How did this place come about and what made it different from the start?
Simón Punto Café was born from the desire to share coffee in the neighborhood where my mother grew up and where I now live as an adult.
What part of the day, space, or creative process do those who work here enjoy the most?
Ana: I really enjoy living in Simón. I think it's shown me completely new dynamics, coming from a very different place. Learning to live in the space, making it part of my life, bringing things to decorate it, interacting with people. I like how complex it can be to be in a small place, but with so much spirit. Another thing is seeing the street through Simón's eyes, especially in the afternoon, and actively participating in its upkeep makes me feel good. It's like we're growing up by teaching each other things and taking care of each other :)
Kat: I find it interesting to create a routine and a ritual within Simón. I think that being on two such busy avenues allows you to choose to own the street, to be a part of other people's daily lives, and also to create a community among the neighboring stalls. The mornings are hectic and fast-paced, and I really enjoy choosing what kind of music suits those times of day. It's always appreciated when someone decides to sit down for their coffee at the next table.
Lolo: I enjoy meeting my neighbors and sharing the space with them.
What has been an interesting challenge that has made you rethink something about the project?
Being aware that we are exposed, being a sheet metal shop, we are at the mercy of the urban chaos.
What influence, idea, or reference continues to shape the way you work today?
Simplicity, water and coffee.
What place, project, or person has inspired you recently and why?
Our neighbors and collaborators, people who travel to their workplaces or schools every day, always with the drive and composure to carry out their daily activities.
If your space could invite someone to collaborate for a day, who would it be and what would you do together?
It would be a pleasure to collaborate with Mazatl, Rodolfo Baquier, El Selba, El Ojo Peludo and have them intervene in the spaces.
Is there an object, corner or detail of the place that has a story that few people know?
Since it's a small space, every corner is important, but Donatello disguised as Michael Jordan is my Horcrux in the place.
If this project were a city, a book, or a record, which would it be and why?
It would be the book "Like Water for Chocolate," because everything we do is made with passion and love, but it would be written by Jorge Ibargüengoitia. Our humor is sharp and sarcastic. The screenplay adaptation would be by Luis Alcoriza, the director would be Rogelio A. González, the director of photography Nacho López, and the soundtrack would be Pato Machete's album Contrabanda.
Answers by Emmanuel Martínez
