorful glass beads, woven in playful patterns. Every piece is carefully handmade by Otomí artisans which makes them unique.

My vision is to create unique pieces, which also support craftsmanship and contribute to maintaining traditions and techniques alive. 

Thanks to the artisanal process no two bags are alike, and all of them will bring a special and playful touch to any outfit. Mexycandi is 100% Mexican, aiming to represent the essence of our country’s identity and art through our bags. 

Which are the places in the city that inspire you the most for your work?

I grew up in San Angel which is an old neighborhood and to me one of the most beautiful in the city, located in an area that has kept the Mexican style. I live near an artisanal market that every Saturday brings together the most ancient techniques in Mexican culture.

With many expats moving to Mexico City, where do you go to get a glimpse of authenticity?   

I always recommend going south of the city. Expats are discovering and settling in Condesa/ Roma and Polanco, but San Angel & Coyocan have so much to offer: places like Frida's House, Diego Rivera's Studio, San Angel Inn restaurant. And even further south, Casa Pedregal, Tetetlan, Sala Ollin Yolitzli, Xochimilco (our Mexican Venice), Arroyo restaurant, and many more extra traditional spots.

What are your favorite restaurants in the city? And places for a late night drink?

My favorite places are San Angel Inn for margaritas and old fashioned cocktails; Fonda 9999 with the best food from Merida (south of Mexico) and an authentic Yucatan menu.

Always try Mexican sushi. We are crazy about Japanese food but we also have peculiar combinations like Tampico, spicy mayo and creative combinations. I recommend Suntory, Ninja or Tori Tori. 

Nothing like a great breakfast with chilaquiles and Mexican food at Sanborn's, which could be described as a Mexican diner. The one from downtown is unique and has been with the same style for many years (Sanborns del Centro).

Italian food is hard to find but we always have Cipriani, and a new cozy place in la Juarez called D´rosa.

As for cool places for drinks and good food I would recommend Martinez in la Roma, with a cool speakeasy.

Do you have any suggestions of local bakeries?

In addition to Mexycandi, I own a French bakery, Le Petit Lola, which I consider to be one of the best in town. My father, being French, started making bread in Mexico in 1980 and is well known among the best bakery chefs in Mexico. We also make seasonal traditional breads like "Pan de muerto" for Day of the dead and "Rosca de Reyes" for Three Wise Kings Day. If you come across a traditional, provincial Mexican bakery (with painted windows and tiered cakes), go in and try the polvorones (Mexican wedding cookies) and conchas. 

The best places for handcraft shopping?

For handcraft shopping you have to go to Bazar del Sábado ( San Ángel) on Saturdays or to one of Mexico City’s best kept secrets: Fonart in av Revolución. You’ll also find beautiful pieces inTienda MAP in Polanco or Teteltan, which has a great selection. 

The coolest boutique hotels for a stay?   

I love Condesa DF because it has a lovely souvenir shop with great finds, good breakfast and it’s in the heart of Condesa; Ignacia has great interior design and its small and exclusive, with a great location in la Roma. I also really like Casa Goliana, a very cozy bed and breakfast in la Roma that feels like a home.

If you’re looking for something bigger the best ones are located in Reforma, our main avenue; obviously I have to mention the Four Seasons and the Ritz, which are set in a fun neighborhood and very close to la Juarez and downtown.

The museums or art spots one should not miss?

The Anthropology Museum offers a great insight on the history of all our multiple indigenous cultures. Frida's House, Casa Azul, is a must. Museo Kaluz has wonderful private collections with some of my favorite Mexican painters including Clausell. The Palacio de Chapultepec is beautiful and has an extraordinary view of the city. And definitely try and visit one of Barragan's Houses, my favorite Mexican architect by far.
Bellas Artes is a wonderful venue for events and concerts, they have a traditional Mexican Dance show a few times a year.

An escape from the city to recharge in nature or connect to your inner self?  

A great plan to recharge in nature is waking up early and going to Chapultepec’s Park and having a nice breakfast at Casa Lago. 

I also always find the pyramids in Teotihuacan amazing and beautiful and if you go on a weekday it’s the best place to find inspiration and magical energy.