Hoping for something exceptional, hoping for something traditional, we wanted our first feast in Guatemala to be something memorable. With no recommendations and no obvious signs, such as lightening striking or fish falling from the heavens, we decided to follow our noses. Soon, the scent of beefy, garlicky goodness had me slamming on the brakes. This is how our first meal in the country came to be Chinese.
We found a spot in the parking lot and headed for what we hoped was the origins of the glorious aroma. We wandered through a dark corridor full of equipment into an abandoned dining area. A little disheartened but still driven by the savory perfumes, we went through one more door and came out into a bright, clean and cheerfully decorated cafeteria-style dining area.
We chose a table by the window and a very cheerful waitress delivered menus and water. Having come in the back way, we hadn’t seen the name of the place, Mandarin Oriental, which explained the cheesy Chinese diner décor. There was also a tiny Christmas tree on the counter. Overall, the place had a very festive feel.
This restaurant, besides obviously serving Chinese food, is a churrascos or churrasqueria, a steakhouse. I opted for the beef and Libby ordered an assortment of appetizers, of which I, of course, stole a good portion.
After a leisurely but not drawn out wait, the starters were served. The taco chino especial (special Chinese taco, Q18) was eggrolls. They were crisp, but not greasy, and the filling was well-seasoned and tasty. The wantan dorado con lomito y salsa agridulce (Q21) were wontons filled with a beef concoction served with sweet-and-sour sauce. These were also crisp, but not greasy, and flavorful.
Shortly after the appetizers were served, my steak came out. It was a beef tenderloin served with salad and fries for Q49. Having just been in southern Mexico where tender juicy beef is hard to come by, I wasn't sure what to expect. It was served on a sizzling hot cast iron plate and much to my delight, was tender and oh so juicy. I later came to realize that Guatemala has consistently good beef.
Half way through the meal I ordered another soda and asked for a straw. The waitresses laughed hysterically and hid in the kitchen. Being very thirsty, I kept voicing my need for liquid. I saw faces peering around corners and heard gut wrenching laughter but no one delivered my drink. Eventually and older lady, her face contorted with the effort of not laughing, brought my drink. She served us the rest of the evening.
We enjoyed this restaurant so much that on our return trip through we ate here again but made a point of not asking for a straw. As a matter of fact, I don’t think I asked for one the rest of the trip.