robalo and whales

I misspoke about the Sunday lunch menu; it's robalo, not robado fish. (This is not Fernando!) What he prepared at his puesto was robalo en su jugo and it was absolutely delicious. Robalo ~ AKA Common Snook, Swordspine Snook, Black Snook, and Fat Snook ~ is a firm white salt water fish. He had a whole fish that he cut into big chunks and simmered in a rich, spicy broth made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, vay ocho (V-8), and a variety of chilies and spices. You add a big squeeze of lime and eat the soup with tortillas or crispy tostadas. For dessert Chuy had made a very creamy rice pudding. Two hundred pesos for three of us, including 2 beers and a margarita. A nice Sunday lunch among friends.

While we were enjoying the after-meal view out across the beach what should appear but several whales frolicking in the water off the surf line. If you look very carefully in the middle of the above picture, you can see the remnants of a spouting. I just don't have a camera that will photograph these things well. I am seriously thinking about buying a really good SRL digital such as the ones grandchildren Andrew and Emily each have. But do I really want to spend $500 so I can take a better picture of a whale for your enjoyment? I have to think about that.

Today is what the Mexicans call La Dia de Amistad, Friendship Day. We are going to a salmon roast in celebration of the fine circle of friends we have here. Pictures and details tomorrow. Meanwhile, Happy Valentine's Day!