Isabela's Upland Farm Harvest and Lunch with the Hauser's

Word spreads quickly when something different and appetizing comes along.  We had spent the morning bicycling with some new friends on S/V Full Circle and were talking during lunch about taking an excursion to a local upland farm and having a buffet lunch at “The Hauser’s” restuarant following.  This is a popular activity and many cruisers are usually interested.  We were five, and needed at least 10 for the buffet.  Word spread quickly and we were soon 17 ready to meet up the next day for a trip into the hills.

Perfect air-conditioned truck

We were a mixed group of Americans, French, Dutch, South African's, and Kiwi’s.  Conversations could be heard in English, French, Dutch and a little Spanish.  We hired a great truck with 4 rows of outdoor seats and headed first to the farm to do some fresh vegetable and fruit provisioning. Since everyone at some point was heading for French Polynesia we all had fresh food in mind.

We soon arrived and were welcomed by some friendly dogs at the gate.  Our host soon showed up and began showing us his farm.  We had a little language difficulty initially but were able to communicate what we were looking for.  I think some of us were thinking we would find all the produce picked and on tables ready to put in our bags.  Harvesting our own food was much more fun as we walked along a path toward the lime trees and then to the tomato field which had many varieties.  The cherry tomatoes were incredible and we couldn’t stop sampling along the way.   Green tomatoes seemed to be the most sought after as they would last longest on a passage.  We next gathered up some guava’s and oranges before the rainfall started soaking us.  We were all still interested in harvesting some melons and squash but ran out of time before our lunch time drew near.

Not far from the farm we arrived at the Hauser’s Restaurant owned and run by an Austrian chef, Bert and his Ecuadorian wife, Yvette. We had a marvelous four-course meal for $22.  We had a garden fresh salad, delicious tomato soup with homemade rolls, followed by a buffet of roast chicken, wahoo fish, beef with mushroom sauce, along with sides of Austrian potatoes, mixed vegetables, and pasta.  Dessert was also included and was delicious. 

Los Hauser's Restaurant

Yvette showing us a large Guaybana or Soursop

Yvette was a charming hostess and made us all feel so welcome.  Everyone was appreciative to have such a nicely prepared and presented meal on the small isolated island of Isabela.