Sunday Shopping & Lunch @ Hotel Colonel Restaurant

I was still on the mission of finding a proper hummingbird feeder.  I had bought a water bottle that was meant to hang in a bird cage last weekend and I did try to use it but without any results.  I had heard last night while at Joe's Secret Garden that a store over near the airport carried them.  I had not heard about Kywi Super Store and was told it was on the lines of a Home Depot.

The entrance into Kywi Super Store in the Mall

I found the real type of hummingbird feeder, a small rug for in front of the kitchen sink, and a floor mop - it was a good shopping trip.  The hummingbird feeder is already hung from the dining room balcony.  I had also bought a broom handle to 'hang' the feeder from.  I then used a coat hanger and bent it around the broom handle and made a 'perch' and have gotten birds already.... The hummingbirds are larger then any hummingbird I have seen in the States.  Their color is a blueish/black but I do love watching them.

The mall where the Kywi Super Store is located also has a Super Maxi grocery store, a toy store and many other type of mall stores.  I located a cookie store and had to bring home a small selection of cookies.

A store full of Christmas items.... I wish I had been able to bring our small tree over..

Now after all that shopping and walking around the mall, it was time for lunch.  Last Wednesday I had lunch at this restaurant with the ladies.  I wanted Ed to try it.  The owner, Mr. Don Colon, had owned a restaurant is Naples, Florida for years.  This restaurant has only been open 10 days and already a hit with the Gringos.  He knows what Americans like.  He goes to his butcher and has all his ground beef specially mixed with a little more fat than what is done locally.  That makes his hamburgers tastes much more American!

So, off in a taxi to Hotel Colonel on Maria Cueva y Simon Bolivar in the central part of the old town.  The hotel is beautifully restored and the restaurant sits right in the middle of the building.  There is a third floor glass roof to allow lots of filtered light in and soft American music is playing.  We were the only ones in the restaurant for some time.  Don spent some time with us and we shared stories of Naples and Tampa.  He remembers dining several times at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City.

We started off our lunch with a light chicken, potato, carrot soup.  Oh, by the time I remembered to take the picture my soup was half eaten - sorry. 

 

Now, Ed went for a shrimp dish that Don referred to as Scampi but it didn't remind me of Scampi.  Ed thought it was excellent and ate the whole dish.

 



I tried Don's Special Steak dish and it was some of the best steak I have had in Cuenca.  It was perfectly cooked and moist and tender... I could not have asked for better.  Don asked if I liked onions and added some grilled onions to the top of my steak.  The dish also included boiled then sauteed potatoes (they were soft and creamy) and grilled zucchini & carrots. 

 

What an enjoyable Sunday & topped off with a most enjoyable lunch.  Don, we will be back to visit you again. 

 

 

Peggy

 

 

I also learned there is a Rodeo coming to Cuenca.  That sounds like fun.  The couple we meet at Joe's Secret Garden from Libby, Montana is going to be a judge for the bull riding.  I think that Ed and I will have have to put on our jeans and head on over....

 



Joe's Secret Garden Dinner - Oct. 27th

I have been kidded about all my Blogs are about food, eating or shopping, but those are the ways to experience the local life here.  So, I'll share another dinner with you.

Last night we enjoyed another wonderful evening at Joe's Secret Garden.  We started off in the back garden but after an hour the sun had gone down and the temperature had dropped.  It was time to move in doors.

 

There were lots of new people to meet and find a little more about them.  We meet a really nice couple who just happens to live in our building.  They are Bruce & Carolla from Libby, Montana (small world).  Their transition has not been an easy one for they had rented a house and it ended up having black mole.

 

Last night because of the number of people wanting to come to dinner, Joe had two seating's.  The first group started their dinners at 6:30 and we were in the second seating at 7:15.  Joe did this to keep the food hot and fresh.

 

The dinner last night was Southern Fried Chicken, Creamed Potatoes, Milk Gravy, Mardi Gras Slaw, Buttermilk Biscuits, Apple Butter, and Sweet Tea. 

 

The picture of my plate was before the potatoes or slaw had been delivered to my end of the table.  I was worried that I would forget to take a picture when it arrived because I was hungry and ready to get into the hot chicken.... Real southern comfort food for the body and soul!

 

We enjoyed another great table of new friends and had good conversations.  Two of the couples are 'Old Timers' and have been here a couple of years.  Then, the other couple (besides Ed & me) were new and they were only visiting and checking out the country.  They were from Houston and we had a few things in common with them. 

