Ladie's lunch at Hector's

 Tuesday was Ladies Lunch and we were off to Centro to Hector's.  This is a favorite for the group as you can always count on a good lunch experience.  

Nine of us in the truck and on our way.  The driver asked that we mask up so we did.

Linda, Georgia (new to the group) and Connie who only joins us occasionally.  

As we turn onto the malecon you can see Valentino's behind us.  It's good to hear that after sitting unused for a number of years it is being resurrected and there is a restaurant in it that is now open.  

Gorgeous warm day.

I did make a reservation as there were ten of us for lunch.  When we arrived I ducked into the bakery next door to see if they had any bread left.  Success...a loaf of sourdough fruit and a multigrain.  

That's Diane and Helene perusing the menu.  The special of the day was a Rueben sandwich with an house made pastrami. 

Helene up front and from the left Marion, Connie, Sandi, Georgia and Sue.

Chatting before we order. 

A multitude of artwork on the walls.  A few years ago when we ate here the owner and chef "Hector" came out to greet us and tell us a bit about his restaurant.  

The menu is extensive with delicious appetizers.  Ruth chose an octopus carpaccio which she kindly shared.

This is Helene's Rueben sandwich that didn't turn out to be as delicious as she'd hoped.  The pastrami was thick and tough which was unfortunate.  I know it has been ordered in the past and this did not happen.

This is Linda's sandwich.  Sorry I don't know exactly what it contained but she said it was delicious.  

A couple of plates of steamed clams were served...delicious as well.

Ruth's second choice tuna carpaccio.  I do believe she and Georgia shared the appetizers and clams. 

Roasted chicken salad for Connie and Sandi. I told Sandi to smile and..she did.

Marion had tortellini.

In house made ravioli in red pepper sauce for Diane.  I've had this before and it's yummy!

I ordered beef dip as I've been craving some meat and I also know that the bread served at Hector's comes from the bakery next door.  It was rare, tender and just what I wanted. 

Everyone happily eating. 

All in all the meals, drinks and service were very good ....except for Helene's Rueben sandwich.  However she said the rest of the sandwich was good.  At this point everyone was off to do their own thing and then make their way home. 

Linda, Sue and I wandered off to shop but first a quick look as the Plaza Machado where they were erecting one of the carnival statues.  We all thought carnival would be cancelled but it is going ahead.  The local people do not think it's a good idea but the businesses do so....Carnival.  We will not be attending. 

Getting ready to unload it off the truck.  

They are made of paper mache so they aren't as heavy as they could be.  They are also along the malecon.

We wandered along to the Oaxaca shop where they sell wool hand loomed wool rugs and many other handmade items.  I've looked at the small rugs more than once and this time I bought one.  Not cheap at 1700 pesos but a huge amount of work went into this.

Next we were off to visit one of the many kitchen supply shops.  By this time I was loaded with the heavy bread and a small rug!  After a fairly long walk we found what we were after.  These shops supply the restaurants so you can find whatever you're looking for.  I bought two wine glasses, a small bucket and some foil pans.  Linda found a large cutting board and we were on our way.  It gets confusing on the back streets but after a look at Google maps and Sue's directions from a vegetable shop owner we got sorted out.  We were on the right street just going the wrong way🤣 On the bus and home.

Next week Casa Country in the Golden Zone.