This Sunday we have a very special benefit concert called Music for Medicine to support the talented musician, Frank Polo.

Frank has spread joy throughout the city time and time again with his music and he needs our help. Seven months ago, Frank faced a severe heart attack, leading to crucial heart surgery. While the surgery was successful, maintaining his health now requires a daily regimen of costly medications.

The exceptional band, Blues Enigma, will be performing in honor of Frank, and your ticket purchase or medicine donation from our specified list will contribute directly to his ongoing care.

By attending or contributing medicine, you’ll not only enjoy fantastic music but also play a vital role in ensuring Frank’s continued well-being. Finger foods and a cash bar will be available to enhance your experience.

Sunday, May 19
Happy Hour begins at 1 PM
Music starts at 2 PM
Admission: $10 or medicine from the specified list provided
Event is at Cuenca’s premiere creative center, idiomART!
(Reservations required)

Read More…

This week, we have an outstanding week of cultural and artistic events at Cuenca’s premiere creative center idiomART!

Take a look and see you soon …

• Art Opening: “Madre Tierra” exhibit
Artist: Diego Buitron of Ibarra
~ After months of planning, we are just days away from Diego’s upcoming exhibition at idiomART. This show promises an exciting display of his talent, showcasing his profound sentiments and reflections on our Mother Earth. At the opening, he will do a live body painting performance, followed by a collective canvas creation that we all can participate in. This collective artwork will be on display throughout the exhibit, adding a dynamic element to the showcase
• Wednesday, May 15
• 6 – 8 PM (free entrance ~ no reservations needed)

• Taste of the Tropics
Guatemalan Rum Tasting and Live Music
~ Join Sommelier Melissa Perez-Singer for a rum tasting with four top-shelf Botrán rums (8yr, 12yr, 15yr, 18yr) complemented with delectable treats followed by live music by some of our favorite island musicians, Los Guajiros (Noel Batista, Yunior Hernandez, Luis Valdemar)
• Thursday, May 16
• 5:30 PM ($35 – reservations required)

• Dances of Universal Peace
~ These dances are a powerful and peaceful meditation in movement, incorporating various spiritual practices and mantras to create collective peace and harmony.
• Saturday, May 18
• 11 AM ($3 – no reservation needed)

Read More…

This Thursday, indulge in a one-of-a-kind experience at our first-ever top-shelf Guatemalan rum tasting and live tropical music concert, Taste of the Tropics!

Explore the rich flavors of Botrán rum paired with delectable treats designed to enhance every sip, then groove to the beats of live tropical music!

This unique tasting experience has been curated by sommelier Melissa Perez-Singer. With her expert guidance, you’ll deepen your understanding of rum and enrich your overall experience.

Following the tasting, the band Los Guajiros, featuring musicians Noel Batista, Yunior Hernandez, and Luis Luis Valdemar, will elevate the event with their incredible tropical island music. We challenge you not to at least tap your toe during their performance!

The event takes place this Thursday, May 6th, at 5:30 PM, and we only have a few spots remaining. Secure your reservation now!

Date and Time: Thursday, May 6th at 5:30 PM
Price: Only $35 for everything!

Don’t miss this opportunity — reserve your spot now before it’s too late!

Venue: idiomART, Cuenca’s premier creative center

A special thank you to our sponsors, Botrán rum and Andina Licores, for their support.

05/16/2024, Mariscal Lamar y Estévez de Toral, Cuenca, Ecuador, $35

idiomART: res@idiomartcuenca.com

Great music, great food, great prizes, great cause: Reserve by Wednesday!
Bring your friends, have some fun!

Celebrate with Cuenca Soup Kitchen at La Yunta Restaurante May 18th at 4:30!

$30 ticket includes,

dinner, cash bar, and live music with Gatos Negros, and ten free raffle tickets! Additional raffle tickets will be available at the event.

Use those raffle tickets to win one of our 22 raffle items (worth $1000s!), two door prizes donated by Nativo Fine Art, and 3 beautiful art pieces by Juan Garcia, Nancy Galloway, and Burning World Pottery/Cafe San Sebas.

Tickets available:
Today, May 14th, 9 – 11 AM at Yaku Bisto
or:
pay via our PayPal account listed below. Please include “your name, your email, and your meal choice” in the memo. We will send confirmation via email.

Meal choices: beef lasagna, chicken lasagna, veggie lasagna, salad (vegan), quinoa dish (vegetarian).

Come to enjoy the fun and to learn how we can keep people and the planet healthy. You are part of the change!

05/18/2024, La Yunta Restaurante, Cuenca, Ecuador, $30.

Jeffrey Schimdt: PayPal Account:
jeffrey@jlsdesigns.net

We are ready for our class in Nulti this Sunday, where we will learn from master bakers who come from generations of bread-making in this traditional parish. Wood-fired ovens will be lit to prepare “enquesillado” bread and cheese and panela-filled bread that you can take home.

