Some Good Finds in Imbabura - Continually Updated - Atuntaqui, Ecuador
Atuntaqui, Ecuador
If the place is excellent, I give it a few stars.
IBARRA
Herencias Artesanias, 1-41 Antonio Cordero. In the Amazones Market area. A neat shop for clay baking/cooking pots, baskets of all kinds, wooden utensils, all kinds of stuff. Look for a bunch of baskets outside.
Mi Tio, a small grocery store across from the bus terminal, but heading toward the Amazones Market. We've been coming here for a while, buying our Snow Mints or Chao mints, as well as our almonds by the pound. But then we started noticing how many tienda owners came here to stock the shelves of their little stores. So then we began to buy other items, such as flour, some spices, oil, etc., to save a little money. This store also carries odd flavoring extracts, like pinneapple, for instance. They take cash only.
***Ré Lounge, next to El Argentino in the same plaza, is also a good place to eat. I really enjoyed the Pasta Carbonara for around $6 and Fred had some dish consisting of various meats and sausages for $13.99. His meat dish was very good, especially the Lomo Fino part. They also have crepes and burgers. Next time I would like to either try: the 7 Pimienta steak, or the one with 4 cheeses. Good spot.
Also in that plaza, there are a few tents and shops selling various items a little different than the usual, and a shop that has decorative clay pots - small ones for around .80 cents and the large ones are $5.00.
***--El Argentino
In Plazoleta Francisco Calderón, between the El Coyote & Ré Restaurants
For the best steaks we have had in a long time. For $14.50 each you are served a very large, juicey, and very tender steak. Fred had the pimienta steak covered in a creamy pimienta sauce; I had the mushroom steak that was covered in a creamy mushroom sauce along with it's mushrooms. Four sauces are served with the steaks: a pesto-like sauce, a white cheese sauce, an aji, and a chimichurri, and includes potatoes or fries and a small salad. Fred likes his steak rare--it was very rare; I ordered mind medium--it was just right. If you're in the mood for a good tender steak, this is a good place. You can have a half order for $10.00.
**--Casa Oriente,
Jose Ledro y Atahualpa, Downtown Ibarra. This is an elegant and excellent Chinese Restaurant. The meals are very large and everything tasted fresh, from the Shrimp Apanada, the Chicken & Vegetables with a fresh ginger taste, the fried Corvina, the Chicken Agridulce (Sweet & Sour Chicken), and the Egg Rolls. The four of us agreed that we would definitely go there again..
--Naturaliza y Salue, Centro de Distribucion Autorizado for Nature's Sunshine Products. Calle Rocafuerte 7-95 y Pedro Moncayo. When you purchase a minimum of $100.00 (just a one-time purchase) you will receive a membership. Thereafter you are entitled to a substantial discount. We were quoted 30%. There are other distributors in the area, but we believe that they all buy from this location.
****--La Hacienda Cafe Delicatessen, Corner of Av. Sucre y Miguel Oviedo (same building as the tourist office, A very quaint and rustic espresso shop/restaurant. Our Americano and Cappuccino were excellent, as well as their Chocolate Mousse. The beef empanadas were also good. They sell other goodies to go with your coffee, plus they have a full menu, serving breakfast and lunch. Their omlets and sandwiches are really good, and one must try the chocolate crepe -- that is delicious!. .http://www.touribarra.gob.ec/index.php ?option=com_content&view=article&am p;id=188%3Ala-haciendacafe-delicatessen &catid=31%3Arestaurantes&Itemid =119&lang=es
**--PC Tools, Juan Jose Flores y Av. Mariano Acosta 15-95
They fixed our Epson printer and had it running beautifully the same day. The guy knew what he was doing; he was honest and the price was fair.
