Copala and Alejandro's Restaurant with Frank and Sandi.

 On Thursday we were off to Copala with Frank and Sandi. The last time the four  of us were there was in 2019.  It's only just over 50 miles so we didn't head out until 10:30.

As usual we did the first bit on the bypass to avoid heavy traffic and the rest on the old road #40.

Here we're just coming into Villa Union after getting off the airport bypass.

As we rode through there were three bikes travelling ahead of us.  The were obviously on a mission!

Another beautiful old building in Villa Union.

People live everywhere here. The laundry is drying.

There are agave fields along the way.  They have to be tough enough to survive without  water for six months out here.

Closer to Concordia the furniture and pottery shops start to appear.  Concordia is known for its custom furniture.

Coming over the bridge before Concordia and you can see the old church up on the hill.

Next time!

The new toll highway 40D to Durango has been open for almost ten years. It has 115 bridges and 68 tunnels.  Prior to its opening the old highway which we are on here was the only link to Durango.  It is called the "Devils Spine" as parts of it have the road falling off in both sides.  The bridge you see is part of the new toll road.  

Here we're passing by Chupaderos.

The road twists and turns the whole way.  It's quiet now that the toll road takes most of the traffic.

We've turned off and are heading into Copala 

Frank and Sandi behind us!

The government donated paint to the Pueblo Magico towns this year and we've seen lots of brightly, freshly painted buildings this year.

This is where we'll eat.  In the early years we ate at Daniel's restaurant which has since closed.

The town square.

The very old church dating back to the 1700's.  It is not in very good repair.

This long building used to house tourist shops.

The gang's all here.

Frank is parked in front of the restaurant.

The menu is not extensive but it's enough.

We sat out back among the vegetation.  Cool and quiet.  Really warm in Copala compared to Mazatlan on the beach.

The waiter took a photo for us.

Chicken fajitas for me...very tasty.

Sandi had the same as me.

Eric had camarones (shrimp) rancheros and we were served teeny tiny beers!

Frank had beef fajitas.

A few other gringos arrived and sat out on the patio.

Alejandro has a shop with masks and other touristy items.  A couple of years ago Trudy bought me a mask here.

Alejandro chatting to Frank and Sandi.

Alejandro is a very personable guy.  He said he's getting large buses of tourists from the cruise ships which is good for Copala and his restaurant.  Now that there is a cutover from the toll road he is much busier. 

No tour buses when we were there so nice and quiet.

The church.  When Eric asked what people do here Daniel said there is a mine close by that employs workers from Copala.

Daniel's old restaurant which sits above an abandoned mine. The restaurant was known for its banana cream pie. When the restaurant was open you could go down and look at the mine shafts.

Back out on the cobblestone road.  Very difficult for Eric on the bike.

Turn left for Mazatlan.

We twist and turn our way back.

The group of three bikers passed us going back.  They must have eaten farther up the road.  They ate much more nimble on the curves than the large heavy Harley.

Heading down the mountain.

Here we passed the passenger bus.

Farther along there are numerous chicken barns.

The bus has passed Frank and then had to stop to let people off.  Why bother passing?

Coming into Villa Union.  Back on the bypass and heading homee.

Up ahead the Riu and the beach..almost home.

Another good day!

La Ostionaria in the marina for ladies lunch

 

I've been checking the "Foodies" facebook site for awhile and the reviews for La Ostionaria were very good.  I decided it would be a perfect fit for the ladies lunch group as it was new to us and had a diversified menu.  Today 9 of us met there for lunch and we were not disappointed!

Located on the water in the marina.

The front part of the restaurant is outside under cover and that's where we were seated. 

You can just see us inside. 

On the right Ruth, Diane Chantal and Sandi.   On the left Steffi is perusing the menu and Connie is behind her. 

I ordered a Pinada which is a pina colada without alcohol and Ruth's drink is the waiter's favorite.  Sorry I can't remember it's name. 

Georgia and Susie have now joined us and Georgia had the same drink as Ruth.  Georgia lives close by and has eaten here before and she also said it was very good. 

You can sit with a drink and watch the boats in the harbor.  Very relaxing!

We are all seated and as you can see there is lots of staff.  We had menus but the drinks were online and you can find them with the QR code.  Very techie! 

Diane is ordering and they use tablets to keep track here.   The menu is very extensive and it took us awhile to figure out what we wanted. 

The food came out quickly.  These are Connie's Korean tacos which she said were delicious. 

She looks like she's giving me the " Evil Eye!"

Diane's mixed shrimp plate.  Wow does that look good...and it was. 

That's a lot of food and some went home with her. 

Susie's crunchy roll which she ordered because it does not have cream cheese in it.  She likes sushi rolls but not cream cheese and lots of the rolls have it. 

Susie and Steffi had crunchy rolls.  In the end there was a discussion about what Steffi had tried to order and what actually came and she returned the roll for another choice.  No problem at all. 

Ruth and I split an order of oysters El Carbon or on the grill.  They were hot with a very good spicy sauce.  I really like oysters as long as they are not completely raw.  

They were as tasty as they look. 

Sandi and Chantal ordered the " Surf and Turf" Burrito which they said was delicious.  In the end that's what Steffi ordered too.   

As I said La Ostionaria has a very diversified menu. 

Georgia's spicy Jalepeno roll.  I had one and it was very tasty with a spicy kick.

Susie likes spicy but not cream cheese so this one is not for her although she did try a bit of the spicy red top on the roll.

Ruth and I also split a Mr. Tempo Vip roll which was interesting and every so tasty.  Wrapped in salmon and tuna and plenty for two .....even without the oysters!

Georgia's stuffed oysters which are ceviche style or raw.  

Ruth is happy and says it's the best sushi she's had in Mazatlan.  That says a lot!

Ruth ordered a different this time and Sandi had a sip. " Very refreshing " was her comment. 

At this point Ruth and I were slowing down...getting very full. 

Most people couldn't finish their meals and had to take some home. 

The table was a sea of yellow!

The lovely view of the Marina.  We had arrived at noon and by 1:15 we were finished eating.  Good service, speedy delivery of the meals and excellent food.  It was a top notch dining experience and lots of us said we'd return.  So much to choose from and so good!  Thumbs up!

Next week Hector's...an old favorite in centro.