The departure will be at 8:20 AM from our facilities at the green house of Spanish Outdoor, from where we will head to Nulti. Transportation is not included, so you can either drive yourself or share a taxi with others; it’s a journey that takes about 20 minutes. If you know how to get to Nulti, we can meet there.

The cost includes:

– A class taught by a master baker from Nulti.
– Materials, utensils, and ingredients.
– A basket from a Nulti artisan filled up with the bread made in class.
– A complimentary beverage.

Transportation or any purchase of extra products is not included.

This is an introductory price and is part of a series of activities we have prepared before our two-year anniversary in our physical space.

We hope you can join us!

05/19/2024, 7-30 Sucre and Borrero, Cuenca, Ecuador, $15

Fredy Ordonez: +593 96 044 4506

Join us this Tuesday and Wednesday at La Guarida, Cuenca, as we project two incredible films. Plus, enjoy complimentary popcorn on us!

Reserve your seat by calling: 099 806 8071.

“Lemon Tree” Film Screening
Tuesday, May 14, 6:45 PM
Set in the West Bank, where a Palestinian widow tends her lemon grove. However, when the Israeli Defense Minister moves in across the way, his security guards demand she removes the trees, which could shelter terrorists. Refusing to bow down, she takes her case to the Supreme Court, bringing international attention.

“Ordinary Angels” Film Screening
Wednesday, May 15, 6:45 PM
Based on a remarkable true story, this film centers on Sharon Steves (played by the incredible Hilary Swank), a fierce but struggling hairdresser in small-town Kentucky who discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters. With his youngest daughter waiting for a liver transplant, Sharon sets her mind to helping the family and will move mountains to do it. What unfolds is the inspiring tale of faith, everyday miracles, and ordinary angels.

Reserve your spot now by calling 099 806 8071. Remember, reservations with dinner are an absolute must for the ultimate experience.

05/14/2024, Mariscal Lamar 22-23 y Luis Pauta, Cuenca, Ecuador, Free

Andres: Tel. 099 806 8071
underalias@gmail.com

Prepare for an unforgettable evening at La Guarida Cuenca, where we’re rolling out the red carpet for two extraordinary talents!

Join us this Thursday for a spectacular showcase featuring the dynamic duo of William Maher and Kristin Grzegorek!

Picture this: a night filled with soul-stirring melodies and culinary delights, all under one roof! From the timeless classics of the Beatles and Eagles to the electrifying hits of Toto and Billy Joel, we’re bringing you a musical journey spanning five decades of pure magic!

Date: Thursday, May 16th
Time: 6 PM onwards
Admission: Only $6 for an evening you’ll treasure forever!

Reserve your spot now for an experience that’s guaranteed to leave you craving more! Call 099 806 8071 to secure your table with a delectable dinner reservation.

Location: Mariscal Lamar and Luis Pauta – Where the magic happens!

Get ready to groove, indulge, and make memories that will last a lifetime. See you there!

05/16/2024, Mariscal Lamar 22-23 y Luis Pauta, Cuenca, Ecuador, $6

Andres: Tel. 099 806 8071
underalias@gmail.com

Hearts of Gold is holding another fun event!

Come chat with your friends, or meet new friends, with lots of yummy food (if your plate gets emptied, our volunteer ‘waitresses’ will fill it up again!) and tea.
We will also have a bartender available for those who would like a glass of wine or beer. All drink proceeds go to the wonderful Kolo restaurant that is providing free space for this event.

The event will start at 3 PM.

For those of you who are not familiar with what we do, for 10 years we have promoted the skills and capacities of women, children, teenagers and individuals in vulnerable situations, and not for profit organizations through empowerment and continuous training, ensuring their integral development, promoting social inclusion and equal opportunities. Our programs include the Change Makers, the D’Ellas, a social project that aims to empower women, Special Emergency Services, In the face of natural, environmental, social and health disasters and my favorite, All Children Deserve to Dream, focused on empowering children and teenagers, working on their self-esteem through art therapy, guiding them to choose a sustainable career, and fulfilling their dreams.

05/28/2024, Luis Cordero between Calle Larga and Juan Jaramillo, Cuenca, Ecuador, $20

Maria Jose Orellana: 096 290 4928
info@heartsofgoldfoundation.org

A folk dance is a dance that reflects the life of the people of a certain country or region. Please come this Saturday at 3 PM to Pumapungo to enjoy this amazing folk dance show, featuring the most beautiful costumes and experienced dancers to display the beauty of folk dances from the Andean region.

Admission: $3

We hope to see you there!

