May 28 | La Quinta Resort and Spa (La Quinta, CA)

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El Mexicali: Just managed to finish this gargantuan shrimp cocktail. There were several dozen in each Campechana Grande. Vaso de vino.
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We would love to have one big vacation blowout here in celebration of our wonderful family and bring the tribe hither unto these hills.
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El Mexicali was very fine. Nor shall I ever forget (me hopes) Garibaldi Plaza. Noithng fancy at either, GP a sports bar diner but with terrific tastes.

IMG_0212  Today explored this fantastic old 1920’s hotel with its authentic Spanish architecture, miraculously and extensively manicured bougainvillea and gardens, jacaranda and oleander. Dined at two authentic Mexican diners: El Maxicali for lunch and Garibaldi Plaza for dinner. The large shrimp and seafood cocktails at Mexicali was almost more than I could eat, though I ate all and even sucked down most of the delicious ceviche-briny liqueur. For dinner had “quail” (really Cornish game hen) with achiato, peas, Spanish rice, refried beans, cilantro, lime, lettuce, tomato, and a wonderful fowl jus that jus’ hit the spot. According to Esmerelda, the room cleaner today in my digs, 1/8th of the casita known as “San Ignacio,” Garibaldi Plaza has the best authentic Mexican food around here. E is Mexican. In nearby (15 minutes) Coachella Garibaldi has hand-made corn tortillas, topped with cilantro, onion, lime. She had told me the goat meat and pozole were great there. But late tonight could see no goat on the menu. The “quail” dish, however, was absolutely superb. This place gobsmacks you with savory authenticity.

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