 

It was just another great event and Ed and I chatted about the evening as we walked home in the cool night air.  We got back home around 9:45 in time for Ed to catch the end of the Notre Dame Game.  Their win was the cap of a ver good evening!

 

Peggy

 



Exploring Old Part of Cuenca - Tues. Oct. 23rd

Ed and I just wanted to explore parts of the Old City.  We really didn't have anything that we had to see.  We just wanted to walk around and get to know the city better.

Our cleaning lady arrives on each Tuesday morning at 9:00 so we always try to leave the condo to get out of her way.  So, this is the day we have set aside to explore. 

The condo above us has a balcony with several potted plants and yesterday we watched a few hummingbirds fly by our master bedroom window.  So, I came up with the idea I needed a hummingbird feeder!  So, I went to Google Translate and found out the Spanish words would be for "hummingbird feeder".  I then asked Kelly, our cleaning lady, where I might find such a thing.  At first she didn't understand 'hummingbird', so I had to show her a picture of one on the Internet.  She told me there was a store in the Central Old City but she had no idea just where.  I thought this might be a good mission for today.

We grabbed a taxi and asked just to be taken to the Flower Market.  Then, as we got closer, Ed asked the driver if he know about a shop that might have a hummingbird feeder.  He drove us to a street and said there was a store on this street or across in the Market. 

So, I headed for the Market first.  I really just wanted to take pictures; the bird feeder became the second mission.  

The market was mostly clothes, shoes, socks, backpacks and leather items.  It was fun just walking through the narrow pathways between vendors.  Then, we crossed to the vendors that were in front of the building you see in the back of the picture.

Now, we were seeing some different items; woven tablecloths, wool blankets, woven wall hangings, ponchos and winter type of baby clothes.

 I just had to try on the traditional poncho to model and see if I could pass for a local.  The problem was yesterday was the warmest day in Cuenca so far and here I was wearing this winter wool poncho!  It seems all the Expat ladies have them but I don't think I would like one that I have to pull over my head.

 

 This charming lady was helping me select a new woven table cloth for our dining room table.  Also, in her area was a young woman and her young son.  While I was shopping, Ed was playing soccer with the little boy.  The kid would not even stand by himself but sure could kick the ball.

 

From the market, we returned to the street the cabbie had told us we would find the bird store.  The store was very narrow and would have been very easy to pass right by, but Ed found it.



Now the store had one cage of birds for sale but really had a great collection of beautiful cages for sale.  They did not have the hummingbird feeder that I was looking for but we bought something I think can work.  The store also carried lots of seeds for veggies and flowers for a garden.

 

The shop also carried bird seed (80 cents a bag) and dog food, and all items for bird cages you would ever need (feeders and water dishes).  So, I bought 2 bags of bird seed, a water dish and a water bottle that would normally hang inside a cage, but I hope to tape it to our window.

 

 

By now it was time to feed Ed, so we headed off in one direction to find the Hotel Inca Real that we had eaten at before.  The following pictures are just ones I snapped while walking.

Selling slices of pineapple, coconut chunks, and some type of berry

Loved this little lady staying in the shade of her umbrella, selling something

 

Yes, it looks like ice cream but it never melts so it has to be a whipped something

 

 

 

Young mother selling her oranges on the street corner with her son strapped to her back

 

We passed a few stores selling Halloween stuff for kids -

 

It was time for lunch in the cafe in the Hotel Inca Real.  This was our second time eating there and just had to make sure it was still as good as we remembered.  

 

They start you off with their wonderful dip and fresh bread.  We learned the last time the dip is made from tomato juice, olive oil, onions, garlic and spices = yum!

 



 

Now, Ed and I knew we would be going to dinner at DiBacco this evening so we went "light" on lunch.   We only ate half our weight in the bread and dip.  We selected a tapas called Txapela.  It was fresh fried asparagus, serrano ham, brie cheese all wrapped in eggplant slices and sauteed.  We did split one so that was a good thing.

 

Txapela Tapas

 

 

Then, we split the appetizer of sauteed shrimp in olive oil, spices & tons of fresh garlic...

 

 

OK, I almost didn't get a picture of our final dish...we just dug into too quickly - it was just that good.  It was Brocheta de Camarones y Lomo Fino.  It was 2 small skewers of shrimp, bacon, portabello mushrooms, green peppers, onion and several chunks of sirloin beef perfectly cooked.

 

Our total bill with drinks and tip was less than $30.  We might need to rethink about going to dinner tonight!

 

While we were in the restaurant, we got to meet another couple staying at the hotel & touring Ecuador to find out if they would like to move here.  They were Sally and Stan from Reno, Nevada.  We got to chatting with them all during our lunch.  I just have a feeling we will see them in the future.