05/18/2024, Calle Larga 182, Cuenca, Ecuador, $3

Isabella Nunez: patriciamatu@hotmail.com

12-Step Recovery Meetings AA OA NA Al-Anon in English

● Alcoholics Anonymous
● Open meetings at 12:00 Noon – 1 PM daily. “Open meetings” are open to anyone.
● Women’s meeting at 10:30 AM, Wednesdays.

Also these other 12-step groups:
▪︎ Overeaters Anonymous (OA) meeting Tuesdays at 10:30 AM
▪︎ Al-Anon meetings at 2 PM on Mondays and 10:30 AM on Thursdays
▪︎ Narcotics Anonymous (NA) at 1:15 PM Thursdays

▪︎ New temporary location, until further notice, effective 1/21/24: 5-68 Calle Manuel Vega, in the Cuenca AA Central Offices, on Manuel Vega, between Juan Jaramillo & Honorato Vasquez (very close to Coral en El Centro, San Blas)

Contact via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AA-Cuenca-104295705583962

Daily + (see above), Free,

Richard: rmjabs@yahoo.com

City: Cuenca

Whether you’re a regular at Solano Bistro or you’ve yet to try us out, don’t miss out on Tex-Mex Tuesdays! Treat yourself to a culinary adventure with our tantalizing specials featuring delicious tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, all at irresistible prices. And that’s not all – pair your meal with our mouthwatering Tequila Sunrise and margaritas, perfectly crafted to complement our signature dishes.

Feeling thirsty? Quench your thirst with our refreshing avocado limeade, expertly crafted by our mixologist Mario. Bursting with lime, orange, and creamy avocado, it’s the ultimate Tex-Mex companion.

Lunch service starts at noon, so come on by and let the flavors transport you to culinary bliss. Can’t make it in person? No worries! We offer express delivery straight to your doorstep.

Don’t miss out on our TexMex lunch for $6.50. Add a zesty Margarita for just $3 extra, or elevate your meal with our Avocado-Limeade for only $8.

Avenida de Solano y Doce de Abril, Cuenca, Ecuador.

Debby and Jim: WhatsApp at +593 99 109 9185

We will be closing early on Friday, but not exactly sure what time.

We are working on a charity event for underprivileged kids in conjunction with Deportivo de Cuenca. We will be feeding several hundred people. The details are still up in the air, but we are determined to do this for the community regardless of the cost.

Then, we have a home game with Deportivo de Cuenca on Friday night. So, we will be selling food at the game.

At this point, we are expecting to close immediately after the lunch rush, around 2:30 or 3 PM. But to reiterate, subject to change. We are going to do this charity thing. We are a part of the community here.

We know that there are a lot of Pájaro y Bestia devotees out there, so we are going to ask a special favor for the fútbol games. A lot of you yell and cheer for Leroy when you see El Jefe (extremely flattering), but let´s try a cheer that will include the girls as well. When you see us in your section – ¨Pájaro, Pájaro, Pájaro…¨

Watch for a special discount at the games. Last week we announced on the PA that if a specific player scored, there was a 50% discount on food if you present your ticket stub at restaurant. Watch for a similar announcement here and on the PA at the stadium.

Real Deal BBQ two days a week, plus more.

Gran Colombia 13-100, only steps from the Coronel Talbot stop on Tranvia, Cuenca, Ecuador.

La Bestia: 098 321 8273 WhatsApp

“Chula Birria thanks the entire expatriate community who have been frequent customers, giving us their trust to serve the traditional flavors of Mexico!

We serve from Monday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM, we do not close at noon.

WhatsApp: 098 376 0304.

Francisco Moscoso 5-31 y Jacinto Flores. UDA´s bridge, Cuenca, Ecuador.

Juan Arévalo: https://www.instagram.com/chulabirria_ec/

• Satisfy your TexMex cravings on Tuesdays.
• Enjoy Asian flavors on Thursdays, and savor Fish and Chips every Friday. • • This Wednesday, don’t miss our Italian Lasagna and Ravioli Special, featuring classic spinach and ricotta, meat ravioli, and smoked pancetta and ricotta varieties!

Indulge in our famous lasagna from the Jazz Cafe, served with an authentic traditional pomodoro sauce and a side of sourdough pesto toast. Pair your meal with a glass of Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for the perfect Italian dining experience. And for dessert, treat yourself to our exquisite panna cotta or indulge in a decadent affogato.

For a refreshing sip, try our basil lemonade or strawberry basil lemonade.
Join us at Solano Bistro for a taste of Italy and beyond!
#WeeklySpecials #ItalianWednesday #SolanoBistro.

Avenida de Solano y Doce de Abril, Cuenca, Ecuador.

Debby Degamo: WhatsApp +593 99 109 9185

Saturday, dine-in restaurant… open 4:30 PM, dinner 6 PM.
Sunday, take-out – pickup or delivery.

