ecuador on a platter

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Ecuador on a platter

TRAVEL

Those who go off the beaten track,write for us.

Going off track

Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, was supposed to beonly a pitstop as part of mysix-month South American

ture. It held me back for a wholeh, given the amazing weather,erful people, vibrant nightlife

he fact that it’s a foodie's paradise.e magnificent city, flanked by

nic peaks and set in the Andeany, was declared the Worldage Site by UNESCO in 1978 forg the best preserved and leastd historic centre in Latinica. The capital is best viewedatop El Panecillo, a statue of ad Virgin Mary, which overlooksfrom a beautiful hill. Getting

and back is a fun ropeway ridecalled the TeleferiQo. Set in theAndean mountains, statistical-ito is the second highest capitalworld after La Paz, Bolivia.e colonial meets the contempo-

rary in this capital city. The north isthe modern, commercial Quito, theold centre carries the colonial andartistic legacy. Back in the city, in thevery heart, lies Plaza Grande in OldQuito. Fascinating historical buildingsabound, this is the Flora Fountain of Quito, with every square foot telling atale of the yesteryears.

TASTE OF THE ANDESThe best kept secret of South America

perhaps, is the fact that Quito is notonly a great place for local Andeancuisine, but is also a host to excellentgourmet and world cuisine. Head tothe Mariscal and La Floresta quartersfor wining, dining and dancing.

Typical Ecuadorean cuisine consistsmainly of rice, pollo asado (grilledchicken) or fish, ensalada (salad),ceviche (a tangy soup filled with fish,mostly shrimp and/or veggies) andsome exotic jugos (fruit juices) - it'squite a wholesome meal.

QUITO BY NIGHTPersonally, I think Quito has a betternightlife than most cities I've visited.There are tons of clubs and bars tochoose from in the La Mariscal (or'Gringo landia' as it is referred to) dis-trict. Most clubs have unbeatableoffers like a $7 open bar. The partiesspill over into special 'afterparty' spotsinto wee hours of the morning.

GREEN PIECEBy day, this place is busy too - lots of businesses, chic restaurants and thebest Spanish and Salsa schools in theworld. The city is a green paradisewith demarcated lanes for bikes and

walkers . The cultural scene is buzzingwith street artists and exhibitions.

Quito, a great example of a 'greencity', makes for good walking tours.Stop at Parque Itchimbia, which offersa magnificent view of the city andacres of lush green for biking andwalking, a picturesque walk down thevalley to the satellite city of Cumbayaand a heritage walk around CentroHistorico, the city center.

HOW TO GO

THERE ARE no direct flights toEcuador. Plan your route.First, you need to decide whether you'll connect via UAE, US, UK orSouth Africa.Next, you will need a port of entryinto South America, like Brasil or

Argentina or Peru. I flew to Brazil(Sao Paulo) via Dubai and then tooanother flight to Quito.

EATING OUT

» Cafés - Coffee is a staple drink iall of South America, so they nevget it wrong. Ecuadorean coffee subtle yet aromatic with greatflavour.

» Geladarias - Ice-cream parlors.Sure we have ice-cream parlors iIndia too, what's the big dealright? The flavours are fantasticand I was addicted to the Passiofruit (Maracuya) ice-cream.

» Ceviche - This is a tasty, tangysoup in a bowl mixed with toma-

 toes, onions and some veggies/fish (mostly shrimp). An Ecuadoran specialty and delicacy.

» Dark Chocolate - Ecuadorean dachocolate is world famous - withupto 80% cocoa, this sugar-freevariant is the best chocolate you'have ever had.

HOW MUCH?

ALWAYS ASK for 'almuerzos' and 'mriendas' - full meals that cost just be tween $1 to $3.A meal for 2 would range from $25 -$50 (minus the booze) in finer restarants.Check www.kayak.com for best flighrates.Hostel: $7-20 per night / Mid-RangeHotel: $35-80 per night. Checkwww.hostelworld.com for best price

to, the capital of Ecuador, is a treat for thecerning but adventurous foodie

hal.Karkhanisre.mirror@indiatimes.com

ISURE www.mumbaimirror.com/bollywood MumbaiMirror 3SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2010

KAUSHAL KAR

l House in Itchimbia Park Plaza Grande A vibrant Quito cafe

Ceviche, a tangy soup

$2 lunch at Mercado Central