Valerie Kirn-Duensing
This little wood-fired pizza restaurant is just a few feet off the main plaza (near the ATM!) We were initially enticed by a wooden sign "La Casa de Madera Resto Bar" and a charming walkway lit by hundreds of "fairy lights." At the end of the walkway is this little gem of a pizza place. The first floor has a stone/brick wood-fired pizza oven that bakes the most delectable pizza over Eucalyptus wood coals and a small seating area with an ancient stone as a table. The second floor has more traditional seating with tables and chairs, a bar and little balcony. One of the most special touches is the chef/owner's homemade sauce (served on the side if you just want to try it) that is made with tomatoes and strawberries grown in the Sacred Valley! It was wonderful. Who would have thought??? Sweet, spicy and rich. This is also the only place in town that uses quinua as a topping option - the "mother grain" of the mighty Inca. As it was a bit chilly when we visited (late September), we were served a "hot toddy" which is black tea with cinnamon, cloves, orange juice, honey and a shot of Pisco. It was perfect. Case Madera also serves beer, mixed drinks, soft drinks, etc. Pizza selection includes a House Pizza with meat, olives, peppers, black and white quinua; American Pizza with ham, tomatoes, onion; Hawaiian Pizza with pineapple , peach, honey, black and white quinua; 4 Cheese Pizza with mozzarella, Andean farmer's cheese, Parla and Criollan (all make locally!!!); and a Vegetarian Pizza. The menu also has pasta, two salad choices, Lomo Saltado, and even French fries. The restaurant is owned by the chef, his wife, and a friend who is also respected guide in the area - James with Two Worlds Peru Travel. (I got the whole scoop while enjoying our delicious pizza and toddy!!!) There are a ton of pizza joints in Ollentaytambo, but this one stands out with a unique menu, unique setting, and nice folks looking to make an honest living.
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