The Dining Divas Discover a Little Normalcy at Hacienda

The pandemic sucks. I don’t think anyone would be offended by that statement. It really does. Aside from the obvious health issues it causes, the damage to our economy, and so much more, it’s also put a stop to social events. The sense of community is so greatly needed yet not an option right now. But the Dining Divas have made the most of it the past few months. We’ve enjoyed our monthly outings in parks and under pavilions, and last month, we ventured back out to a restaurant. One with a huge and appealing patio. One that most of us had been to many times. And yet, it didn’t matter. We just wanted to feel a little bit of normalcy.
The group voted and Hacienda on Manchester was chosen for our first Dining Divas back at a restaurant since the pandemic started. Hacienda is known for good margaritas and an active patio. We just hoped the weather cooperated.
Hacienda does not take reservations for the patio (not sure if this is normal policy or COVID-19 policy), so we knew we were taking a risk of having to wait. Also, groups were limited to a maximum of 10 people (another COVID policy). A couple of us arrived a little earlier than the group in hopes of snagging a table, but it didn’t help. A 45 minute wait was what it looked like for us to enjoy outdoor dining. Seeing the many empty tables available made it hard to accept this realization, but the restaurant had staffing issues this evening.
So they offered inside. We were at first hesitant, but then they showed us to where we’d be seated, at an even bigger table than our group of 10 in a huge dining room with only a couple other tables in use. We went for it. Plus, the cool A/C is always better than the humidity.
Hacienda’s chips and salsa plus queso and guacamole are always great. It’s difficult to not just fill up from that. And many of us did. But we did order a few other things. If your preference is tacos, the Chicken Tacos are stuffed with chicken and delicious according to the Youngest Diva, but just average according to the Oldest Diva. The Disciplined Diva who did not fill up on chips ordered the Nachos, and she really enjoyed them.
The Talkative Diva loved the Wet Burrito. It’s her “all-time favorite” with beef, refried beans, onions, cheese, and tomatoes and then topped with guacamole, sour cream, and queso. She loves it so much and Hacienda as well.
And we loved her summer stories of the Lake of the Ozarks, the food truck adventures in her neighborhood, and her poolside “fun days” spent at home. Who knew food trucks will come to neighborhoods! A few of us also took notes about the “frozen” cocktails she’d scored online. This summer is the perfect summer to enjoy many of those.
It was ironic that I was concerned about sitting in the heat outside. A few of us returned to our cars for a jacket because it was so cold
outside. It was also ironic that what typically is an event centered around a restaurant is now an event centered around outdoor dining.
So maybe we didn’t get the patio. And maybe some of the food was just average. But one thing was for sure. It felt like old times. And that’s a really good feeling.

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