DINING WITH PENNYCuatro Rios on Padre Aguirre adds a touch of elegance and great food to Cuenca’s restaurant roster

By Penny Ripple

Looking for a little elegance with a fabulous meal? Cuatro Rios, which opened in the fall in a beautifully restored colonial at 10-44 Padre Aguirre, half a block from Gran Colombia, is defintely worth checking out.

You’ll enter through the main door and go up the stairs to the left. The ground floor, by the way, offers several up-scale leather and jewelry shops. Upstairs in the restaurant, the mezzanine offers a cozy bar with comfortable seating as well as dining tables around the atrium.  There is also a large dining room running along the front of the building, for a more private dining experience. This room seats 40 restaurant-style but will accommodate 60 to 70 for a private group.

Cuatro Rios offers both hot and cold appetizers, including Carpacio de Salmon, Foie Gras de la Maison, Camarones Gratinados, Crepes de Pollo y Championones and many more (around $6, except for the Foie Gras which runs $9).  There are four delicious salads on the menu ($5-$6), and a good selection of ceviches and soups ($5-$9).   Entrees consist of beef, pork, chicken, fish and seafood;  including Chateaubriand Maitre D’Hotel, Filets Mignon de Cerdo, Supreme de Gallina Criolla, Filete de Lenguado Langosta de Rio, Salmon Asado sobre Hinojo and Filete de Trucha Yumilka (from $6-$9). In addition, Chef Samy has created several Especialidades, including Foie Gras Chaud, Langostinos al estilo Thermidor, Osso Buco de Ternera a la Naranja and Trio Santo Domingo ($14-$18).

Vegetarians have a choice of three special dishes, Raviolis de Espinaca y Mozzarela, Carne de Soya con salsa de Champinones y Legumbres and Fideos a la Jardinier ($6-$7).  For dessert, select from such sweet delicacies as Crème Brulee, Terrina de Chocolate, Pera al Vino Tinto, Vacherin and Tarta de Maracuya and more(all at $4). Of course, a full selection of wines is available as well as a complete liquor bar and cordials.

In my book, Cuatro Rios has it all: beauty, ambiance, good service and delicious food. The tables are pre-set with beautiful glassware, charger plates and flatware and you will love the large, absorbent cloth napkins The prices are upper end for Cuenca but when you’re looking for great food –and a great experience–  Cuatro Rios is the place.

Hours:  Monday – Saturday, 12 noon to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 noon to 3:30 p.m. Manager Olivier Boudon J. will welcome you with a cordial smile. Call ahead for reservations at 07-285-0521 or Sr. Boudon’s cell number is 09-551-4856