Lemon Tree

Another spectacular day. We slept late and sat outside watching the birds and enjoying the sunshine. We now have a water dish and the birds come to our balcony wall to drink and eat pieces of banana and apple that Jeff cuts up for them. I took a quick ride down to the bakery to pick up a chocolate bobka that I had ordered. Had a slice warmed up with a little butter and it was beyond delicious.

We had a plan for lunch today to drive out to Lucero Golf Course and eat at their gourmet restaurant. The drive was fun, about 12 miles of country road with canyons and mountain views. So many colorful flowers line the road. A few one lane bridges and lots of turns and twists. This horse was on top of a huge hill and just standing there with no fencing.

 We arrived at the gated entrance to this posh community with manicured gardens and had to sign a waiver to be let inside. Saw some fabulous houses with terrific views.

The golf course is supposed to be a good one and certainly pretty. We parked and walked through a trellised area with orchids, greenery and a tree that looked like it was growing daisies. Then up steps to the restaurant level with an infinity pool and sitting area.

We entered the restaurant and decided to sit outside on the shaded terrace.

We got to meet Chef Craig Jacobs from NY who creates amazing dishes. He told us he has lived in many places around the world and brings those experiences to his food creations.

We enjoyed a leisurely lunch with dishes suggested by the chef. Jeff had a large portion of fish and chips with big, thick pieces of fish in a tempura batter along with fries and cole slaw. I had panko planked salmon and it was delicious. Had salsa on top and a smear of mustard on the side. Pureed potatoes and a vegetable with a Thai twist. Broccoli rabe with sesame seeds, carmelized onion and a brown sauce. So yummy! I will have half of the salmon for dinner tonight.

We sat there a while enjoying the scenery and doing Spanish flash cards on Jeff's cell phone. Every time the waiter passed by he would tell us the translation for the word on the screen. Very funny!

Rode home and decided to take another road. After a half mile or so the road turned to gravel and warned that only 4 x 4 vehicles should enter. We turned around and went back the way we came.

Now we headed into town to pick up a few grocery items. The local supermarket is called Romero and they have lots of items needed by the large "gringo" community here. We got some meat and chicken at the butcher counter where the helpful clerk spoke English. Found whole wheat crackers and a nice soft camembert cheese. Next we went across the street where there was a fruit stand in a two story building. Turns out this is a farmer's market and open every day. There are at least 12 separate stalls with such beautiful produce. I bought two juicy lemons for $.10 and two large zucchinis for $.50. This will be our new hangout.