Kathy & Eric's travels: A ladies lunch dozen for Angelina's Kitchen.

Yesterday was our first large group of the season. Diane, Liz and Linda just arrived and Marion's sister Ilene is visiting. We also hadn't seen Helene this season and she joined us too. Angelina's Kitchen is a favorite and a good way to ring in the New Year. The lunch reservation was for 12 at 12:30 and as most of us except for Helene had a ways to travel we were at the bus stop by 11:15. The buses are always busy and we hoped we'd get a seat. We did but we were scattered throughout. It took about 40 minutes to get from Cerritos to Centro and then a fair walk from the bus route to the restaurant.

Here we are just off the bus and heading west on Constituion.

Sandi caught me taking my usual walking photos!

Restaurants are everywhere in Mazatlan and Sandi spotted Casa Feliz...might be worth a lunch visit.

Sandi, Linda and me.

Always lots of people wandering about in the square. This is where the Angela Peralta Theatre is located.

Mar.....ta dah!

Angelina's kitchen is just east of Olas Altas and the ocean. Years ago I took a couple of cooking classes from Angelina and her chef at her house which is located close by.

Today our table was set out the back under the patio roof.

Just about everyone was here at this point except for Susie who got stuck on a "snail" bus and Helene who lives near by.

Ruth, Mar and our waiter. He is the most efficient older man and he no problem keeping 12 drink orders and 12 meals separate.

Helene had arrived and I was so glad to see her. She and her husband Hal were our neighbors for many years in the RV park. They lived in an old school bus but this year they decided to rent down in centro to see how they'd like it. Turns out they love it and the school bus was sold. The end of another chapter of life.

The ever lovely, sweet Helene😊

The blue bus back in 2011...it was eventually painted white but I always liked it blue!

Helene hasn't changed much...she's thinner and just as pretty!

Hamming it up!

When I started looking for these pictures I got lost in nostalgia and all the wonderful people and times back at the beginning. So many memories of such good times.

Marion is entertaining Susie with a story about something.

Lots of smiles yesterday.

A tray of very pretty drinks.

Smile ladies...from the left Marilyn, Diane, Linda, Liz, Marion, Susie, Ilene, Sandi, Ruth and Mar.

Helene hasn't seen lots of us this season so she's catching up.

He's keeping the bills straight.

Basil limonada was suggested so that's what a few of us had. Very delicious and I think it would be really good with a shot of tequila! 😁

Ruth and Mar having a chat. They are neighbors this year in the new subdivision that was built on the north side of Las Jaibas. They are at the far back in the apartments. Mar moved out of the Marina Gardens condos and Ruth and Jimmy came from Cerritos Resort. Both for different reasons but they are enjoying the new accommodations.

Mar, Helene and Marilyn.

Mar and Marilyn ordered the Manzanera salad with apple, pecans, goat cheese and a balsamic dressing. They said it was good but not great. You never know from year to year who'll be doing the cooking.

Marilyn and her salad.

On the right Ilene is chatting to Sandi. Ilene is staying for a month visiting her sister Marion.

Marion, Sandi and I ordered fish tacos. The fish is Dorado or Mahi Mahi and it was sauteed and not deep fried. I thought it was good but the fish was a bit chewy.

Marion and here tacos.

Sandi and ....her tacos!

Linda ordered chicken picatta served over risotto and a side of zoodles. I assume that's the noodle shaped vegetables! Very good was her verdict.

I almost ordered the stuffed Poblano pepper but Diane did. She and Ruth shared it along with the beet tower.

Liz had the portebello mushroom burger and she said it was delicious.

Dianes poblano was stuffed with corn, zucchini, pumpkin seeds in a red bell pepper sauce and sour cream. Zoodles and rice on the side. Again...delicious.

Helene ordered the veggie burger and she said it was the best one she'd had ever...anywhere. The fries were good too!!

Ruth's beet tower with apple, avocado, goat cheese and praline pecans which were served on the side as Ruth is allergic to nuts. Diane ate them!

This is Ruth's beet tower from last year....much more beautiful don't you think!

Baguette de Arrachera for Susie. Served with caramelized onions, grated cheese, chipotle mayo and salad. Delicious!

Ilene ordered the Mediterranean pasta with bell peppers, red onion, garlic, tomatoes, capers,olives and parmesan cheese.

At this point we have eaten, drunk and chatted. Everyone had a great time and the food and service was good. Bills were paid and it was time for us to wander off in different directions. I had a quick chat and a hug with Helene and promised to visit her in here new place. What a good lunch!