Author: David Taylor

While shopping for souvenirs a brief rain came up….

AMAZING HOW FAST THE TARPS AND UMBRELLAS GO UP

I bought some French Chocolates made in Mexico City that have Mexican flavors and spices .  Then I returned home and ate them.

I SHOP AND OTHERS BEG

OR WORK Friday was our last Dominoes Game…I got lucky and won. That afternoon I met Michelle at Biznaga for a nice lunch.  This is her salad and my Mango Coconut Soup….outstanding.  but then later they came with my Beef Wellington …which I would not recommend.  Michelle was showing me Pictures on her laptop of her recent trip to Michoacan where the Monarch Butterflies migrate each year.  It was a tour I had considered but haven’t got there yet.  I was so wrapped up in watching the presentation….I forgot to take picture of Michelle.  She had a Taxi pick her up to take her back to her home in Teotitlan.         This was good Friday and the “Silent Procession” was starting.

Woven Palms

       I bring all my Medicine for my expected time here BUT was short on one so went to the pharmacy to buy it.  You don’t need a Doctor to write you one here. BUT they only had it in tablets and 2 mg instead of 5 mg and ONLY one 20 pill box which wasn’t enough and I wanted capsules…I couldn’t order any as they checked the warehouse? and none to be had. Now I may have to return early.

       I stopped at my Chocolate shop to have a Hot Chocolate…the best I’ve ever had.  They grind up the Chocolate then dissolve it in hot milk.

            My friend Marc was at the library when I stopped in to see who was around.  He referred me to a Mezcal Store not far away and walked me there.  They have Mezcal from all around Oaxaca.  Bottles or Barrels.  Fusions with fresh Pineapple, Apples, and exotic fruits, Aged , Young, Wild, Cultivated….and CHEAP…I bought three bottles.

MARC HOLDING UP HIS PANTS

SIPHONING A SAMPLE THROUGH THE JAGUARS MOUTH INTO A BOWL I stopped into one of my favorite restaurants near by for lunch. Nice Fruit and Vegetable Salad  followed by  Delicious Chicken Breast stuffed with sliced apple and goat cheese in a Passion Fruit and Orange sauce with Rice steamed with Avacado Leaves…great Chocolate Mouse….$3.60

I met Halina and Nora that evening for a farewell dinner.  Nora left for Arkansas to stay with her son and Halina returns to Detroit and her roommate. 

Plume Dancers in Training

WEEK’S LAUNDRY…DROP OFF PICK UP SAME DAY $2.40

       Wednesday I reluctantly awoke and was in the Dental Chair by 12:10.  The routine shots, wait, and have at it. Well the tooth was so loose by this time I could have taken it out.  She was done with that in 10 minutes…then prepping the jaw for the bone implant, packing it in and stitching it up…1:30 I left having had my mouth open for over an hour. Whew…everything went well.  So I decided to treat myself to an Oreo Cookie Mocha Smoothie and a Homemade Cinnamon roll. both were outstanding.

          On the way to the bus stop I passed by the Mariposa where I stayed on my first day in Oaxaca and there was Usi my first Mexican friend putting up decorations for Holy Week.  He took time out to give me a “Thumbs ” up which made my day.

 …..and NO DRAFT GUINNESS…a sorry excuse for a “PINT’…top it off with NO Cornbeef or Cabbage.  Did find one Happy Mexican Leprechaun tending bar.

Chicken and Macaroni Salad for dinner and returned home.
          Friday was Dominoes with 6 of us having Breakfast first then playing for 3 hours only to place third but good fun!  My dentist emailed me to come in on Monday, a day early  to remove the stitches…then I can start planning what to bring to our Pot Luck Easter dinner in Teotitlan de Valle.  Again another good nights sleep.

          Today I’m off for dinner at Luna y Sol and a Symphony at the Opera House after.
         I encountered part of the Holy Week Celebration.  

THE SPRING KINGS

         Then stopped at the Pablo Cultural Center to view a new exhibition.  

SIENNA ITALIA

SURE IT WILL BE MORE INTERESTING THAN BURGERS

       Then went to my Cafe Barrista to kill some time before Luna y Sol opened for dinner at 7 pm. I had the French Press coffee and a Galleta served on a STONE…never in USA…little touches I love.   

