Moving On Up

Dear Family and Friends,

We have lived in the same condo building since we arrived here 15 years ago.  Within a year or so after we arrived in Cuenca, our neighborhood became known as Gringolandia. I think it got this nickname when the Palermo Condo building was completed.  It was about this time that many people moved to Cuenca and a lot of them were renting condos in this new, high rise. When we first moved here it was either a long walk, bus ride or taxi ride to get to good restaurants, shopping and other amenities. 

In the years we have lived here, our neighborhood has grown and grown.  The best part about this growth is that now we have many restaurants within close walking distance.

One of our favorite restaurants has moved even closer to us.  Calvo & Co is a great place to eat.  Owned by expat Jose, a native Spaniard.  He is so friendly and welcoming and we just love him.

His menu includes delicious tapas along with wonderful unique hamburgers, sandwiches and salads.  His french fries are the best I've had.  Not sure if I'm telling a fib here, but I heard he is hoping to open for breakfast soon.  

It is with pleasure that I share some pictures of our visit to his new location.

As you can see, there are many new high rise (7 - 12 story) condos being built on this street, Los Cipreses, alone.

We are happy to say that with all these condos being added to the neighborhood, Calvo & Co. will be doing very good business, along with all the other neighborhood restaurants.  

Calvo & Co. is located in a renovated house at 1-133 Los Cipreses, between Ordonez Lasso and 3 de Noviembre. Notice the high rise condo being built on the street behind his new restaurant. 

Here is Jose.  Gotta love this guy.  Calvo is Spanish for bald.  His logo is his bald head.  

A very welcoming entrance.

A nice conversation area with the bar located behind.

Nice indoor dining.  It has an outdoor feel, but is located inside.

Even the outdoor dining is covered.  Great for eating outside in all weather.

Chuck, with iphone in hand, waiting for our order to arrive. 

As usual we were so excited to get out food that I forget to take a picture until we are half finished eating.  Chuck ordered a tempura fried seafood tapa.

I ordered a shrimp salad, it had asparagus, cherry tomatoes, chia seeds, pineapple cubes as well as lettuce and the seasoned shrimp.

There are several private dining rooms.  A couple of the ones upstairs can seat up to 10 - 12 people.

This restaurant is just one of the new additions to our neighborhood.  I will share others later.   

Having so many amenities close by encourages us to walk and at our ages, that is a good thing.  

After all this time, we are loving living in Cuenca just as much as when we first arrived.  There is always something new.

Love,

Nancy