Paris in Cuenca?

A couple of years ago, some good friends and I traveled to Paris in the springtime. It was lovely and I have great memories of our trip. But I returned home about five pounds heavier because I literally ate my way through the city!

I loved everything about Paris: the Eiffel tower all lit up at night, the boulangeries on every corner, and the sidewalk cafes at every turn.

And you know what? Cuenca reminds me a lot of Paris—with its cobblestone streets, sidewalk cafes (yes, we have them!), wrought-iron balconies and bougainvillea cascading down windowsills and filling in archways.

Okay, I realize that Simón Bolívar isn’t exactly the Champs Élysées and the Tomebamba River isn’t the Seine, but it sure creates a “starting place”!

Yesterday while we were walking home from church, I spotted a patch of pink and black out of the corner of my eye. It was “Chantilly .” I had seen it a few times from the bus, but it wasn’t convenient to stop or it was closed. But today—of all days—it was open.

When I stepped inside, I blurted out, “It’s Paris!”

Mark thought I was nuts and the baker smiled politely and asked if I needed anything.

Of course, I did!

I “needed” everything behind the counter, including the cute little cheesecake "thingy" with cookie crumbs sprinkled on top and doused in white chocolate. When I took a bite, I couldn’t help but think of all the pastries in Paris. But this one was so much better and it wasn’t at Euro prices!

Chantilly Pastelería is definitely my new Paris in Cuenca and I'll be back!

Until next time… au revoir!

Note: Chantilly Pastelería is located on the corner of Remigio Crespo and Av. Loja, Cuenca, Ecuador (closed on Mondays).



Tags: Paris Cuenca Ecuador living and retiring in Ecuador