Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

La Porfiriana Restaurant

Puebla, Mexico

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

Currency Exchange

Some of Mexico's most beloved foods have their origins in Puebla, and the city is known for its cuisine and sweets. We found a restaurant across from the Plaza with outdoor seating that became our "local hangout." We and friends would meet up there for coffee, smoothies, lunch, dinner, happy hour, or before we'd walk the streets of Puebla for the day.

In all the times we ate there, none of us had a bad meal.

Take a look below!

La Porfiaiana

A Porfiriana is a female supporter of Mexico's president Porfirio Diaz.

He was considered to be a dictator, and lost his ruling power when he rigged an election against his running mate, Francisco Madero, which brought about the Mexican Revolution in 1910.

There is a bit of a play on words under La Porfiriana - "Antojeria Poblana." The people of Puebla are called Poblanas and so is a famous chili pepper used in cooking. So the phrase Antojerie Poblana is Poblana Craving. Does it mean that this restaurant will satisfy the people of Puebla's cravings? Or does it mean that if you have a craving for Poblana food and peppers, this is the place?

Menu of typical food from the Yayi kitchen

This menu advertises traditional Mexican food from a Yayi Kitchen.

A Yayi is slang for a sweet-natured, energetic "party animal." They tend to be jokesters, but caution! Don't mess with them! Yayis are leaders, not followers and you should never lie to them.

Food coming from a Yayi kitchen is good, honest, clean food with outstanding flavor.

Tortilla Soup, aka, Aztec Soup

This is a very tasty, tomato and chicken broth soup that you can find all over Mexico.

In the bed of the bowl there are thinly sliced, crispy tortilla chips and sliced avocado. The broth is usually poured over these ingredients at the last moment in front of the patron, in order to keep the tortilla chips crispy.

Tortilla soup, a closer look

Did I mention that this soup has a spicy kick? Also, one can put additions into this soup like shredded chicken, pork, or beef, some sliced green or yellow onions, some grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream.

Very tasty!

Arrachera nachos

These were very tempting.

Arrachera is a marinated flank steak that is just melt-in-your mouth delicious. The Nachos themselves had olives, tomatoes, onions and a grated cheese on top.

However, in a turn-of-the-head-surprise, Velveeta cheese was plopped on top here... Haven't had Velveeta on purpose for decades! (Am I being a cheese snob? Maybe...)

Still... it was yummy.

The Standard Chicken Caesar Salad

Sometimes for lunch we'd get a Chicken Caesar Salad. It's the standard offering and the chicken was tender.

"Our" table, street side

Often we would sit at "our" table which was street side. We'd watch people walking by, tour buses come and go, and the light change on the beautiful Jan Hendrix painted aluminum sculpture in the plaza. 

If you look at the napkin holder, you will again see the QR bar code to photograph in order to get the menu online, and on your phone.

Porfiriana Drink Menu

We made the decision to become familiar with Mezcal, a product of this area of Mexico.

We've been Tequila drinkers because we have come to respect Mexico's national drink and have visited the blue agave fincas in Jalisco. Tequila is a lot more complex and subtle than the novice would realize.

For the sake of research I tried a copita of 400 Conejos for $5USD, and my second one was the Montelobos Espadin for $8USD. The difference between these two Mezcals was striking.

To me Mezcal is a more POWERFUL flavor - smokey and distinct - with the alcohol content higher. While the Montelobos was smoother than the 400 Conejos and actually delicious, it's still a true "kick in the head" of a drink.

I don't-be-needin' that, if you know what I mean.

Montelobos Espadin with orange slices and chili salt

If you look closely at my copita, you'll see the "legs" of the Mezcal clinging to the sides of the glass. This is the same "test for body" that wine drinkers do when they are tasting wines.

My Mezcal was served with orange slices and chili salt.

There is no gulping with either Tequila or Mezcal, and no "throwing it back into your throat."

These are drinks that one must respect, and every single little drop-of-a-sip has FLAVOR. The sweetness of the orange and the salt/chili combination made my experience of this beverage memorable.

Back to my Tequila, Billy bought me roses!

The Mezcal was memorable, but I do prefer the nuances of Tequila. We plan to go to a Mezcal distillery on another visit to Puebla, and perhaps I'll learn what to look for in my tasting, so as to appreciate it better.

A young child was selling roses, and Billy, The Rose Man bought me a bundle. This gorgeous packet of petals set Billy back a whole 10 Pesos, about $0.50US cents!

Behind me, in the upper right hand corner of the photo, is once again the Jan Hendrix metal sculpture with the light on it.

Pedro, Akaisha and my plate of chalupas!

Billy and I ordered a plate of chalupas to share. These are tasty little bites of flavor that are native to this area of Mexico. Refried beans, various salsas and shredded chicken on top.

Really good!

Cup of coffee between friends

This could be somewhere in France, right?

Mais oui!

And... well the French did leave their influence here as shown by their pastry shops, baguettes and their impact on food in Puebla.

If you get the chance, visit Puebla, Mexico and enjoy all this city has to offer; Skybars, great food, historical streets and more.

La Porfiriana (La Porfiriana - Antojeria Poblana)

Open daily at 9 am to 10pm

Av. Don Juan de Palafox and. Mendoza 203, Downtown, 72000 Puebla, Puebla, Mexico

Tele: 222 503 7728

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For more photos and stories on Mexico, CLICK HERE

VIDEOS, VIDEOS, VIDEOS! See Mexico for yourself! Beaches, Bars, Babes, Great Food, Live Music.

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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