Dawn
on the Amazon
Captains Blog

Only positive attitudes and good vibrations are served at the Dawn on the Amazon Cafe.

The Dawn on the Amazon Cafe is the restaurant in Iquitos with the positive attitude and the good vibrations. We genuinely like and enjoy 90% of the citizens of Iquitos. We are part of the solution, not part of the problem. We are non-denominational, and non-political. All nationalities are welcome. The number one rule is be nice, or go to another restaurant.

“Im pickin up good vibrations, Im pickin up good vibrations, Good good good good vibrations…”

Only positive attitudes and good vibrations are served at the Dawn on the Amazon Cafe.

Bill Grimes and his crew serve good vibrations at the Dawn on the Amazon Cafe.

Introducing the new ayahuasca diet menu at the Dawn on the Amazon Cafe.

The Dawn on the Amazon Cafe is proud to share our new ayahuasca diet menu with you. We spent the last month refining and tweaking our recipes. Fortunately we benefit from the advice of my friends, Hamilton Souther of Blue Morpho Tours,  Brian Best of the Temple of the Way of Light, and Scott Peterson of Refuigo Altiplano, among several other experts that I consulted.  There are some small differences between their opinions about exactly what the diet should consist of, but the similarities are greater than the differences and there are many choices in our ayahuasca diet menu that should appeal to everyone.

Many shamans or ayahuasqueros recommend adhering to the diet at least one week before, during, and one week after your ayahuasca ceremony. Sticking with it three days before, during, and three days after your ceremony may be acceptable.

I hired a special cook that was trained to prepare the ayahuasca diet at the Temple of the Way of Light to make sure we get it right. Generally the diet is defined as no salt, pepper, sugar, dairy products, hot peppers, pork, red meat, lard, heavy oil, alcohol, soda pop, or ice cream. A small splash of olive oil is considered acceptable for cooking.

Here are the simple but delicious dishes and juices we have for you.

New Ayahuasca Diet Menu

We realize there is a large gray area of what is an acceptable diet from one Ayahuasca Center to another and from one dieter to another.  You are unique. We are committed to accommodating the variety of diets and foods into this menu. Everything on the menu may not be appropriate for you. Please pick and choose what is best for your situation based on the ingredients listed. Please don’t say, for instance, “I can’t believe he has basil and garlic in his pasta sauce.” If basil and garlic are not part of your diet, don’t order the pasta sauce. I think we can all agree that pork, fat, excess oil, pepper, and hot pepper, should be avoided before and after taking Ayahuasca.  This menu eliminates those ingredients from the recipes, and minimizes sugar and  salt. Look to the right of each item for a description of contents. For instance the Orange Pineapple Vanilla Froth Smoothie has a small amount of sugar in the Vanilla Extract, and it is mentioned in the description.

Full compliment of 16 oz. fresh juices and smoothies. (No salt, pepper, sugar, dairy, or oil) Add honey.  S/ 2 = $0.71

For an even healthier experience, add 1 teaspoon of Maca or Cats Claw to any juice or smoothie.  S/ 2 = $0.71

Juices

(82a) Orange Juice.  S/ 6.50 = $2.32

(82b) Limonada.  S/ 6.50 = $2.32

(82c) Passion-Passion Fruit Juice.  S/ 6.50 = $2.32

(82d) Star Fruit Juice.  S/  6.50 = $2.32

(82e) Camu-Camu Juice.  S/ 6.50 = $2.32

(82f) Pineapple Juice.  S/ 6.50 = $2.32

Smoothies

(82g) Mango, Pineapple, Orange.  S/ 6.50 = $2.32

(82h) Orange, Banana, Pineapple.  S/ 6.50 = $2.32

(82i) Orange, Pineapple, Vanilla Froth. (The Vanilla Extract has a small amount of sugar).   S/ 6.50 = $2.32

(82j) Melon, Pineapple, Orange, Honey.  S/ 6.50 = $2.32

(82k) Orange, Celery, Carrot, Apple.  S/ 6.50 = $2.32

Breakfast, served all day

(83) Fruit Salad.  S/ 10 = $3.57 (no salt, pepper, sugar, dairy, or oil)

(84) Two boiled eggs.  S/ 5.50 = $1.96 (no salt, pepper, sugar, dairy, or oil)

(85) Garden Goodness Sandwich, a mix of seasonal fresh raw vegetables on our hand made artisan Chabata bread, dressed with only a squeeze of lime, or served without lime juice if you prefer.  S/ 9 = $3.21 (no salt, pepper, sugar, dairy, or oil) Add a slice of fresh cheese.  S/ 0.50 = $0.17

(86) The ELT Sandwich, a fried firm Egg plus Garden Goodness Sandwich on toasted chabata bread; a mix of seasonal fresh raw vegetables including tomato, lettuce, or spinach, dressed simply with fresh squeezed lime juice, or served without lime juice if you prefer.  S/ 11 = $3.93 (no salt, pepper, sugar, dairy; but a small splash of olive oil to cook the egg) Add a slice of fresh cheese.  S/ 0.50 = $0.18

Soups

(87a) Healthy Chicken Soup, simmered with fresh herbs, vegetables, and wheat berries.  S/ 13 = $4.64 (No salt, pepper, sugar, dairy or oil)

(87b) a cup of soup.  S/ 7.50 = $2.68

(88a) Vegetarian Quinoa Soup.  S/ 11.50 = $4.11 (No salt, pepper, sugar, dairy, or oil)

