Monday, October 10, 2011

Chimborazo- My new favorite casual restaurant

Chimborazo, 29th and Central Ave NE
You'll know this restaurant when you see it, it's very yellow and very square on Central Ave and 29th St NE. There used to be a small white and yellow restaurant called Charlies in this location. One of my good friends told me they served guinea pig and that the place was awful, so we never went. Then it was painted and turned into Chimborazo. My hairdresser tipped me off, she said the breakfasts were amazing, especially the huge pancake with plantain. So we went.

Since I'm more of a protein person, I ordered something with eggs and sausage and wasn't really impressed. The AC ordered the Llapingachos and was very happy. So, he was impressed, I wasn't, which means we didn't go again for some time. Then AC started going there for lunch. He's been working from home since April, and really needs to get out mid-day. Each time he raved about the soup and sandwich combos. We went again and I was blown away. I would trust this chef to make me anything. Every single homemade soup is amazing. I mean- AMAZING.

If you go there, start with a soup and sandwich combo. Get the Sopa de bolas de verde. It consists of a fabulously hearty and flavorful dumpling in the center, surrounded by an addicting peanut broth and vegetables. Get it with the roasted pork sandwich. Trust me. You'll be really happy. The last time we went was a Wednesday night, when they have a special "cheap date night". Two entrees and a bottle of wine for $35. At first we were a little hesitant as they decide which entrees and which wine (choice between a white or red). We were served the pan fried talapia and the house Ecuadorian answer to fried rice. The talapia was served whole and came with a small green salad, lime, their special hot salsa and beans and rice. It was good. If you're not comfortable with a whole fish you may not be a fan, but it was perfectly cooked and the combination of the salty, crispy outside with the sweet, tender meat inside was very nice. The fried rice, again, blew me away. I really don't order fried rice in Chinese restaurants because compared to everything else, it's pretty boring. This Ecuadorian fried rice brought the concept to a whole new level. The dish had three types of meat, chicken, pork and shrimp. It was spicy and very flavorful. It's comes as a huge portion that you think you'll never be able to eat, until you're staring at the bottom of the plate. The best part are the three perfectly fried, soft but lightly crispy pieces of plantain. Dipped in the green salsa, you'll think you died and went to heaven. The wine options were limited, but the Sauvignon Blanc we chose was very drinkable and with just enough acid to balance the food nicely. I highly recommend you check this place out.

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