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 of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
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