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.

La Catrina for ladies lunch and a good time was had by all!

 

Yesterday we were off to the Golden Zone again and this time to La Catrina.   It doesn't open until 1pm and when it does it's happy hour from 1 to 5pm.  Some drinks like margarita's and beer are very cheap during happy hour.  

I wanted a reservation on the outside patio and they they said as it was happy hour they usually didn't do that but...I mentioned Beverly and then they did.  Beverly is a regular here and has many friends so they built her her own round table.   You may find her at Pedro and Lola's on the weekend or selling T-shirts and stuff at Diego's on Tuesdays.  

Marion and husband Fred are back from Saskatchewan for another month.  I asked Marion for a pose ....so she did!  Very nice!

We were ten today and this is six of us. 

Linda with her margarita.  I ordered a Mojito which I have decided I really like.  Thanks for suggesting it Ruth. 

Lots of chat!

The food is arriving and Linda ordered a taco salad.  She and I are sharing this and fish and chips.

The Cobb salad for Pat.  They have an early bird menu as well and this was only 90 pesos...a deal!

That's Beverly laughing in the back and I'm not sure what Ruth was doing!!

The waiter started bringing food and the burgers are huge!  Very, very good service and waiters here. 

Marilyn's chicken burger.  Just try and finish that baby!

Beverly's burger and she said half was going home with her.

Sue is not known to have a big appetite and....half or more of hers went home as well. 

Marilyn has decided to get rid of the top bun and tackle it this way.

That my friends is Ruth's  chimichanga and it may have shrimp or chicken in it.  Just delicious and what lovely presentation.

More than one chimichanga was served at lunch. 

Sandi had the shrimp basket and I'm guessing she has her mouth full. 

This is my fish and chips which I shared with Linda.....very good as well.

When lunch was over we all wandered off and went our own way.

Sue, Sandi and Marilyn sitting on the bench outside of Michael's Gallery.  Linda was still looking around so they are sitting on the "husband's" bench!

A picture of the blogger as well.  

So yesterday's lunch was a big success.  Excellent food and service and lots of fun and chat.  A great place for a drink and lunch on a sunny afternoon!

Next week downtown to centro and Hector's...another favorite. 

Veintiocho or 28 for ladies lunch.

 Yesterday we  ended up with eight ladies for lunch.  Even though there are fifteen of us who can attend for one reason or another we are usually not a big group these days.  

Yesterday we had an auriga or red truck take us to the restaurant.  The driver wanted us masked up in the back of the open truck.  

Arriving at Vientiocho for lunch.

This is not a large restaurant and since it's on a side street off of Gaviotis there is not much traffic.  We waited a bit for a couple of tables to clear as people moved inside to play poker.  

From the left Marion who has returned from Saskatchewan with husband Fred for another month in Mazatlan.  Jeannette, Ruth and Marilyn. 

Our other Marilyn on the left then Diane and Sandi.  

While we waited to order drinks were served.  I wanted a Mojito but they don't make them here so Pacifico Light it was.  

This is Diane's tuna burger which she was sharing with Ruth.  The meals were exceptionally slow to arrive and at this point we'd been waiting about an hour from the time we ordered.  The waiters were efficient but the kitchen staff not so much.  I'm not sure if this is usual but they said they only had one person cooking.  

This is Marilyn's lunch and .....I don't know what it is!

Marion had tacos.

Ruth was starving by this time and they finally brought out some chips and salsa.

Sandi had salmon with potatoes and veggies.  She said it was a bit cool and the vegetable looked a little sad to me.

Marilyn had a chicken parmigan baguette with fries.  It's upside down because the cheese was on the wrong side.  She said it was good. 

J

Jeannette has shrimp but the coating was very thick. 

Diane and Ruth also shared a tuna sashimi with raw tuna, cucumbers, red onions and peppers in an oriental sauce.

This is my barbecue beef baguette with caramelized onions and cheese.  It was quite gloopy and not very beefy and as well the fries were greasy...not very good.    By the time it arrived it was 2pm and the rest of the group had already finished eating.  Way too slow to deliver 8 meals and the kitchen obviously needed help.  I should also mention that it was a very extensive menu which makes it even more difficult to get the food out with a limited kitchen staff.  There were two other people dining and they also waited more than an hour.  So in the end the meals were mediocre at best and very slow.  Perhaps they were having an off day....it's hard to say.  Not a recommendation for lunch from us.