Ch Farina, in the SuperMaxi Plaza, has an ongoing good lunch deal. For $3.99 we each got a chicken salad, an individual pizza (20 cm--equivalent to 2 slices) with our choice of 2 toppings-besides the cheese, a medium drink, and two small scoops of ice-cream with a bit of chocolate sauce & cherry on top. However, there is a list of things to choose from in each category -- From the Entrada list: You choose either the traditional salad, the chicken salad, the chicken wings (2), the garlic bread, or the minestrone. From the Platos Fuerte list: You then choose either the individual pizza, the beef lasagna, or a spaghetti dish with either the chicken or beef sauce, And then there's your choice of drink and dessert. A great deal for just $3.99 and the pizza is pretty good.
Besides that deal, they have a two for one medium pizza offer, which proved to be a good bargain on another day, as the two of us couldn't even touch the 2nd pizza, but had to bring it home.
--La Casa Del Congrejo
Sucre y Guerrero
A gringo friend highly recommended this seafood restaurant, and now I am. The plates all start at around $10.00 but can easily be split between two people. My friend and I split a meal two ways, and there was still plenty left over to take home to Fred. Maybe we just weren't hungry enough that day? Either way, go with an appetite. And the locals evidently love this restaurant as well, because it was busy! Musicians pop in at various times to entertain who make their living, apparently, from tips. Anyway, if you like seafood, this is a good one. The huge shrimp was delicious and so were the beans in a tasty sauce..Update: Fred and I went back and split the #6 -- The plate was loaded with large shrimp cooked 3 different ways, fried corvina, a small shrimp ceviche, plantains, and a side dish of beans and rice. Where in the States can you get a plate full of large shrimp for $12.00/person? --actually $6.00 since we split it.
***--Hong Kong Market, Fray Vacas Galindo y Mariano Acosta (Across from the Grand Aki) For imported Chinese goods, etc, such as good egg roll wraps (large and small), good wasabi, great chili oil, Hoisin sauce, an awesome imported hot chili salsa with peanuts, sushi wraps, etc. etc. We bought a very large (commercial) steel wok for $12.00 (I love it), they also have a commercial one with a single long handle for around $27.00. Although, they do sell small woks for home use for around $12.00 also. Nice little store and Carlos (the owner) speaks English. Tel: 062604546. He opens up at 10:00 am.
--We like this spice shop, 1-36 Juan Francisco Cevallos y Obispo Ceasar Mosquera
This is where we buy our spices by the weight. We bought a half-pound of ground ginger for $2.50. Some spices may not be listed. They also sell nuts by the pound, like peanuts for $2.00/lb.
--A door or two down at 1-26 Juan Francisco Cevallos y Obispo Ceasar Mosquera is where we like to buy our milk because it is only pasteurized, but professionally packaged the same as all the rest, however, they also sell the ultra-pasteurized stuff in a separate refrigerator. We also buy a Kilo (2.2 lbs.) of butter for $5.00. Her peanuts by the pound are a little fresher and a good price as well.
Fresher Cream: She also sells really thick cream (she labels it just crema de leche) in clear unmarked plastic bags (a liter or less). She claims it is fresher and unpasteurized. Most times it has the consistency of sour cream--very thick, so we have used it as sour cream in cooking - works great. Cream like this can also be bought in Cotacachi.
--and for those who love peanut butter: I read about a couple who decided not to move to Ecuador. One of their big deciding factors was how more expensive peanut butter is in this country. And two of our friends who love it, do not buy it for the same reason. The Schullo brand - 490 g jar - sells at SuperMaxi for just under $6.00, however, if you own a Champion Juicer, for instance, you can easily make your own, adding your own salt, and just about fill up that 490 g jar for $2.00.(the price as even gone down to $1.50 at times). We do, ending up with the best peanut butter. Fred now eats it more than me, and he never ate peanut butter in the past.
--Cafe Excelso
In the bus terminal in Ibarra, at a small corner spot, we buy our coffee by the pound. (This is not a coffee shop). The coffee they sell is called Cafe' Excelso. A nice roast & very good. The price, as of now, is $5.50 per 450 g.
--La Parrilla del Tio Jessy
If you ever spot this restaurant -- try it! There are a couple in Ibarra, and at least one in Otavalo. Good place for grilled meats, chicken, sausages, and grilled burgers, etc.
