PRODUCT REVIEW · A few bits and bobs from Otomí

Otomí recently inaugurated their online shop. They got a little bit of everything, from food and kitchenware to gifts, souvenirs and novelty items, all imported from México. These three artifacts, a hand painted clay botanero -which includes a large plate plus 6 ramekins-, a comal (smooth flat griddle for cooking or re heating tortillas) and a tortilla press are really good value for money. 

The comal is specially sturdy. It cooks the tortillas like no regular pan could do, and the press works really well once you get the hang of it. The clay botanero  is really pretty to look at, but above all it's very handy when you have visits and want to offer them a good selection of bites and dips (even more so if you put in it some guacamole, pico de gallo, soured cream, refried beans and totopos, yum).

Order online or go visit their little Mexican grotto in Clifton Arcade if you live in the southwest, it's well worth it!

PRODUCT REVIEW · Viva la Frida, specialists in Mexican oilcloth in the UK

How curious is that. So many tables whether at home or at restaurants and markets in Mexico are covered in colourful manteles de hule and no one gives it a second thought. It might even be regarded as slightly tacky. But not over here, oh no. Kitsch is good, kitsch is trendy, bring on the kitsch!

Viva la Frida offers a variety of patterns and colours from .5 meters to full rolls. To give it a try, we ordered  a few remnants to check them out and they're fantastic. You can choose either warm colours, cool colours or a mix of both.

By the way, the cute Frida stamp in the envelope is just to die for.