122620 Sun Mar 28 15:32:12 -0800 2004 2 8 Midwest 0 666820 Thanks to all who responded to my post about Mpls-St. Paul Magazine's ridiculous readers poll -- and in particular, the Mexican restaurant "rankings." I've noted all your suggestions and will try them. Among the suggestions was Guayaquil, an Ecuadoran restaurant at Chicago & Lake. My wife and I ventured there last night; I thought I'd offer a quick review, since I doubt you'll be seeing it listed in the magazine's poll anytime soon. We were offered a very large basket of chips (fresly fried, not very salty at all) and a too-tiny plastic thing of green salsa. Had some fried plantains and goat cheese as an appetizer -- very nicely done, a neat combo, for 3 bucks. They could double the price and sell thousands at the State Fair. I had fried trout, and my wife had a fish-and-yucca soup. As usual, she ordered better than I did. The soup was flavorful and intriguing, with tomatoes, cilantro, and some other stuff. She couldn't finish it all and had enough to take home. My trout was good, but nothing flashy. It came with some rice and beans -- all very basic, but satisfying too. I felt great after dinner, which is more than I could say after I had a Whopper earlier in the week (what was I thinking? doy!). This was the first "head-still-on" fish I've ever had in the Twin Cities (or maybe in the United States, come to think on it), so things are looking up. We washed it all down with a couple "Pilsener" Ecuadoran beers -- served in bottles, with limes, and with nicely chilled glasses. The bill: $38, which included a 20 percent tip. The service was attentive. Our table server was pleasant, welcoming, and spoke English well. One question: Is it considered rude among Ecuadoran restaurateurs (or Mexicans, for that matter) to bring the bill by the table, or at least to ask whether you want it? Seems as if I need to track down the bill at many Mexican restaurants -- not a big deal, but I'm just curious. In Italy you need to ask for the bill. Same thing on Lake Street these days? We'll go back to Guayaquil. And next time, I'll order something a little edgier. Sun Mar 28 15:32:12 -0800 2004 0 Steve 1 666830 I just want to answer your question about the bill. I'm from Latin-America, and in all Latin countries a meal is a very important experience that should never be "desecrated" by a server bringing the bill before you ask for it. The bills IS the end of the meal, it's totally weird to sit and chat over the last cup of espresso when the bill is already there - so Latinos let YOU tell them when you're done with your meal, not the other way around. I wish more restaurants would do the same – yes, it may add some minutes to the table turnaround, but it makes the eating experience a lot better! Sun Mar 28 22:06:41 -0800 2004 666820 0 MariQ 2 666835 Thanks for the insights re: asking for bill. I agree that putting the onus on diners to request the bill is favorable to having it thrown on your table. I certainly enjoyed and appreciated that reality in southern Italy, where "your" table truly is "your" table for as long as you want it, regardless of whether you're "just" having coffee and dessert. Now, if only table servers at "American" restaurants wouldn't react as they "already have enough to do" when they're asked to bring the bill ... Mon Mar 29 10:47:54 -0800 2004 666830 0 Steve