Monday, 16 July (Part II)
After visiting a couple of places that don’t see that many tourists (post here), we grabbed a taxi into Quito’s Centro Histórico (historic center). As we neared Plaza Grande, the traffic became so bad that we asked the driver to drop us off several blocks away and we walked to the plaza under our own steam; it was definitely faster than inching along in the cab.
Google Maps image showing the locations of Quito Turismo (“i” marker) and Mea Culpa
(fork & knife marker). I also marked some of the places we visited during our
pre-cruise days in Quito. As you can see, there’s so much to see in a compact area.
We were getting awfully hungry and lunch was a priority. So, we immediately headed over to the main office of Quito Turismo, the tourist information center, to get directions to the restaurant the concierge at JW Marriott had recommended.
A bit pricey; but there are some great souvenirs to be had at Quito Turismo.
We had a great lunch at Mea Culpa, so I hesitate to say that the concierge steered us wrong; it just wasn’t what we were expecting. We always ask locals for restaurant recommendations, specifying that we want to eat where they eat. Overlooking Plaza Grande, and located in the former Palacio Arzobispal (Archbishop’s Palace), Mea Culpa did not strike us as a place the average Quiteño would frequent — not with meal prices similar to what we would pay for lunch or dinner in the DC area.
The concierge had nothing to gain by sending us here; we didn’t use his name to get a table. I can only guess that he didn’t believe us when we asked for a place where the locals eat; probably not used to such a request from the high-end clientele of the JWM. Anyway, we had the option of leaving and finding somewhere else, of course, but the menu looked good, so we decided to treat ourselves.
Built in the 16th century, the Palazio Arzobispal (the white building) is now home to
shops and restaurants; Mea Culpa is on the second floor (French doors with awnings).
An elegant restaurant …
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… with a view of Palacio Gobierno (left), as well as La Catedral and El Panecillo from our table.
We wanted to have light fare for lunch, so we just ordered a couple of appetizers. My choice was an entrada caliente (hot appetizer) — Rossini Gnocchis au Gratin (oven-baked spinach and ricotta gnocchis); Mui opted for an entrada fria (cold appetizer) — Ceviche de Langostino (prawn ceviche in typical tomato sauce, served with onions and lemon, and roasted corn kernels and plantain slices). Both dishes were very tasty. The portions were sized just right and we had enough room left for dessert — very yummy profiteroles.
We have a very tasty meal …
… and conclude it with a sweet treat!
Now onto more sightseeing …
