Chowing Down in Coastal Ecuador-Part I

The first step is to admit it. Fine. I am a foodie. Love. Food. Must.Try. Everything. Preferably with wine.  

My grandmother was an amazing cook. She didn't measure. She just knew. Obviously she was not a baker! My father - same way. By the time I was 12, I was whipping up some pretty decent meals for our large family. And I have passed along our family's culinary (and wine) appreciation to my oldest son-23, who graduated from culinary arts (JWU-Denver) and is now a chef in VA, moving soon to Chicago. 

So I can't help it. The foodie in me is in my genes.

Whenever we go on vacation, I always take pictures of our food, much to the amusement of my husband. Ken isn't picky about his food - he just prefers that it be cooked. That's about it. Me, on the other hand, well....let's just say I will analyze the dish. I am yammering away about the presentation, the colors, the smells, the flavors, all the while my adorable husband is patiently looking at me, smiling in between his bites, and pretty much mumbling 'Yes, Dear.' He could care less whether or not the plate has pretty little garnishes. The poor guy just wants to eat.My son enjoys taking pics of foods he's eating to prove that he did, indeed, just eat that!

Alec and Ken chowing down at lunch - Hotel Caridi

Here's the low-down, complete with pics (surprise!) on a few of our culinary adventures while in Salinas:

Herminia's - on the Malecon. Ken and I stopped in for a quick bite sans Alec and when Alec saw the pic of Ken's dish, he wanted to visit the restaurant, so a few days later we went again. Very humble surroundings, we sat outside both times, people watching is so fun! 

First visit I ate the octopus ceviche. Served with rice and plantains and on our 2nd visit I had the pescado ceviche, both excellent. Very fresh tasting, tender meat, flavorful and not overly acidic. Different styles, the fish having more ingredients, and a slightly spicier tang from the peppers.

Ken had the arroz con pollo our first visit. Alec had it on our 2nd visit. Can you tell the difference between Ken's dish and Alec's? We know the Ecuadorians love kids...the "mom" must have thought my son needed some 'extra' since he was a growing boy - and the 'extra pollo' was gratis! Alec ordered a batidos pina con leche and it was delicious. He let me have a sip :) 

RaPaNui - on the Malecon next to the Doral Bldg. Great little outdoor area, and the service was excellent. I enjoyed a fresh mojito that was not too sweet thank goodness, and we all enjoyed a nice lunch. Ken and I had the almuerzo and Alec snacked on a pizza, in addition to trying some of our caught-that-morning fish. 

 The soup looked thin, but it was filled with goodies, and very delicious!

The portion of fish missing was eaten by my kid, who actually liked it. Here's a pic to prove he ate some fish:

There ya go Alec, take a bite! You'll like it!

Cheers,

Tami