          I still had a few minutes to browse the neighborhood.  This was the most familiar area in the city, next to Colonial La Noria where I live, but each year brings change.  This Cafe was new so I heard about Art y Chocolate Gallery which was another new place.  I stopped in out of curiosity and discovered some wonderful paintings , sketches, watercolors by the owner as well as a mix of ceramic art , T-Shirts, and CHOCOLATE…it was displayed in a nice case at eye level and I thought the candies were fake at first…just another art creation.  They were art but real Chocolate and the best ever in Oaxaca.  Very much like my favorite at Tres Bistro but all different sizes, shapes, and colors.  I almost bought them out after having a sample but controlled myself and vowed to return soon. 

        Luna y Sol was 5 minutes from opening but after persistent pestering I got the bartender to allow me to wait inside.  I had the place to myself and ordered ASAP so I could make the concert.  The Pizza was great and the second I’ve had since I arrived 4 months ago.

        I arrived at the free concert 5 minutes too late.  Some people were allowed in but they had gotten their tickets in advance….even though it was free they still required a ticket but the booth was shut down along with me.  I went home and watched Russel Crowe in  A Beautiful Mind…the story of John Nash an amazing Princeton professor that had Schizophrenia, went on to return to teaching, win a Nobel Prize and is living in N.J and still visits the campus.  Great movie !
      Palm Sunday….lazy day and no I did not go to church…  instead I ate at Tres Bistro where I watched the Palm Sunday procession from the Basilica.

DOES NOT LOOK LIKE MUCH BUT DELICIOUS

       This Monday I stopped at Mary and Bill’s to take some photos of my future apartment next year…possibly!  Then on to have my stitches removed and say goodbye to my Denista. 

        I stopped to have a beer with Darcy at the Zocalo just in time to watch the Holy Monday parade.

COUNTED OVER A HUNDRED HORSES…JUST KEPT COMING..PASSING CANDY TO THE CHILDREN TOO

       Friday I met Sharon for my Sabe Dinner at another new place I had wanted to try Tor…
She met me there and we chatted while I waited for my meal.  She had ate a big meal and treated herself to a Mezcal instead.  Sharon is a very active retired person from Chicago that speaks fluent Spanish and teaches English on the side. She is good friends of Halina’s and we have been to San Agustin as a group for a day trip.

       My first course was watered down black bean soup, second a three ounce piece of whitefish on rice with a side of mango salsa and the last was three fried tortilla chips with fruit jam in between.None of this was worth taking a photo of.  We had a nice chat but when I got the bill I noticed IVA 58 PESOS?  It looked as though it was a tax as the 250 peso Sabe was like 225 but then they charged me for my drink that was supposed to be part of the meal.  I figured it was some tax so added a tip and left.  Sharon went to a dance concert up the street and I headed for the Palacio for an Art Opening. Walking through the Zocalo I spied Saul, a waiter and friend at Tres Bistro out doing his job getting customers upstairs the the restaurant.  Then Sharon showed up  as the dance was a bit loud so we both went to the opening and stood through some “talking heads introduction of the artist” , and a ribbon cutting before scarfing some free booze and leaving. I googled the IVA tax and found out it was an “added” tip…so the guy got double!!!#$%

       Saturday I walked to the dental office of the Periodontist I was referred to.

 She was busy and offered to take me at 6 pm but instead I made an appointment for 9 am Monday morning for x-rays and a consultation then stopped at the Organic Market for an Omelet and some Kale for my smoothies then retired early that evening.

     It was Sunday and I was determined to have Brunch at Diverdico where I had lunch a couple weeks ago.  Everything was impressive and I was anticipating a very special meal. The Service and the Cappuccino was excellent .  I picked the French Omelet Stuffed with Meat and Goat Cheese. served with an Avocado Sauce. The Omelet was nice a fluffy and full of flavorful meat but I couldn’t figure out if it was Beef or Pork…then realized it was Cabra or Goat. That was OK but there was no Goat Cheese that I love and think would have made the dish special. Then there was a lot of fat on the meat…so I paid the bill and decided only to return for the Coffee and atmosphere.

