Since my favorite restaurant Ayuk Gourmet is gone, I have been scouting around for a replacement. The little place where I had breakfast last week completely failed. Enchiladas Souza and the coffee didn't get it. They were very nice but did not know what they were doing. Another spot close that my new friends were inquiring about because it was closed, was open a few days ago so I stopped it to try it. Very from scratch real Oaxacan Mexican food...but extremely small portions . It is called Coquina Hua-Xha Cocina Traditional. Very attractive Mom and Pop. Again there was a waitress, Cook and the Manager in the small kitchen area bumping into one another...not professional. The food, what there was of it was good but only had a Stew consisting of one chicken leg (like one you would get with Buffalo wings) in gravy with rice. I ordered a Tlayuda with pork, advertised to be their specialty, to take home. I had to add stuff to it to make a snack.
The Kitchen
A quick note about bad jokes...I am not trying to change anybody's mind about anything. Just trying to take you on a walk with a Retired Nomad that likes to travel, and eat. Hopefully the "travel bug" will get you if it hasn't already.
I had lunch with Dick at Terranova today. We hadn't seen each other in a month so I completely forgot to take any photos. I stopped at the pool hall to replace my stolen Stick. $100 bought me a metal but nice one. I went the put it in the locker we hare...and lo and behold...My Stick, Case, glove, and tools were there...I guess someone borrowed it but sure took a while to return it. Lucius returned my money no problem. I will start next week. Never assume or expect anything in Mexico...and stay patient and respectful.
I returned to the new restaurant to try the breakfast but it was closed when he told me it would be open. Red Flag.
Another recommended one was and it was good but not the variety of Ayuk. It was good but not exceptional.
Tasajo cut of beef with the grain making it difficult to chew.
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| Gringo sunning herself...never saw modest Mexican women do that. |
Maddie and I finished our Domino game and tried a different Mexican Restaurant that has been around a long time. It was our first visit but not our last. The food was very good. I ordered Chicken Enchiladas Mole, but they were out of chicken, so it came stuffed with Ham...not my choice but very good. She ordered Fried Chicken and accepted Fish instead. All good and reasonable. Located in Jalaltco on Republic: El Biche Pobre.
Aspiring Entrepreneur selling handmade Ceramics
He has been sleeping on the stone walk for days!
Today I returned to my old neighborhood in La Noria to try Cafe Local, a new restaurant that Portia had recommended. Very good late afternoon supper of Baked Fresh Salmon on Mashed Potatoes with assorted grilled fresh Veggies and a Berry Macha Latte....all excellent. $15 includes tip.
Before I walked into this place, I noted a huge photo of the food I ate...It said 160 pesos. I ordered it but my receipt was 170 pesos...thinking like a gringo I complained and he pointed to the menu that said 170. I went to the hostess and complained and thought she was going to get me my 10 pesos. The manager was talking to 2 salesmen at a table nearby and he said...what does the menu say! I will never eat there though I could care less about 10 pesos...they forgot to remove this huge 6 foot sign and refused to reimburse the difference. Then I realized...this is Mexico and you are upset and your BP is now high because of 10 pesos...50 cents. I let it go but will not eat in any of their stores.
Visited the Oaxacan Library today...not the gringo one. I like the building. Children were visiting. Took lots of photos then ended with lunch at Chilaquiles, a favorite Mexican fast food cooked to order. 
Children's Art Room and Creations
Today I ate the "Comida" at Cabouche. Excellent
Something I have never seen. They are embedded in the concrete and are hard metal so can do damage if someone runs over them but the owners of the space just press a button and they lie flat. Very smart.
Today I stopped at a favorite Cafe for a nice Cappuccino and later in the afternoon, visited Kintaro for some Japanese food served by Damien who just graduated from college. He almost failed because he scored 7.9 in German but 8 is required. He did a make up and passed. 
I had the Sukiyaki for 2 and took home dinner for the next day.
This morning I attended the broadcast Opera Aida from NYC.
Our Opera House is beautiful. I took this photo from my seat.
During the break I left for lunch at Cafe Local. I kept falling asleep!?
The following day I saw a broadcast from the library on my computer without having to go and strain my hearing. Quite nice.
I had a massage with Eliz today so arranged to meet Helen, Halina and Barbara for coffee afterwards at Margolie and Magarite a very nice Cafe.
It was raining light under our Bougainvillea, so our photo didn't come out well and she was a little light headed from the jet lag.
View from my living room.
Today I played Pool for the first time in 3 months? I forgot how. It was embarrassing but all my pool friends were very supportive. I rushed to catch the bus and forgot my camera.
Michelle arrived from Chicago last week. Tom and Lezli from San Diego are on their way. Marjorie arrives in March...I will enjoy seeing all my friends. How nice. Have to get my tickets for Europe! Just got an invite to Aix France, a place I've always wanted to visit.
I will get this blog out today....love to all.