 

Time to return to condo, rest and get ready for our night out at DiBacco's at their Gringo Night.  We arrived just a few minutes after 5:00pm.  This restaurant is also located in the old part of Cuenca.  I love their orange margaritas, something different and not too sweet!

 

Last night we were not the newbies.... there were two people that we met that had arrived in the past 12 & 13 days.  Peter had a very interesting story; born in Hong Kong, raised in the far East, Jesuit college in Syracuse, NY.  He had been very successful in business then 2008 hit hard.  Then, the past year had lived in Panama and shared his thoughts of why he moved here.  We also met Llona and she is another with a very interesting story.  She did come down in March to scope out the city and find a place to live and is getting settled quickly.  I liked her very much.

 

Sorry for not having any pictures of last night, I'm a failure!  I was just having too much fun meeting and talking to people.  The dinner was super and I had Kelly (their waitress from Vermont) select my entree and she did well.  I had pasta with a light cream sauce and peas and stuff.... I could not believe I ate the whole thing.

 

Life is good and loving it,

Peggy

 

 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

Joe's Secret Garden - Saturday Oct. 20th

I'm not sure that Joe's Secret Garden is really a secret anymore.  First, for anyone not living in Cuenca, Joe's is only open one night a  week and they only serve one entree that evening.  On every Tuesday, Joe's will post their menu on their web site for the following Saturday.  Every Expat in Cuenca waits for this post.  You then rush to send in your name in order to make a reservation, in hopes that you are fast enough.  Last night's dinner was a total sell out and there was a waiting list.

*We have already made and have our confirmed reservations at Joe's for their full Thanksgiving dinner.  We sure didn't want to miss that event.

The cocktail hour begins at 5:00 and goes until 6:00PM.  Then, dinner is served.  The cocktail hour is a great time to meet other Expats in Cuenca.  There are any where between 75 to 100 people at these dinner events.  Two weeks ago, I was introduced to a couple that had come from Sacramento but I didn't really chat with them.  Last night I got to really spend some time with this very interesting couple, Bob &  Joyce.  We even joined their table and continued our talks.  They have also lived over on the west coast of Ecuador and it was very interesting to hear about that part of the country and why they moved to Cuenca. 

Unlike two weeks ago, there were only a couple of reserved tables for the groups that made reservations.  It was open seating.  So, last night we sat at a table with a lovely young Australian couple, Will & lovely wife (I'm sorry I don't remember her name) and Bob & Joyce.  Will and his wife are young, in their early 30's and just on a long trip through South America.  Will and I got to chat about Cambodia and his trip through there.  It was a fascinating evening of lively conversation and a great learning time for Ed & me. 

Now, down to the real reason you go to Joe's Secret Garden - the food.....

We started with a Roasted Beet, Walnut & Baby Spinach Salad

 

Our entree last night was Slow Cooked Duckling L'Orange served with Maple glazed Brussels sprouts and roasted garlic.  The rice included brown butter pecans and small pieces of apricot.

 

When they refer to slow cooked, we were told the ducklings were cooked for 14 hours.  But, they were very moist and full of flavor with just a hint of orange flavor on the glaze.

 

Yes, we still had room for a wonderful dessert, warm apple pie.  You don't just leave Joe's Secret Garden, you kinda of waddle out.  You're full of good friendships, wonderful conversations and great food.  Just maybe Joe's Secret is how he combines the three to make a perfect evening.

 

Another wonderful evening in Cuenca,

 

Peggy

Tiestos Cafe & Restaurant

After the market this morning, Ed and I headed out to lunch after we dropped off all the food at the condo.  I thought we would just go out and "grab" a bite to eat.  Little did I know, we were heading into a full dining experience.  Ed had read a review on this restaurant and wanted to try it.

Tiestos Cafe & Restaurant is located in the old part of Cuenca.  It is located at Juan Jaramilio 7-34.  The word tiestos refers to the hot clay dishes or platters on which the food is served at the table.

The whole place is just full of old world charm and has an open kitchen.  You can see into the open kitchen from the main dining area.  We sat in the small side dining area with only four tables.  I loved the art work on the walls.

Open Kitchen

Our small side dining area

When we first started looking over the large menu to see what we wanted.  We did get a little confused.  The first page on the top listed "Entradas (Individuals)".  Then, it seems that much of the menu is listed for groups of 2 or 4 people to share.  What we didn't understand is this is for a several course lunch or dinner.  On the fourth page there is also listed "Carnes (individuales)".  Here is where they offer the chicken or beef and also vegetarian dishes as individual  item at a very reasonable price, $9.25 up to $17.30.

