I'm happy to report that Cuenca is home to yet another good international restaurant, this time with a distinctly German flavor. Located in the residential Chirimoya neighborhood just northeast of the historic district, Stein Haus (Stone House in English), is owned and operated by two brothers with lots of restaurant experience, both in Cuenca and abroad. The restaurant is in a nicely remodeled house directly opposite the offices of TV Cable.

One of Setin Haus’ innovative ideas is a Saturday and Sunday morning German breakfast, served from 7 a.m.  (yes, I said seven) to 9.30 a.m. For those of you who don’t over-indulge at Friday’s Gringo Night and are able to get out of bed at a reasonable hour, this is a welcome addition to Cuenca’s dining options that should not be missed. 

Lunches are served Wednesday through Sunday from 12 noon to 4 p.m. and dinners on Thursday and Friday only from 7 p.m. to 11.30 p.m.

Entering the restaurant, one is greeted by a chalk board menu, setting out the daily offerings. The owners want to provide a "movable feast" with everything made from top quality products, relying on ingredients that are freshly available. Everything from the dark German bread to the pate and sauerkraut is made on the premises.

I thought the prices a bit high for Cuenca but, when you consider everything you get with your meal, it seems reasonable. Besides the aforementioned dark bread, butter with parsley and garlic, homemade pate, delicious green salad, sauerkraut, red cabbage cooked with apples and potato salad all accompany your main course. My smoked pork with apples was served on a (very) hot black stone which, without my glasses, I first took to be a slab of blackened meat! I advise you not to touch the rock! The dishes we tried were authentic and tasty.

Stein Haus has a full bar as well as imported German beers and some excellent South African Pinotage.

Stein Haus is located at Carlos Rigoberto Vintimilla 1-70 and Luis Moreno Mora, opposite the offices of TV Cable; phone 281-8371 or 084-885-884.

FOOD NOTES: Speaking of things German, Cuenca’s best bakery, Maria’s Alemania, has been discovered by the Cuencanos and is doing a brisk business. For the gringos who have not discovered it, the bakery is located at the corner of Hermano Miguel and Sucre, opposite the Libri Mundi bookstore. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. For a full review of Maria’s Alemania, see my original CuencaHighLife review that ran May 17.

Photo caption: Stein Haus dishes come with all the 'fixins'