By Sal Guarino
While San Miguel has a gazillion places to get your provecho on, my wife and I were initially hesitant to try those restaurants right near the Jardín Principal, suspicious that they might be tourist traps, of lesser value than outside of the main square. I’m happy to report that we were mostly mistaken, especially when it comes to one very special spot, Café Umarán, just a few steps away from la Parroquia at Umarán 8. The only sense of being trapped we experience there these days is feeling enveloped by personal warmth, kindness, and exceptional service!
Since our first visit to Café Umarán last summer, we have returned dozens of times and now usually go several times a week. Why so often? They make it easy to return. For starters, the food is great. Offering a simple yet sufficiently diverse café menu, there’s something for everyone. We routinely enjoy various coffees, croissants, and several other breakfast items. When feeling like something more substantial, a baguette of jamón serrano, a hamburger, or an abundant order of salmon toast, all flavorfully dressed, and consistently prepared well, are among several delectables that do the trick. When in the mood for greens, I prefer the ample spinach salad drizzled with truffle oil and chicken. In addition to the balanced selection of tasty fare, you can add a glass of great wine, such as 3V from Casa Madero, or a drink from their bar that has all the basics.
Even better than all of my aforementioned high praises, the most enjoyable treat offered at Café Umarán is the personal experience that always lifts our spirits. Its subtle lighting, warm, stylish, and cozy décor, including a unique ornamental tree that is decorated seasonally, will instantly put you at ease, setting the tone for a relaxing time. That’s when you can enjoy interacting with the kindest, friendliest, and most genuine workers you will ever encounter. They’ll bring the cliché of making you feel at home to life through their palpable enthusiasm to serve, kindness, and genuine desire to give you a great experience.
When recently having some internet issues in our house for a few days, I visited Café Umarán on those mornings in order to work on my laptop. Upon arriving the first morning, I felt a little uncomfortable knowing that I would be docked for a few hours at one of their tables, so I mentioned my situation to Sofi, one of the waitresses, hoping it wouldn’t create an issue. She didn’t even blink about my intention to be there all morning. Instead, she immediately asked if I would like the music lowered so I could concentrate better. How thoughtful and accommodating!
Periodically, Jaz, another kind and friendly member of the team, gives us a little bag of galletitas with a smile and a word of thanks for coming in so often. As sweet as the crackers are, her obvious joy in making the repeated gesture of gratitude is far sweeter. As a couple who is still settling in here in San Miguel, making new friends, and adjusting to life in another city (and country in my case), we deeply appreciate having a segunda casa, as these dedicated workers pride themselves on referring to their welcoming environment.
Moments like those I have shared with you here describe just a few of the many considerate gestures we receive from our friends at Café Umarán. Some would consider their thoughtfulness and gracious actions to be “above and beyond.” However, we know firsthand that to Eduardo, Sofi, Jaz, Angi, Hilda, Linda, and the rest of the team, making us feel special isn’t merely a once-in-a-while business objective designed to impress. It’s more about a handful of wonderful individuals simply being who they are, and it’s what we love most about visiting Café Umarán.
We are not surprised that after less than two years in business, they just opened a second location – Bistro Umarán – around the corner on Jesús 3. There you can find a wider lunch and dinner menu and a more spacious open-air seating area. Most importantly, the same warm welcome and VIP treatment await you. So, if you feel like feeling special today, and you would like to experience some of San Miguel’s richest treasures, its kind-hearted people, stop in at Café Umarán or Bistro Umarán and tell them that Sal sent you. You will be glad you did!
Sal Guarino
Born in Brooklyn, NY, now settled in Centro with his Mexican wife, Sal brings a rich set of life experiences to the table. “SALudos de San Miguel!” shares his joy for living through a lens of gratitude and positivity here in SMA. Sal’s first book “SALutations!” was published in 2018. Contact: salguarino@gmail.com