         On the way home I spotted my friend Darcy had returned from Canada and they were having a wake for a friend that died a couple years ago.  Every year on the anniversary of his death a group get together and order his drink with 8 straws and each person takes a sip of his drink in his honor. I think it was Capt Morgan Rum and Diet Coke. Darcy’s sister Pat was there with her significant other Dick. Jill, who owns Casa Colonial B & B was there with 2 of her guests, and Jan, who I had gone to a village with her to look at a house she had for sale on Valentines Day three years ago.  She supports the library system in the State of Oaxaca and did sell her house and now has and even nicer one….if that is possible. It was a stunning day but I left and did my taxes and filed them.
         Monday I had my consultation with the dentist then to the Clinic for Panoramic X Ray of my mouth.   I had my last Sabe dinner at the Catedral, a wonderful restaurant

Excellent Crab Cakes on Creamy Polenta

Broiled Fish with Stuffed Clams

.      

Very Tasty Poached Fruit in a Thin Pastry Cup with Carmelo

       Tuesday there was a “Play” at the library .  Two Actors put together a series of Skits that were
humorous and entertaining. I stopped at Berlina again to try the Currywurst which was good…

Then attended the show.

The Oaxaca Sabe had their End of the Show Tasting of all 24 restaurants with free Mezcal and Local Craft Beers.  I was early so stopped next door for a Coffee.

         It was 8 pm when the doors opened.  I was first in a long line of people waiting to enter while all the different restaurant Chef’s and crew were hastily unloading and setting up at the last minute.

I attended a lecture Tuesday afternoon on Organic Farming in Cuba by two missionaries from Nebraska or some place where it is cold. They spent 10-14 days in Cuba visiting communal gardens where people grow food.  Russia had helped them set up Hydroponic grow Pads but when the Russian economy went down, they couldn’t get the fertilizer necessary to grow food in water so converted them to gardens using organic compost.  They were interesting but didn’t seem like they were very interested in Cuba that much.  Halina and Karen attended so after the lecture we all visited Morocco for dinner.  I had the Sabe with a salad starter

then the fish entree but the fish didn’t look or taste done…it was barely warm swimming in a yogurt dill sauce that was great..  I didn’t eat it all and could get the one waitress for an Espresso with my dessert so we finished and left.Karen had the Kebabs and Halina a cous-cous dish with vegetables.

NOT VERY ATTRACTIVE OR CREATIVE

I checked out the kitchen and noted it was so dark and kitchens HAVE to be bright! I might try a lunch or breakfast but never a dinner again. We passed a dance class on the way home.

       Wednesday I returned to Santa Rosa and my final Cap fitting…it still didn’t feel quite right but
after the Dentist worked on shaping it a little better and cemented it in, it felt better.  Not as good as
the tooth that was removed.  I was stupid to let that doctor take my money and mislead me…a real hustle.  Well now I have to see a specialist that my Dentist recommended .  He was her instructor in Dental school but now is semi-retired but I went to see him that afternoon.  They were closed for Siesta so I returned home.
       Thursday I decided to go to one of my favorite restaurants, Tres Bistro for the Sabe Dinner Special. . On the way, the band was playing and the people were swaying.
     

VIEW FROM TRES BISTRO OF THE DANCE BELOW

, one from the water, another from the earth and the last a Vegetarian meal.  I choose the water.

FREE APP TO GO WITH MY WINE

CREAM CHEESE WRAPPED IN FRESH SALMON TOPPED WITH CAVIER

WHITE FISH WITH SEAFOOD STUFFING ON SPINACH

LEMON CREME CUSTARD IN RASPBERRY SAUCE

NICE BEER SELECTION BUT I HAD WINE

NICE GERMAN POTATO SALAD

GOULASH WITH  RED CABBAGE RICE AND SMALL SALAD

SACHER CHOCOLATE CAKE

   Halina and I met at her house and walked over to Cabouche for dinner with Helen. It was raining and only one other table with guests when we arrived and left. Halina had the Pozole,

Helen had a Turkey salad, and I had Corn Soup and Memolitas (Little Tortillas but crimped along the edges basted with lard then refried beans with a little spice…all topped with Chorizo on one, Pork another, and Chicken on the last then all topped with pickled red onion and fresh avocado)

 I had to take one home.They hired a Limo when visiting Cuba.

