CHINICUIL: In Nahuatl language, it means “chilli caterpillar”. These are red-colored and they inhabit the base or core of the maguey plant leaves. They are sold dried or fresh, and are eaten in tacos, either fried or roasted.

QUELITES: DIt means 'edible herb' in Nahuatl. Includes a variety of tender greens, sprouts, leaves, saplings, and some flowers as well. Experts state there are around 500 species of plants known as quelites.

XOCONOXTLE: TThis is the sour prickly pear fruit found on cactus. Usually deep pink or purple, it can be used in savory and sweet dishes. They can be stuffed with a savory filling or added to mole de olla (beef and vegetable stew), salads and sauces. In desserts, they can be cooked into compote, or candied with brown sugar. It grows mostly in San Juan Teotihuacán, Otumba, San Martín de las Pirámides and Nopaltepec.

ESCAMOLES: Also known as guijes, these are the larvae of two ant species. They are eaten in different dishes, such as in broths, as a stuffing for acid prickly pears, in tamales, tacos, baked or in sauces. Escamoles are prepared at your table when in season.

Source:  Diccionario Enciclopédico de la Gastronomía Mexicana,

by Mexican Chef and Researcher Ricardo Muñoz Zurita,

editorial Larousse México 2013

History

It was born millions of years ago from the Gordo Hill and southern Patlachique Hill volcanic eruptions. It was destined to become an icon in the region's history.

Used as a corn depot from the first settlements in 100 BC to Teotihuacan's glory in 650 AD, La Gruta had an important role in the different stages of the Teotihuacan culture. "Mother Earth's womb" kept their most valuable possessions.

From 1904 to 1922, there was a period of discovery and rescue of Teotihuacan. It was initiated and impulsed by President Porfirio Diaz, who named archaeologist Leopoldo Batres in charge of this project. During that time, it was known as Porfirio Diaz' Gruta. He gave it this name because he invited people to check the project and offered them a feast also to brag on his discoveries and findings.

La Gruta was so important and notorious in those days, that when Francisco I. Madero overthrow Porfirio Diaz, he held a banquet here to take power. During this period, it was used for banquets and special events for high profile people of the time.

In 1926, Mr. Filiberto Cedillo, then the Regis Hotel manager, acquired it. Along with his wife Asuncion Arce de Cedillo, who was in charge of the kitchen, at their restaurant they serviced 800 people daily 365 days a year uninterrupted.

Several well known historical figures from around the world have visited La Gruta and have enjoyed our dishes. For example, Charles de Gaulle, John F. Kennedy, Emperor Akihito, Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, Maria Felix, among others. Since then, a visit to La Gruta has become a tradition through the years. A tradition that is kept with your visit.

The leyend of La Gruta

Since year 100 BC, our ancestors and their legends have said that La Gruta was the origin of life. The womb in which men were born.

The Oztotl or Gruta depths, protects the ancient ritual of the new life. It is the place where  “tlatoanis” or rulers, descended the serpent staircase to talk to Xolotl, God of Fire. This god had the power to live in two worlds. He was responsible of helping the dead in their journey to Mictlan as well as initiating the ritual of new life.

The fire that symbolized a life change, the rebirth of a new man was born in the Oztotl or Gruta. The “tlatoani” would come out of the Gruta born again from the bowels of the earth, praying to Ehecatl, God of the Wind, to blow, to light and boost his fire, his new life.

At La Gruta, visitors descent again to the bowels of the earth, lighting a fire as a renovation symbol to receive the energy to be able to feel life flourishing again.

And this way, everyone is born again: a new man, a new woman.