Joes’ takes the famous char-grilled Piri Piri Chicken from Portugal and surrounds it with all the support side dishes of a great Tex-Mex BBQ.
Dinner includes a starter – delicious Gazpacho – a cold tomato based soup with cucumbers, onion, a hint of garlic, olive oil, and more …

Your choice of Piri Piri Chicken or our popular Herb Rosemary Garlic Chicken.
Fluffy Rio Grande Red Rice
Big and Bold Flavor Black Beans
Crisp Corn Tortillas

And we finish the dinner with a delicious dessert of Mexican Fiesta Bread Pudding with pineapple and bananas Coffee and Tea

Vegetarian dinner available with at least 24 hour notice.

Margaritas are on special Saturday – $5.50! Bring your friends and enjoy the evening together, and, of course, you will also make some new ones.

Reservations required.
Menu, prices, and reservation on our website. http://www.joessecretgarden.com.

Address at time of booking, Cuenca, Ecuador.

KP and Ken: 096 950 6605
http://www.joessecretgarden.com

Cristian Romero, manager of Common Grounds Sports Bar and Grill proudly announces the grand opening of a new barbecue restaurant “The Brothers Grill, this Friday, May 17, 4 PM. This exciting expansion into the heart of Cuenca signifies the commitment of “The Brothers Grill” to provide exceptional dining experiences and excellent grilled meat.

Located in the vibrant city of Cuenca, Calle Gran Colombia 20-33 and Leon Xlll, “The Brothers Grill” is ready to become an access point for locals, tourists, foreigners and the community in general. With a varied menu that includes delicious appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, salads, soups, grilled meat, ribs and much more!

You are all cordially invited. Remember Friday, May 17, 4 PM. There will be live music and welcome canelazo.

Gran Colombia and Leon Xlll, Cuenca, Ecuador.

Cristian Romero: Cristian Romero
098 107 9406

• May 18 Gran Feria Sabatino’s Menu •

We’re bringing you several variations of some of your favorite Double D’s delights as well as a couple new recipes.

Nutter Butter Bars: $3 each
Slabs of our soft and chewy peanut butter cookies sandwiched with a creamy peanut buttery filling

Apricot Ginger Scones: $3.50 each
Our buttery scones studded with diced dried apricots and candied ginger

Chocolate NY Style Crumb Cake: $3.50/slice ~ $28 whole
Our crumb cakes have been a hit so this fair menu features a chocolate version baked with our homemade fudge filling

Salted Caramel Cake: $3.50/slice ~ $28 whole
Two layers of vanilla buttermilk cake filled and frosted with a salted caramel cream cheese icing

Dark Chocolate Cranberry Chewy Granola Bars: $2 each
Chewy granola bars with tangy dried cranberries and semi-sweet mini chocolate chips

Key Lime Pie Trifles: $4 each
Crushed as-close-as-you-can-find-to-graham-crackers-here layered with our special cream, a tart Key lime curd, and finished with a lime twirl

Breakfast Pizza: $4/slice ~ $32 whole
Puff pastry baked and filled with cheesy scrambled eggs and crumbled bacon

Thanksgiving Quiche: $4.50/slice ~ $36 whole
We’re almost halfway to Thanksgiving! In honor of our favorite holiday, we’re bringing you a special quiche. The crust is our homemade sage dressing. The egg custard filling features roasted turkey, diced sweet potatoes, broccoli florets, and Swiss cheese.

The best way to get exactly what you want is to pre-order by 3 PM today, Tuesday, May 14. Otherwise, we’ll see you at Cuenca’s biggest and best weekend feria–Gran Feria Sabatino’s–starting at 10 AM on Saturday, May 18.

Deb and Dawn.

Sabatino’s Garden Restaurant: Roberto Aguilar y 3 de Noviembre (one block west of Plaza Otorongo), Cuenca, Ecuador.

Double D’s Delights: 096 802 2545
Spanish, English; WhatsApp

Come join us in this new adventure in Sayausí area. We’ll be hiking along the beautiful river and we´ll get to see interesting landmarks such as the Longevity Tree and waterfalls, a small canyon, etc.

– Length: around 5 mi
– Elevation gain: 1,266 ft
– Hiking time: around 02:30
– Level: basic+

When: Saturday, 18 May – 8 AM
Cost: $15

Includes: Public and private transport, snacks, English speaking guide,
and photographic record.

Gear needed: any kind of hiking footwear (waterproof would be a plus), upper body layers, hiking poles would be really helpful but not strictly necessary, and if you’re brave enough to get in the cold river, bring shorts..

Calle sucre 11-60 y Calle Tarqui, Cuenca, Ecuador.

Adventures Spanish: adventures@spanishinstitutes.com