I forgot my camera so Halina is sending the pics.
     I have been waiting a week for my crown and today is the day…BUT I didn’t like the fit on one side…it seemed to expose my roots or not cover them.  We sent it back to thin some of that side so it
should fit better.

LOVE THE GLASSES

MY SMILING DENTIST AND HER SMILING BROTHER

BACK TO THE BUS

THERE ARE FERAL DOGS EVERYWHERE AND SEEM TO GET ALONG..THEY NOTCH THEIR EAR IF THEY HAVE HAD SHOTS AND BEEN SEEN BY THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT?            I bought a new T-Shirt today.   This is such an awesome day…just perfect..I left early to have Brunch at a new restaurant and then to attend a Cello Concert in the Opera House.  Neither happened…wrong address for the Concert…but later in the afternoon. I passed a village attending a funeral…when you die here…everybody that knows you attends the funeral. The Restaurant was closed..so I opted for the Zocalo and an OK Breakfast while listening to the Oaxacan Symphony playing nearby.  I found it hard to leave but returned home to just enjoy doing nothing.  I passed by the funeral but they were now waiting inside and the deceased was waiting outside for the pall bearers!       Tomorrow is the start of Oaxacan Sabe   I might just eat out everyday this week to check out the restaurants serving this 3 course special .  I opted for Morocco, a highly recommended restaurant.         It was another nice day….want to go for a swim?   I had to stop by when I noticed the door open.  I continued on to the Morocco, only to find   there were 4 other gringos from the library with the same idea but the place was closed???  Toscana was my back up option but Suzanne informed me that it was pricey. All the listed restaurants are 250 Pesos for 3 courses so it is a good opportunity to check out all classes of restaurants.              Toscana was in a cobblestone street and back alley area that had been revived.  It was a nice upscale Italian Restaurant that didn’t serve Pizzas and they started me with a nice pour of Tinto Vino…followed by a beautiful presentation of Diced Beets on a circle of fresh Avocado Slices with Chopped Pistachios and Chives garnished with Creme Frache topped with a little Olive Oil.          Steamed Filet of Mahi Mahi was the entree.  It was served on Scalloped Potatoes in a bed of Puree of Asparagus and topped with Shredded Asparagus with Green Onions.         The dessert was  simple but elegant.  Two Butter Cookies with Fresh Blackberries in between topped with Vanilla Ice Cream and Garnished with Blackberry Puree and Mint Leaves.  I was pleased with the entire meal. I hope you were too?  I looked at the Extensive Menu and found prices in the range of the upscale restaurant it was.  I would bring guests there or take someone on a Special Occasion.  It was late afternoon so I called it a day.

       Deke, my upstairs condo manager from Montana via Oregon, stopped in for coffee after returning from 3 weeks in Cuba with a couple of French lady friends of his.  He mention 3-4 different places he visited but I didn’t write anything down…he just lives upstairs in case I plan my trip.  Trinidad was a crowded tourist spot with lots of Germans, French, and Canadians on holiday.  Europeans flocked to Cuba after the Paris Terrorists attacks because they are advertising how safe it is anywhere in Cuba at any time.  It is.
     He staying in people’s homes for average $25 a night including breakfast.  That is one or two people. He stayed in a upscale  more modern part of Havana then later in an older part where he was
hosted by the granddaughter of the ex President of Cuba.  It had been his home when he was President.  His host showed pictures that had been taken by one of Castro’s two photographers that followed him around the battlefield as well as the world.  One had been a relative or friend.  She also had collected memorabilia of Earnest Hemingway when he lived in Cuba.
     They visited a village built by the French that they liked a lot. His flight on Air Mexico was around $375 round trip from Oaxaca.  Taxi were around $7-10 and Collectivos were less than $2 I think.  He did say to go now before it gets worse.  It will be packed when the Americans can freely go back and forth and will probably never be the same…as was the fate of Prague, Krakow, East Germany, Saigon, Hanoi,etc

     I had a nice lunch at Biznaga’s Chicken, Vegetable Soup with a Pear and Blue Cheese Watercress Salad. I strolled home checking out back alley shops I pass frequently but never explore…found a couple new restaurants too.