***--Olor a Cafe
"La Casa de la Ibarrenidad"
Boliva y Flores Esq .
Tel: 06 2954505 -- The owner is Ginger, born in Montana, but raised in Ibarra. She speaks good English. This is a real nice coffee shop. The cheesecakes and pastries looked good. The Americano was made from a nice dark roast from the Galapagos. They have other coffees from Intag. Lots of books are on display. A nice place to hang out. It also has a higher-end restaurant, which has plenty of seating in the beautiful indoor courtyard -- meals are around $10.50.
--the Mora Syrup
In Ibarra, they make a Mora (Blackberry) Syrup that is delicious. Just a few blocks from the coffee shop Olor a Cafe (above), there is a government building that literally looks like a large castle. In front of that building vendors are lined up selling the various syrups. PS: No preservatives.
--Helados Rosalia Suarez
Corner of José Joaquin de Olmedo y Miguel Oviedo
This is a famous ice cream shop(s) where you can watch ice cream made the traditional way. --This place was in a visiting friend's guide book, and kinda fun to see how they make it by hand, using a heavy brass pot (paila) they spin on ice.
--IMBAVET Clinica Veterinaria
Juan de la Roca 2-84 y Dario Egas Grijalva Esq. (Pilanqui)
Tel: (06) 2606 517 Cell: 0999 815 466
They also do dog grooming. The Vet speaks some English, however, his wife speaks it well. He's a good vet.
ATUNTAQUI
--JKR Pizza, General Enrique, just up from the main park.
I'm just so excited to have a pizza place. However, the crust was thick and doughy, yet it was delicious. They have hamburgers and fancy hot dogs too that we'll have to try. The owner has been to many parts of the world; speaks his native Ecuadorian Spanish, as well as English and French. His wife is French.
****--Quesos de Montana Yanayacu, Santa Fe 5 C.C. - Finca Yanayacu, Atuntaqui
For real Swiss style cheeses and raw milk from Jersey cows.
Contact number: Patricia Hidrobo 0991920487 (she speaks English). You absolutely must call first for an appointment.
A cheese-maker from Switzerland stayed here for 6 months and taught the family how to make Swiss style cheeses. After he studied what the cows were eating, he then said, 'okay, these are the cheeses you can make.......' Well, their cheeses are quite excellent. Also, the Ecuadorians love this very soft cheese called Fresca, so the family asked the cheese-maker if they could craft that cheese as well. His response was - "that's not cheese!". We agree. However, in the end, he did come up with a formula for a nice Fresca cheese, better then any you'll find in the grocery stores or markets.
--El Molinete
Bolivar y Calle 2 de Marzo
A nice little restaurant and coffee shop. The only downside--they're only open in the evenings.They have a large commercial espresso machine. They make Frappucinos. I favor their milkshakes. We go there for the burgers (the Neapolitan) and fries --around $4.00. On Sundays only, they serve lasagna, but must be ordered on Thursday. They serve liquor and beer as well. One beer is a German import -- $7.00 for a small bottle. They also make their version of a Greek salad - no feta cheese, but plenty of some local cheese and lots of green olives that we've split to make a side salad.
--for Ice cream
On the corner of Calle Espejo y General Entriquez
There are many ice cream shops in Atuntaqui but this place is one of our favorites. The chocolate ice cream is really good. We also think they serve the best fresh fruit salad covered with lots of cream, a little syrup, a scoop of your choice of ice cream, a wafer cookie, and, believe it or not, a lite shredded cheese that looks like coconut flakes--$1.50. It's refreshing, and makes a nice lite lunch too.
--El Polar
On Calle Amazones, one or two blocks from the park, on the right side. Their own hand-made ice cream is good and creamy. The Mora, the Chocolate with chocolate bits inside, as well as their soft-serve ice cream are muy bueno!
