Even the most miserable expats find it hard not to get caught up in the excitement of Mexico’s Independence celebrations. Many enterprising restaurants will create special menus and events for the occasion, while others will offer their regular fare but with more joviality than usual. Here is a sampling of Lakeside’s culinary options over the Independence Day weekend.

If you’ve not been to Kim Everst’s Number Four restaurant in Ajijic, then you’re missing out. The wine list is ample, categorized by price and well designed for the novice with descriptions of each bottle’s flavor, the cocktail selection includes all the favorites and a lively martini list and the menu is just broad enough but still kept to four pages (bilingual) and a one page special sheet.

If you enjoy old-time Mexican recipes, this event should be on your “do” list.

One of the latest malls to open in Guadalajara can be found at the southern end of Avenida Chapultepec in the ritzy area often referred to the Zona Rosa (Pink Zone).

Two truths about Mexican cuisine: 1) not all street food needs to be of the taco variety and 2) you don’t need fancy surroundings and a hefty check to enjoy quality grub.

The pitaya season is now in full swing. The cactus-type fruit enjoys a six-week harvest in Techaluta, Jalisco and surrounding municipalities. Truckloads are delivered daily to Guadalajara, and sold in local markets, on the streets and especially in the downtown Nueve Esquinas neighborhood.