El Maíz
Calle Larga 1-279 and Calle de los Molinos
Cuisines: American
About
This is the place to come for local cooking; it's set in a beautifully renovated old house, with a lovely outdoor patio for alfresco dining. The indoor dining room feels like somebody's house, with wood floors, red tablecloths, and a gracious waitstaff. There are two outdoor seating areas: a lower patio, with colorful tiles, overlooking a courtyard full of plants, and an upper terrace with a lovely view of the green hills. Appetizers include the usual offerings of humitas, empanadas, and locro de papas. The main courses are terrific and unique. My favorites include the chicken in pumpkinseed and white-wine sauce, beef medallions in a pear sauce, and hornado cuencano (roasted pork served with llapingachos -- mashed potatoes with cheese). Rotating monthly specials are tied to national holidays and celebrations. For dessert, try the almíbar de babaco (a compote of a local fruit, tart and sweet).
