For those with fond memories of Benihana, the U.S.-based restaurant chain famous for its flashing knives and Japanese chefs (sometimes of dubious pedigree), Cuenca responds with its own teppan grill, Otabe, on Av. Remigio Crespo. 
As with all Japanese grills, the food is cooked at high temperatures at Otabe's, which seals in great taste. The chef adds various secret sauces, oils and powders and the final product is served quickly and fresh. The ownership, by the way, assures us that no MSG is added. This, he says, is strictly a Chinese habit.
The menu is simple: steaks, seafood, chicken, served alone or in combos. There are also vegetarian dishes consisting of portabello or regular mushrooms with, soy and fried rice. I have to pause here to share a warning about Otabe’s $1 garlic chips. These are not for the faint of heart or, for anyone in a relationship thinking of making hay after dinner. These are slices of large garlic, slapped on the grill for several minutes, and served as a side. The odor will stay with you for 24 hours, at least. They're useful, of course, if you want to keep someone away.
Prices are reasonable for Otabe’s high quality and freshness ... and the entertainment offered up by the chef. The steaks range from $6 to $9.50; seafood from $6.50 to a whopping $22 for lobster; combo plates (best deal in my estimation) are $7.50 to $9.50. Mushrooms are $3.
"Postres al grill" include confections made with raspberries, pears, bananas or strawberries and cost $4. Wine, beer and sake are available.
Otabe is open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Lunch is served from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 6.30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. On Sundays, open for lunch only. 2-33 Av.Remigio Crespo and F. Proano. Tel. 091-628-684.
News flash: Bananas, known for its excellent breakfasts, has moved from what is commonly known as the “Stone House” on the Rio Tomebamba, next to the lower level of Hotel Crespo. The new location is 4-36 Calle Hermano Miguel, next door to Carolina Bookstore. Bananas serves great omelettes, homemade granola, fresh fruit juices, smoothies & yogurt. And, as I said, Alexandra & Glenda whip up a wonderful breakfast.
By the way, we may see another café pop up in Banana’s old Stone House location in coming months. The property is being purchased by an Australian couple who are interested in keeping a ground-level eatery on the grounds. Once the construction -- which is creating a pedestrian-only area along the Tomebamba -- in front of the house is completed, the location will be one of the best addresses in Cuenca.
Photo caption: A chef at Otabe's gets ready to grill; photo credit: Sumana