El Peñascal

Earlier this month, Mark shot video for Trickle Up, a US based nonprofit that works with the poorest and most vulnerable populations (women, people with disabilities, refugees, indigenous people) and helps them achieve financial independence. They do this by providing seed capital for microenterprises as opposed to loans. They also provide ongoing support, training and help participants connect with savings and loan groups.

I interned at Trickle Up in 2004 and have continued to remain in touch with many past and current employees. It is through my work and connections, Mark has been shooting, editing and presenting the video at their annual fundraising gala in NYC. His work has taken him to some of the most poorest regions in Burkina Faso, India and just recently, Guatemala.

I was a lot worried about him traveling to Guatemala, especially since the outbreak of the Zika virus has been confirmed in the region, but thankfully, he returned fine.

While in Guatemala, Mark was able to collect a menu from El Peñascal, a restaurant located in Cobán. He snuck it in his jacket like a pro. When I Googled the restaurant, Trip Advisor had surprisingly good reviews and is the #3 restaurant in Cobán. El Peñascal means "rocky place" or "rocky hill", and Mark was saying that the region was very hilly and having to trek up the hills with all their equipment made it very challenging, especially in the heat, but they finished. Job well done!

The menu is in Spanish, obvi. The prices such as Q. 67.75, Q. 55.00 and Q. 95.00 are in Guatemalan Quetzal. Imagine if these were US prices? Sheesh! The conversion rates for the above mentioned are: US 8.84, US 7.18 and US 12.40, so it's actually inexpensive. If I was there I would probably get some kind of traditional dish like tamales, guacamole, and tortillas, but apparently, there really isn't a national dish according to the website Food by Country. The food is greatly influenced by the Mayan Empire, Spanish rule and the modern republic.

I'm also grateful because Mark brought back coffee! Coffee from Central and South America is the real deal, yo! The coffee he brought back is from the mountains of Guatemala and the brand is Dieseldorff Kaffee, which is widely known in the area and they offer tours. He also brought back a small bottle of cardamom, which he says I'm supposed to put it in the kaffee.  You can read about how this German kaffee brand came to be in Guatemala here.

El Peñascal, 5a avenida 2-61 zona 1, 5a Avenida 5

Cobán, Guatemala

Website

El Peñascal