Comedor Campestre

“A university with a dining hall?” you might ask. Right here at the Comedor Campestre, the name itself hints at a fascinating story. Comedor Campestre, meaning “country dining room”, might evoke images of a rustic retreat. But this particular “country dining room” is nestled within the bustling urban landscape of Mexico City, specifically in the Colonia Campestre. The story of Comedor Campestre is intertwined with the history of the Colonia Campestre itself. This neighborhood, part of the Álvaro Obregón borough, has a rich past linked to the historic barrio of Tlacopac, as well as the San Ángel Inn and San Ángel colonies. In the early 20th century, the land that now forms the Colonia Campestre was part of the Hacienda de Guadalupe. This hacienda was owned by José de Teresa Miranda, brother-in-law of Porfirio Díaz, and the Mexican ambassador to Austria-Hungary. In 1916, his widow and children divided the upper part of the hacienda. This division created the Colonia Campestre, with two main streets named after the former owners. The development of the neighborhood continued. Franz Boker, a prominent hardware merchant, built the “Yellow House” in the 1919s. He encouraged German families to settle in the area, leaving a mark that can still be seen in the street name, Cerrada de Franz Boker. Comedor Campestre, situated within this historic neighborhood, likely emerged to serve the growing community. While specific details about the Comedor Campestre itself are scarce, its location in the Colonia Campestre provides a rich backdrop. Today, the area is known for its residential charm, tree-lined streets, and single-family homes. It also features a growing commercial corridor along Avenida Revolución. The area’s evolution from a hacienda to a thriving urban neighborhood speaks to the constant change and growth of Mexico City. So, as you stand here, before the Comedor Campestre, imagine the echoes of the past. Picture the hacienda, the arrival of German families, and the gradual urbanization of the area. This seemingly simple dining hall represents a small piece of a much larger story, a testament to the layers of history embedded within the vibrant tapestry of Mexico City.