SOME UNIQUE BREWING PROCESSES ON THE LEFT AND REGULAR ON RIGHT

CHECK THIS OUT…TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT EVERYTHING…THE BOOK ..COOKING ???WHAT…THE MEZCAL GLASS.

CEVICHE SERVED LIKE SOUP…GOOD, SPICY, BUT NOT MARINATED LONG ENOUGH

coffee growers.  I thought I’d give him a try on the way to Halina’s. I forgot to take my new mid-day 25 mg Beta Blocker for my Blood Pressure and was feeling faint so thought the caffeine would pump it up a bit. Two weeks ago I was taking 50 mg twice a day and now 25 once…with my heart rate up and blood pressure down.

  It worked and I had another Cuban presentation as well as meeting some new friends.  Nora from Holland was there, Bill from Boston showed up and introduced himself along with Karen from San Francisco…just across the Bridge…I assume the Golden Gate or could be to Oakland?  Helen and Helena had a good time and lot of photos and stories to tell.  I’m thinking of making the trip.
     Helen leaves in a couple days to return to Rochester and visit her daughter in Raleigh, N.C. I am
taking her and Halina to dinner as a farewell and a chance to spend some time with my fellow travelers.  I walked Helen back until I we separated but not without having the best Hot Chocolate in the world and the Chocolataria. .
    Dominoes took up the Friday afternoon.  Just Hank and his wife Charlotte from Canada.  Both beat me but they are an enjoyable fun couple so I wasn’t too upset…wait till next week!#$*@&.
   We walked back to the library and on the way stopped at different stands set up in honor of  Good Samaritan Day…I think Oaxaca is the only place that celebrates it.

CHARLOTTE AT THE LAUNDRY..WHERE NUNS DID THE WASH IN 1600 AT THE CONVENT

HANK, THE ENGINEER TRYING TO FIGURE HOW THEY GOT THE WATER IN THERE??

           I went to the market and returned to defrost my refrigerator and make soup.  So pleased and so much of it but it needed salt…I swear the salt here….gets saltier the longer it sets.  I kept tasting and adding instead of waiting a while to taste…so I added some beets, more carrots,amaranth, onions, garlic, spinach and another 1/2 pound of lentils to dilute the salt.  Now I have soup for a month or two!!!  It is good and healthy.

On the prowl for the best food — and mezcal — in Oaxaca, Mexico – LA Times

            Saturday was my 11 am appointment with the Dentist in Santa Rosa.  I took the bus and arrived a little early.

 She showed, opened but apparently a Mother with her two daughters had a
problem that needed looking at.

 I waited 10 minutes while they showed the Dentist x-rays she brought then I was in the chair and the drilling started. Thirty minutes later she presented me with the old crown, took an impression and told me she would call when the new porcelain crown was ready. I paid her $216 and left.  Had I went to her first I could have saved over $300 I paid the other Dentist. She did a fantastic job..so far and I’m very pleased with the job and to have it almost done with.

       Returning home I settled in for a nice relaxing day doing nothing.
       I rose late today and am dealing with E Trades Bill Pay.  They issued my HOA check but the Controller says it was rejected…after 3 weeks of going back and forth and redepositing it…I asked why it was rejected.  She said they couldn’t find the account?  Over 10 years of no problems and now this. I told E Trade and they seem to think it is her problem not theirs.  They issue the check to RCI and they deposit it?  I requested the General Manager’s email so I can bring this to his attention then left for a Oaxacan Asian Fusion …dinner by my Chef friend Annalisa at her home with 15 others at 2 pm this Oscar Sunday afternoon. It was a long climb up the hill where she lived but I arrived.

