I Eat, Therefore...

CHEF GONZALO,
PRE-BEARD.

For someone who doesn't cook, I sure do a lot of writing about food. If I'm not careful, I might soon start dicing and slicing (although that's highly unlikely).

The other night, San Geraldo and I decided we needed a bit of a pick-me-up, so we took a walk over to our favorite restaurant, Catalina (Casa de Comidas), where we had another perfect meal and some tender loving care.

As usual, we started with Chef Gonzalo's special creation "rollitos." Another dish we usually order is a rich, dark risotto. And we like to try at least one new dish from the daily specials. This time, Albert, manager and charmer originally from Barcelona — (as opposed to my friend Albert who doesn't work at Catalina, so is just a charmer originally from Sweden) — told us about an artichoke special that sounded delicious. Artichokes — lightly battered, delicately spiced, and lightly fried — with a side of mayonnaise and curry sauces. It was kind of like tempura (which I love), only different... and oh so much more interesting.

PASSING PLAZA DE LA ENCARNACIÓN ON OUR WAY TO CATALINA CASA DE COMIDAS.
SAN GERALDO REMOVED LAYERS AS WE WALKED.

ALCACHOFAS (ARTICHOKES) BY GONZALO.
ANOTHER "BEST I'VE EVER HAD"!

SOME DIE-HARDS STILL ENJOYED PATIO DINING DESPITE "FRIGID" 11C/52F NIGHT-TIME TEMP.
SANDRA SERVING. SHE WANTS ORDER FORMS FOR US WITH ROLLITOS PRE-PRINTED.

We stayed so long, we closed the place. A couple of veritable party animals. By the time we walked home, all the Christmas lights had been turned off in town. We'll be back there on the 21st. They're hosting an evening of music, dancing, and more good food. I'll have to get a new photo of Chef Gonzalo. He's grown a beard, but he says it's only temporary. He told me, "Now you and I look alike." I told him, "In my dreams."

THE VIEW FROM THE BALCONY THIS EVENING. SWEET DREAMS.