EL MERCADO RESTAURANT y mas!

Yesterday we decided to try a different restaurant before we went to SuperMaxi for groceries.....I had heard good things about "El Mercado"  (from the Vintimilla family who also owns El Jardin and Villa Rosa among others..)

Called Patricio and he took us to Calle Larga 8-27 and Benigno Malo,  an old historic building built on the river...

The bar area on the entry level...Has a floor I just love
with tiny blue accent tiles...

We sat upstairs at a corner table by the window...notice the little tin pitcher with flowers...

The charming stairway down....

Two dining areas on two levels....

Simple food done RIGHT!!

The check is presented in a "Book Box"

Ricardo by the Shabby Chic bureau


Another unusual feature.....YOU CAN SHOP!

As you enter the building you see a couple of neat shops......

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MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
MASS at the Cathedral on Sunday was especially packed because of the pilgrimage of the Virgin de Cisne procession...... I couldn't see much except the beautiful faces of the people around me....

The face of an angel......and the lovely lady in purple lace.....

MONDAY......DELEG with the wonderful Cabrera Urgiles family:

From the top......Ricardo pigging out on Guacamole I made  :)   

Julia and Maria who work for the family.....

Susana Cabrera and her father Rogerio,  "THE CHIEF"

Making Humitas in the outdoor kitchen at Quinta Esthelita.....

Ricardo with Dominica Cristina  "Titi" and her little friend Joaquina...

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Other highlights of the past 2 weeks include lunch with dear friends John and Joyula and Jean....

John has been suffering some health challenges but now he's doing great thanks to some alternative doctor here....

Mosquita and Fanny came over with sandwiches de Pernil --- small roast pig sandwiches we love so much.....

So great having them come for a visit.....Mosquita really likes my new bright pink tablet!!

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Went to see the Cardiologist and am much better after he changed my medications....met this lovely indiginous woman at the IESS pharmacy....

 She had such a big bag of medications -- I started chatting with her and found out she is very crippled up with arthritis -- her hands....God bless her,  she so reminded me of my mother who had the same condition....

For me it is such a pleasure to talk to the people and be accepted as one of them.....

MASS in the hospital waiting area....God bless this wonderful country and the wonderful people who honor Him so.....

That's all for now, folks!!