GUEST/FRIEND FANNING THE BBQ

PROOFING FANTASTIC ROLLS FOR SPECIAL ORIENTAL SANDWICH

ANNALISA BAKING THE FANTASTIC ROLLS WHILE FRIEND/GUEST HELPS

CANADIAN GUESTS ARE EARLY WITH ME..BOTH WRITER/TRAVELERS A few people arrived late and a couple cancelled but we started with a Won Ton Soup with the best Won Tons ever…unfortunately I didn’t get a photo.  Got to re-read my manual.  Annalisa Bandalera explaining the Won Ton Soup…this is the menu she sent with a brief explanation of what Comidor Clandestino is all about: To celebrate the start of the Lunar New Year, a little late, but the celebrations continue on in China, I planned a special Oax-Asian fusion menu.  Please see the details listed below.  I hope you will be able to join in this special celebration of the Fire Monkey.  If not you, feel free to spread the word to others so inclined, thanks! Gong Xi Fa Cai! Annalisa Oax-Asian Pop-Up Restaurant at Comedor Clandestino February 26 at 7:00 p.m. and February 28 at 2:00 p.m. The menu explores how Criollo ingredients take the place of traditional ones in Asian cuisine. Shared Table – 16 Seats, Reservation required: oaxacacomedor@gmail.com or bandalera@gmail.com Set Menu Appetizer Won ton Soup – homemade wrappers in a hoja de leon and guaje de ardilla (criollo plants) broth Green mango salad  Slider – Asian pulled chicken on homemade milk bread dressed with pickled carrots and jicama Entrée Black Bean Ho Fun – rice noodles cooked with vegetables and chintextle (Oaxaca pasilla chili) soy sauce, and black beans Chilly Dragon Greens – greens cooked with the breath of the dragon served chilled with a garlic sauce Char Siu Kebab – Chinese BBQ grilled pork kebab Accompanied with Jasmine Rice Dessert Sticky Rice with Mango and Homemade Coconut Milk Served with agua del día or hot jasmine tea. Comedor Clandestino is committed to the locavore movement, all produce and meats are sourced within the state of Oaxaca, with special emphasis placed on supporting the Criollo system, and procurement within 100 miles of Oaxaca Centro.  Now for those Sandwiches made from that wonderful Bread Rolls she created.  Like Steamed Dumplings…light, sweet,  and fluffy but not Dumplings. Shredded seasoned Chicken and shredded, pickled carrot and jicama….soooo goood. The main course was laid out in a buffet and she dished and served it to us. Then came the Sticky Rice with Homemade Coconut Milk and Mango….Great Meal. I waddled back down the hill and took a Taxi home. Notice the roof tops….!!

      Yesterday I took a leisurely walk to Biznaga and had a nice dinner of Pork Ribs before returning home.

       Today I did make it to CHILHUACLE ROJO while avoiding a possible violent demonstration by college students? on the way.

            I wasn’t too impressed with the dinner he served us on our house tour.  He has taught cooking classes in Teotitlan at that house so I was hopeful.
       It was in a “food court” and I sat at the Mini Taj table…wrong restaurant so the Indian waiter informed me I had to move over one table..

GOOD MURALIST…LOOK AT THAT WATER111

FRESH OJ WITH SPARKLING RED WINE…BRIE ON CROUTONS..FRESH FIGS WITH STRAWBERRY PUREE

.then the ROJO waiter greeted me with a menu in Spanish. Then the Chef Alejandro greeted me explaining the Especial Del Dia and informed me that if I had any questions about the menu to please ask and he would explain anything…his English was excellent. I choose the Especial…an Omelet with fish inside…a first for me.

COFFEE IN A BOWL……CUSTOMARY WAY. HOT OAXACAN CHOCOLATE WITH ORANGE AND GINGER…AFTER DINNER DRINK           OK…so where is the dinner.  Never came out…thought I took a photo but NO.  It was an Omelet stuffed with shredded fish fillet and mild chili salsa…topped with a light cream sauce then salad and garnished with goat cheese balls and red, yellow, and purple cherry tomatoes.          Only found one fish bone and I enjoyed the after dinner drink.  I paid and headed home through the Zocalo where they were getting ready for a PRI Rally or political hype of some sort…don’t know who the speakers will be or what the occasion.  PRI is a political party.