And the Food

Roadside Cafe

Unfortunately we still didn't find Ecuadorian food to get excited about, even in Cuenca, except for this!  As you know, I've always said that the best food of most countries is found on the side of the road. This was no exception. At the top of the viewpoint hill high above the center of Cuenca, this woman prepared the most delicious pork I have ever tasted in my life, with no exception!  Offered with some delicious native potatoes that had been cooked with the pork and thus soaked up the juices and flavor, it was amazing. Eaten sitting on a stool at her outdoor "cafe," this was without question the best meal we had in Ecuador. The cost was $3 and I spent the rest of our time in the country hoping to find food like that again, but it never happened.

Peru Feeds the World

What food was being cultivated in Peru 7,000 years ago and fed most of Europe in the 18th century? Peruvian food may only just now becoming the "in" food in many countries, but it has been hugely important to the world for centuries!
I've been learning a lot more about this important Peruvian crop. It seems that the more I learn about Peru, the more I realize what a huge impact the country has had on the rest of the world.

Anticuchos - One of My Favorite Street Foods in the Whole World

Grilled beef heart on a stick. Marinated in some kind of fabulous concoction which makes it taste totally fabulous. Best when found on the side of a little street somewhere. The more people lined up to buy a serving, the better it will be. Crowds, smoke, happy people, great food - and sometimes even tv to watch while you wait! What more could you ask for!

Lunch at the Cordon Bleu

It's Friday - Lunch with the BMW's (Beautiful Mature Women)

Did you know that the Cordon Bleu school in Lima has a restaurant? Reservations are required and it's a bit pricier than a menu on the corner place, but what a fun experience! Amazingly innovative dishes. I will go again!

Rincon Chami

Lunch today at one of my favorite restaurants - down a little side street called Esperanza (Hope) in the center of Miraflores, this little gem has tables on the sidewalk, friendly service, and a wide selection of fabulous Peruvian food. Gene had fish. I had goat, one of my favorites. Oh, and there are usually a couple of musicians stopping by to play for tips.

I Love Peruvian Food!

It's hard to decide what foods are most representative of Peru, but one thing we all know is that they're all good!

Cuy - Que Rico!

Cuy!

Our friend Guillermo, at our favorite sidewalk cafe, has promised us cuy (guinea pig) for lunch tomorrow. He gave us a preview of tomorrow's lunch when we stopped by today!

Gene's been Craving Milanesa

But make mine Cordero Seco (lamb)!

So we got in this big conversation last night (on Facebook!) about milanesas and what they are called in English. Chicken fried steak or cutlets is what we all decided. And I was remembering

MALI not RIBS not

So we had agreed to meet Esther and Steve after class and take a combi to MALI (Museo de Arte de Lima or Lima Art Museum). Then we realized that, like most museums and such, MALI is closed on Mondays.

Causa

Can you believe this isn't dessert?

Empanada

Usually for breakfast - good any time!

Coffee before Class Place

Where We Buy Coffee

Fast Food Breakfast on the Way to the Metro

A Day that Ends with Chocolate ...

is pretty good

After the ceviche demo, a walk through busy downtown Miraflores and people-watching in the park on the way to our favorite late-night diner for chocolate y churros!

Ceviche Demonstration

Fun time tonight at the South American Explorers' Club for a ceviche preparation demo. We got to eat the end product, too.

 

Others in attendance were a documentary film maker, an archaeologist, a teacher, a photo journalist and a few travelers. Most of them were planning trips "home" for the holidays. Kind of made me feel homesick, but I didn't know for where.

More Market Pictures

The $3 Lunch

Mercado de Surquillo

I Love Markets!