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Z is for Zuleta Embroidery & Zazu Restaurant

ZULETA EMBROIDERY, perhaps the finest in Ecuador, was originally used to decorate the garments women of the northern Andean village of Zuleta, who boast a centuries-old tradition of weaving, which expanded to embroidery with the arrival of the Spanish in the mid -500s. In the 1940’s,  the original owners of Hacienda Zuleta, former Ecuadorian president Galo Plaza Lasso and his wife, created a workshop that would take advantage of the women’s embroidery skills and produce articles for sale that would provide additional income for local homes.  Guests at Hacienda Zuleta will find embroidered items—the blouses are fantastic—in the gift shop, as well as in the village, while  meticulously stitched tablecloths, napkins, bedspreads and other linens are also found in Otavalo,  Peguche, Agato, and the craft boutiques in Quito.  Note # 1: As a rule of thumb, the intricacy of the stitch, not the size of the item, determines the price.  Note #2. Fine embroidery in the Andes is also found in Otavalo, Peguche and Agato.

ZAZU RESTAURANT presents a delicious ending to our alphabetical romp through Quito, and a few near and far corners of Ecuador. Peruvian chef Rafael Perez is the great talent behind this Relais et Chateaux restaurant member, serving up beautifully presented versions of Ecuadorian dishes, such as  stone crab ceviche and suckling pig tacos. On offer are five- and seven-course tasting menus, as well as a la carte dining. Take timeout to visit the wine cellar with its eight-meter-high glass ceiling.

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