A Modest Little Town
It’s hard to hold a bridge tournament in the big city anymore; you just can’t get the hotel space and rooms for any reasonable price. Now we’re having a regional at the Doubletree in Modesto, a 200,000 person ex-urb in the Central Valley. Even there, the hotel sold out so much that I could get one night at the host hotel and had to spend another at the Springhill Suites 3 miles away.
Thursday, I played with Mike Rippey while Gail played with Mike’s sweetie, Gretchen. Although she has played party bridge, this was her first regional and only 2nd session of ACBL bridge ever. Good for her for just jumping into the deep end of the pool.
What to do for dinner? I googled “best Mexican Modesto”, and every answer pointed to La Huerta Vieja (The old orchard), so that’s where we went.
Just a basic place in a shopping center on the edge of town, La Huerta Vieja has first rate food, low prices and relatively decent service. We were happy campers.
I went for the fajitas. I always go for the fajitas. I sit and carefully read the entire menu, then order the fajitas.
That’s a good looking plate of chicken, beef, onions and peppers.
I ate too much. Just couldn’t stop loading up a tortilla with rice, sour cream, guacamole, salsa and the meat.
Gail had a combination plate, with chili relleno and an enchilada.
There is nothing fancy, gourmet or upscale about this joint, but it’s a damn good place to get Mexican food cooked right.
Back to the Springhill Suites. Just by random chance, we got a room equipped for handicapped access. I thought it was interesting all the different things they do, and the thought that goes into making the hotel accessible to those with various disabilities.
Not your normal doorbell
This is the system that responds to the doorbell. The xenon light flashes and a loud buzzer sounds. Even the totally deaf will know when someone is at the door.
People in wheelchairs can’t reach very high, so there are robe hooks and door locks at a lower level.
The bathroom is large enough to maneuver a chair and the tub has multiple grab rails and a moveable seat. Even the drapes have special long handles with rings to make them easier to grasp. The attention to detail was impressive.
Okay, that’s enough general observations on the world for one day. Decent Mexican food, and a well equipped handicapped suite at the Springhill. Who knew Modesto was so interesting?
Totally Unauthorized 
A fun blog Chris, and the food looks divine!