Casa del Abuelo Art Hotel & Restaurant doesn’t look elaborate from the street – in fact, you may not even know it’s a hotel because it’s set in a gorgeous old two story house surrounded by gardens layered with organic vegetables and I swear he said chocolate was growing back there too. (enough to bring me in alone).
It is nestled in Ecuador’s Banos, the town that tourists flock to for massages, facials and the infamous baths (the latter is not worth a trip alone btw, though massages and facials will only run you $20-25).
Chef and proprietor Rodrigo Pacheco is no ordinary chef. Also the executive chef at Cuisine Standard, he spends half his time in Quito and half in Banos, preparing freshly made meals for customers in front of them on a flaming grill right behind an open bar, where meals are served.
It’s a new hotel and here’s the crazy deal they’re offering – $40 for a room, which includes breakfast and Rodrigo’s masterpieces at night. He has trained in France, Spain, Canada, Chile and Ecuador among others and his results do not disappoint.
If you opt not to stay at the hotel (rooms are very clean, but very basic, so if you want frills, it’s not for you. But what a deal!), then the meal alone is only $20. You can also order beer and wine while you wait and watch Rodrigo in action. The hotel during the day time below – to the left is where meals are prepared and served in a small area, which currently caters to roughly 6 or so guests. Intimate and worth the experience.
And now a treat for those tastebuds of yours, starting with an Asparagus Veloute on homemade whole wheat bread with Julien Fried Leaks. (couldn’t get enough of this – note the very slight drizzle of olive oil). Top this off with a glass of Pinot Noir and you’ll be a happy camper before you venture onto Course #2.
Whipped Avocado Mousse with fresh seeds, walnuts and Pork Salpicon.
The main course for the evening: Grilled Chicken with exquisite organic sauces made from herbs from their garden served with red onions and green beans OR a delicacy Banos is known for……………drum roll please….
You’re probably thinking it has to be something healthy since the town is all about health: hikes, massages and baths. Hmmm, think again. How does homemade organic Ravioli with Guinea Pig sound? You can find Guinea Pig everywhere in Banos, including on a stick in the market in the center of town. The “pig” was incredible as was the sauce: au jus pumpkin and marmelaide — I asked for 4 extra spoonfuls, which of course, came straight from the hot grill in front of me.
Below, Rodrigo in action. His philosophy? The art of cooking is the art of living well, the art of sensibility and recognition to all that nature has provided for us; cooking is translating that same recognition by transforming food into smiles and memories filled with flavor. He left us with a sweet Ecuadorian dessert wine of sorts (reminded me a bit of brandy) and Maqueno cheesecake, served with chocolate, Apple Julienne and red beet coulis.
“We must not forget that food should also feed the soul,” says Rodrigo. “Food that is prepared with fresh organic products that maintain nature’s fragile balance, food that is prepared with care and love, that is our culinary philosophy.When it comes to food, we seek to be authentic, we seek to find cohesion between our beliefs and our life’s work.” They also encourage ecological awareness and this is shown through the daily use of fresh ingredients from their organic garden, no more than a dozen steps away.
Renee Blodgett is the Founder and Managing Editor of We Blog the World, a global travel, culture and lifestyle publication exploring the world through the lens of meaningful experiences, human connection and cultural depth. Having lived in 10 countries and traveled to 95, Renee has spent much of her life immersed in the people, traditions, landscapes and ideas that shape how we experience the world.
Since launching We Blog the World in 2007, she has written and produced extensive editorial coverage spanning boutique and luxury travel, culinary experiences, arts and culture, wellness, adventure, technology, spiritual traditions and transformative travel. Her work is rooted in the belief that travel is about more than where we go—it is also about what a place, culture or encounter awakens within us.
Renee brings more than three decades of experience across journalism, photography, media, brand strategy, technology, wellness and global storytelling. She has worked with companies and organizations around the world on brand positioning, communications, product launches, media strategy, speaker positioning and storytelling. Through Blue Soul Media, she works with authors, entrepreneurs, thought leaders and purpose-driven brands to clarify their message and expand their impact, which includes speaker coaching/training for high-profile stages such as TED and bringing authors’ work to market while retaining authors rights.
She is also the co-founder of Blue Soul Earth, an educational platform exploring consciousness, ancient wisdom, spirituality, healing and the intersection between science and the nature of reality. Renee is the producer and host of the award-winning Blue Soul CHATS, a conversational series bringing together leading voices in science, technology, consciousness, wellness and spirituality.
Her growing body of work also includes Blue Soul Living, which extends her interest in consciousness and well-being into the spaces we inhabit, exploring how intentional design, energy and environment can support greater harmony and connection.
Renee is the award-winning co-author of the bestselling Magdalene’s Journey and founder of the Magdalene Collection, inspired by women’s voices, stories and wisdom across cultures and generations.
A longtime photographer and storyteller, Renee has documented people, places and cultures around the world and produced photographic collections focused on destinations including the Galápagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome and Ecuador. She also co-founded Traveling Geeks, an international initiative that brought entrepreneurs, journalists, creators and technology leaders together with their counterparts in other countries to exchange ideas and explore innovation across cultures.
Renee’s work has been recognized by Forbes, the United Nations and others for her influence in media and social storytelling. Across her work in travel, media, consciousness and culture, a common thread remains: curiosity about the world, the stories that connect us and the ways meaningful experiences can change how we see ourselves and one another.