COTACACHI
****La Fontana, next to The Monkey Bar
For excellent Italian food! The chef is from Italy. They serve a buffet for 9.00 each, which includes a full glass of wine, or another beverage of your choice. It is not an all you can eat buffet, but it doesn't have to be. Between the salad, bread and the 7 entrees -- from chicken breast in cream sauce, lasagna, eggplant parmesan, a very flavorful fettuccine, a spicy pasta, a lemon pasta, and beef rigatoni, there was plenty of food on our large plates, all delicious. A very good tiramisu was for dessert for $1.50 more, if you can save room for it.
****--Bhakti Restaurante Vegetariano Vegano, Av. 10 de Agosto y Tarqui, 1.5 blocks from San Francisco Park. Great food! The flavors are incredible and we walk out very full. Decided to try the Lunch of the Day instead of choosing from the menu -- awesome. It consisted of a large delicious bowl of lentil soup; mint tea; a baked and quite large & thick potato cake with vegetables, a side dish of cooked white pumpkin cubes with peas and red peppers; along with a large carrot & celery salad topped with steamed red beets. For dessert we ordered the apple tart. All of it was excellent, including the ginger sauce that came with our meal and tasted great in the lentil soup, and on the salad. The meal was $3.50 without the dessert and was a lot of food. They offer breakfast, different daily lunches, specials, natural products - like Tahini & more. www.bhaktivegan.blogspot.com (Google will translate this into English, if you wish). Update 11/4/13: Read in Trip Advisor that this place has moved to the coast, unfortunately.
--Finca Organica
Mostly every Thursday at about 2:00 pm this farm sells organic fruits and vegetables just outside of Cotacachi. English speaking. Get on their email list for what will be available each week.
--La Parrilla de Alberto, at the bus terminal, in the food court. Their drinks really are gringo-cold. We had a heck of a burger with fries for only $2.50.
**--Creaciones Gilmar (Leather Goods for J.W.)
Esmeraldas 12-22 y 9 de Octubre (Esmeraldas is off of "Leather" Street)
A family in Cotacachi makes leather bible covers, and lots of stuff for the ministry. Heard they sell to two companies in the States, but you can't beat the prices here. This place is in a residential area, so knock.
--Solid Rock Cafe
"Leather Street", near bus terminal.
The food is good and so's the brewed coffee -- free refills. They have an American style breakfast. The cobblers, which they make from time to time, are excellent.
There are a number of gringo hangouts in Cotacachi that are good (Serendipity & Trebol), but we always seem to gravitate to this one.
**--Cafe Rio Intag
This is the coffee roaster in town. His drinks are very good. Expect some latte art, which is a good indication that the shot was pulled correctly, and the milk was steamed correctly as well. And yes, (LOL) we are coffee snobs, as we use to teach this stuff for a living. His cafe and roaster are pictured below. The coffee is advertised as organic, and he was trained to roast in Italy, where he also purchased his machine.
OTAVALO
--Taco Bello
Bolivar y Mejia 5-23
This place was recommended by visiting friends from Durango, CO, so we tried it. Although the Mexican food is nowhere near as good as in the States, it's decent enough to come again. I got the enchiladas, Fred got the burrito (rice and beans included) and those meals included a plate of nachos--their version--along with a healthy portion of freshly made guacamole. Their tortilla chips are homemade and good. After Fred tasted my margarita he decided to order one himself -- and he never orders that drink! It was gringo-cold and just right. Then after our meals came, we were served a 2nd bowl of that good guacamole. A friendly place, and the entire bill came out to $12.50. --We went again and for four people the bill came out to $22.50 -- three of us had a margarita and one had a large beer. I happen to really like his margaritas.
--Cviche 593 (Ceviche 593)
Simon Bolivar y Jose Joaqquin Olmedo
A small, colorful & cute Cevicheria. The fried shrimp with it's dipping sauce was delicious. Our shrimp took a while to come out, but it was worth the wait. We're willing to go back and try their other seafood dishes.
--Buena Vista, next to the permanent artisan market
Each time I've eaten here I have enjoyed their food. They claim their food is organic. Their burgers are delicious, so is their chili, their soups and their nachos.