Marjorie left yesterday after her short visit and I had breakfast at VIPS, version of a Mexican Denny's. Suiza Enchiladas and Eggs was great. Later that evening I went to my Sunday haunt, Casa Celia and tried a dish similar to Paella but with Pasta. It was satisfying. On my return Salma and Arnud pulled up on their motorcycle after dining at Aldama Mediterranean restaurant. I had not seen the two of them together in so long I had to take a photo while listening to their coming plans to visit Italy for 10 days of feasting. They were budding restauranteurs when Deek and I used to visit them at their first place in La Noria...over 10 years ago. Now scouting out locations for there 2nd Restaurant with the same concept as there existing "Humar" which has been very successful as I am sure the new one will be!
Their smiles never fade!
St Patrick's Day this year was on Benito Juarez's designated Holiday to Celebrate his Birthday. Yes I love Benito Juarez but wanted to Celebrate and honor the recent death of my long time Irish friend from Western N.Y. that I met at the Dubliner Pub in Arizona on St Patrick's Day 1989....Joe Duffy. Joe also served as an Infantryman in the Vietnam War at the same time I did. I was a cook!
We drank a lot of beer together since we met. We smoked a wee bit of pot too. We visited in Amsterdam as well as Quepos Costa Rica. Oaxaca does not go out of it's way to celebrate the Los Patricios Irish contingent that fought for Mexico and against the U.S. during their last war with the U.S. They were hung for siding with Mexico. My mid life crisis was spent at the Dubliner along with about 15 years of my life. I enjoyed the music, the Irish people (made a couple trips to Ireland) the wonderful comradery we shared year round, not just on St Patrick's Day. I spent almost 2 hours looking for a Pint of Guinness to toast my long lost friend. Just as I was almost home I stopped at Cafe del Elfo in Casa Barro for one last try and happily the reply was so you want a small bottle or an Imperial Pint! YES. I threw in another beer and some Jameson's Irish Whiskey (Irish wine) and toasted Jimmy O'Conner and Calum McIntyre. All alone but together in spirit...or spirits I should say. Mixed emotions, I cried and relieved memories gone.
Will have to try out this place soon. Wonder if they have Buffalo Wings? Real ones.
I had late lunch at Aquacate after recovering from yesterdays Spirit intake.
Today I'm off for a bit of shopping and to have lunch with Deanna again at Cabuche
We both had Chili Rellenos with a Mole Sauce...so good.
Our resident children playing "make believe" while adults were helping trim the plants and rake. Place looked great. Especially this evening.
Today, Vince was playing with Dr.Z at Cafe del Elfo, so I went over early to have another one of their Hamburgers! A group from our complex also came to listen.
Beautiful Grand St Bernard was getting out of the Van so I tried to take a photo but he had other ideas. Vince
Kintaro for dinner today with Damien as my server. I had not been in a long time. They added more delectables to the menu! I started with an Eel and Avocado roll and a glass of wine. Then a small rice bowl with Fresh fish, cavier and veggies. I finished with another glass of wine and Panko Chicken with a tasty tartar sauce. Wonderful meal and service.
Bedded down at Midnight, Slept like Gary, one of our resident dogs.
Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley and coffee followed by an episope of Landman, 1923, and finished with Yellowstone. I'm hooked on Taylor Sheridan...great writer.
I got a rejection from a SERVAS stay in Breda Holland so I booked a hotel for 3 nights and set up a tour of the Murals there. I was going to dinner at somewhere different and changed my mind in the 90% heat and ended up having Shrimp, Wine and a Blueberry Tart at the local Ramen restaurant where I met a waitress from Vancouver that just arrived last month in Oaxaca with her husband the cook. She grew up there and was an avid skier at Whistler.
Went for my massage today...thank you Eliz for 1 1/2 hours of heaven. Breakfast at Cabuche!
14 years ago I bought woven drink coasters from him. Now his legs are giving out, his eyesight is bad, his hips hurt and he is selling toys....but he is out there every day with a smile.
Mens or Ladies?
Barry, my neighbor , has a membership at a local hotel that allows him to use the pool if he dines in the restaurant and gets a 30% discount...guests included. I am not much of a swimmer but met him after at the restaurant for Soup, Salad and Savignon. Nice lunch and conversation.
Spinach and Bacon Salad with a Pear and Goat Cheese Tower...very good. Had Aztec Soup.
Lunch today at Cabuche. Tostado with Nopal, Tomato, Cheese followed by fresh Mushrooms and Pasta with dried tomatoes and Chocolate Pie.
This morning I took a photo walk to M & M Cafe for Poached Eggs on Greek Yogurt with Oaxacan Hot Sauce and Sourdough bread!
Good Samaritan Day in Oaxaca. Always a favorite as everyone is in a good mood with a smile and free drinks for all in Oaxaca. I finished with dinner with Lee at Yuku Sushi. I had Goya and Eel with Rice. Fun day...nice dinner.
Forgot the Rice dish...photo.
Sunday Deanna came over to see my apartment before we went to dinner at Casa Celia. We had a Botana of Serrano Ham, Assorted Smoked meats and tapas with wine before dinner. I had Leeks with assorted Vegetables and nuts with a brown sauce while Deanna had the Fish of the Day in a Stew. Great meal.
5 days before departure! I'm getting anxious. Deanna is also on her way to Eastern Europe after I leave. Both of us are taking 10 weeks of travel...alone.
Hot day...went to Aquacate for dinner with plan to visit Democrats Abroad after. Avocado Toast was excellent but I arrived 10 minutes early for Happy Hour and no one was there. I trudged home in the heat.
I leave in 3 days so will send this out. You can look forward to seeing what Cold weather is like in Haarlem, Netherlands and how David is surviving in his new environment. Wish me luck. Stay warm and dry.