 

It didn't take long before our server knew we were rookies and needed assistance.  Juan Carlos Solano, the owner & chef, came to our rescue.  He asked what we like and I told him "If there was one thing that he wanted us to really know about his cooking, what dish would that be".  He suggested something and we both agreed, really not certain what we were getting.  Juan explained that one item would be served and then cleared before the next item was presented.  So, we knew we were getting more than one dish.

 

*On the menu what we received was "Menu Degustacion / 2 persons" on the top of page 4.  This is the full  course menu we had .....

   

We were started off with lots of small relish dishes and fresh bread.  The dishes were carefully explained to us.  They all were good and great on the bread.  I do remember a wonderful spicy tomato dish that I especially liked.  The other was an excellent chimichurri sauce, that we learned was the chef's special recipe of blended spices. 

 

The restaurant does have a very nice selection of mixed drinks, wine and beer.  I had their local Pilsner and Ed went for a half bottle of Cono Sur Merlot from Chili, a lovely wine.

 

 

The first item we started with was Sopa de Camarones or Shrimp Soup.  It was had delicate broth but full of flavor.  I tried to tell which spices were used, but couldn't.  Ed thought it was a curry, but I didn't think that but could not tell what it was.  I got to ask Juan and he shared it was cumin and brought some dried cumin out to the table to make sure I understood the spice.  It was so light in the soup that it didn't over take the shrimp flavor.  The soup also had small chunks of potatoes there were almost creamy tasting.  I could have just made a meal out of the soup and been very happy.



The soup dishes were cleared and out came the next course.... I wasn't sure it could get better than the soup.  The next dish was served on a hot clay dish they are famous for.  It was Langostinos al Tiesto or Langostinos Lobsters on a hot clay dish.  When they serve you this dish, they spoon out a couple of shrimp onto your clean plate and then spoon over some addition sauce.  There were 6 large langostinos on the platter when served - a very generous portion for us, considering to was only the second course.  We were also taught to dip our bread into the sauce.

 

Along came many other dishes.... white rice, a cucumber salad, a potato salad, french fries, and a tiny round pasta dish.  But, none of them were like any traditional dish we had seen.  No, the flavors were more layered, and local seasonings were used.  Juan has a love and passion for food and cooking, and it shows in each item that is prepared in his kitchen.

 The Langostino dish was cleared and I already had a very full stomach. How could I possibly eat more?  But, the food is almost addictive, and you just wanted to continue to see what came next.

 

 

It was Pollo al Curry, or chicken curry served on another hot clay dish.  Now, I do have to admit that I am not a big curry fan because I find the flavors to strong in the use of curry powder.  Juan has a very light hand with all his flavors, like a lover stoking his mistress, tender and caring.  I was delighted with my chicken curry dish and would go back just for it again.  Juan came out and added a cube of fresh pineapple to a piece of my chicken.  OK, pineapple is another thing I don't like - but it blended with the curry like a marriage made in heaven.  I knew we had one more dish to come so I stopped eating my chicken curry, which was difficult.

 

I really needed to stop eating, and found myself excited to try our Lomo Crema y Tomate or beef medallions in a cream sauce with a grilled tomato on top.  If you thinks it sounds good, well I don't even begin to describe how it tasted.... a bit of heaven!

The sauce I believe had a subtle hint of Parmesan cheese...  OK, so I could not finish my beef, but it and the rest of my chicken curry made the trip home with me.  I will have sweet dreams of my next taste of those dishes tomorrow.

 

But, according to Juan, we were not done yet; he insisted we try at least a shared dessert.  I can not even begin to tell you about this.  It was  a delicate chocolate mouse on top of a chocolate nut cake, served with a passion fruit ice cream topped with whipped cream.... I was ready to die and go directly to heaven after this meal.

The artistry of the presentation was absolutely remarkable.  It was a plain white plate but hand decorated with fruit sauces.  Each color represented a fruity reduction with tiny seeds depicting the center of each flower.  Ed said he could have just licked the art off the plate!

 

Now, the price by the local standards is a little high but for all the excellent food & service we received, we were well pleased.  The total bill including a Pilsner, a half bottle of wine ($13.55), a bottle of water and the tip was $70.00.  But, you can not put a price on a memory and that is what this experience was to us.

 

For our friends and family that dined with us at the Tower Club in Washington DC this restaurant is equally as good!  We've not had better since the Tower Club - and that says a lot!  So, when you come to visit expect a dining experience at this restaurant!

 

Bon Appetit,

Peggy