(88b) a cup of soup.  S/ 7.50 = $2.68

Crisp Fresh Salad

(89) Garden Salad, a small salad mix of seasonal fresh raw vegetables, dressed with fresh squeezed lime juice, or without lime juice if you prefer.  S/ 6.50 = $2.32 (no salt, pepper, sugar, dairy, or oil)

(90) Garden Goddess Salad, a plate full of mixed seasonal fresh raw vegetables, dressed with fresh squeezed lime juice, or without lime juice if you prefer.  S/ 13 = $4.64 (no salt, pepper, sugar, dairy, or oil)

Lunch and Dinner

(85) Garden Goodness Sandwich, a mix of seasonal fresh raw vegetables dressed in fresh squeezed lime juice, or without lime juice if you prefer.  S/ 9 = $3.21 (No salt, pepper, sugar, dairy, or oil) Add a slice of fresh cheese.  S/ 0.50 = $0.18

(86) The ELT Sandwich, an Egg, fried firm, plus the Garden Goodness Sandwich on toasted chabata bread; a mix of seasonal fresh raw vegetables, including tomato and lettuce or spinach, dressed simply with fresh squeezed lime juice, or without lime juice if you prefer.  S/ 11 = $3.93 (No salt, pepper, sugar, dairy, tiny splash of olive oil to cook the egg). Add a slice of fresh cheese.  S/ 0.50 = $0.18

(91) Simple boiled Chicken Sandwich with mixed garden vegetables dressed in fresh squeezed lime juice, or without lime juice if you prefer.  S/ 13 = $4.64 (no salt, pepper, sugar, dairy, oil)

(92) Vegetarian Steamed Seasonal Vegetables on Quinoa; super grain of the Incas.  S/ 9.50 = $3.39 (no salt, pepper, sugar, honey, dairy, raisins, or oil)

(93) Chef’s Choice, Steamed Fresh Fish Fillet, a salad, and your choice of boiled sweet potato, boiled Andean potato, brown rice, white rice, or a cup of soup.  S/ 19.50 = $6.96 (no salt, pepper, sugar, dairy, or oil)

(94) Chef’s Choice, Italian Vegetarian Basil Sauce on Fettuccini Pasta, contains a small amount of extra virgin olive oil.  S/ 13.50 = $4.82 (no salt, pepper, sugar, dairy)

Individual Portions

(95) Boiled Andean Sweet Potatoes.  S/ 5.50 = $1.96 (no salt, pepper, sugar, dairy, oil)

(96) Boiled Andean Potatoes.  S/ 5.50 = $1.96 ( no salt, pepper, sugar, dairy, oil)

(97) Brown Rice.  S/ 5.50 = $1.96 (no salt, pepper, sugar, dairy, oil)

(98) White Rice.  S/ 4.50 = $1.61 (no salt, pepper, sugar, dairy, oil)

(99) Avocado and Lime.  S/ 5.50 = $1.96 (no salt, pepper, sugar, dairy, oil)

(100) Quinoa.  S/ 5.50 = $1.96 (no salt, pepper, sugar, dairy, oil)

We also provide the best run tours and cruises in Iquitos from the Dawn on the Amazon Tours and Cruises office next door. Ask about our day trips. They are fun. You will like them. Including the complimentary bottle of Champagne. Relax! Let us take care of everything. Let’s celebrate!

Check out Bill Grimes’s photos and blog posts at the new Dawn on the Amazon Cafe web site.

Please click the links below and read these articles by Bill Grimes about ayahasca, and shamanism;

How Does Shamanism, Ayahuasca, And Vanity Fair Come Together In Iquitos Peru, And What Will Be The Result?;

Opinions About Ayahuasca From the Shamans Apprentice;

The Shamans Ball At The Amazon Golf Course, Iquitos Peru;

The Dawn on the Amazon Cafe Photo Menu

Thank you for choosing The Dawn on the Amazon Café

Starter/Appetizer

(1) Mango Salsa, served with our hand made artisan, toasted, buttered, chabata bread.  S/ 10.50 = $3.57

(2) Perfect Guacamole, served with our hand made artisan, toasted, buttered, chabata bread.  S/ 10.50 = $3.57

(3) Salsa Criolla, served with our hand made artisan, toasted, buttered, chabata bread.  S/ 10.50 = $3.57

(4) Garlic Bread, with Roasted Garlic Butter and fresh Herbs, Best Olives. You’ll love this garlic bread, straight from our oven to you.  S/ 10.50 = $3.57

(5) Chinese Egg Rolls, with Pungent Mustard Soy Sauce, or Sweet and Sour Passion Sauce for dipping. New on menu! S/ 10.50 = $3.57

Specialty Coffee

(6a) Fresh Brewed Roasted Peruvian Coffee, large, (two cups in one).  S/ 4 = $1.43.  With milk.  S / 4.50 = $1.61

(6b) Fresh Brewed Organic, Fair Trade, World Class Coffee, small, (one cup).  S/ 4 = $1.43.  With milk.  S / 4.50 = $1.61

Iced Coffee, Iquitos Frappuccinnos

(6c) Iced Coffee, Iquitos Frappuccinno, strong chilled coffee, cold milk, ice cubes, first pressed brown sugar, blended; cool, delicious.  S/ 7.50 = $2.68

(6d) Iced  Coffee, Caramel Iquitos Frappuccinno,  strong chilled coffee, cold milk, double dollop of caramel sauce, ice cubes,  first pressed brown sugar, blended; cool, delicious.  S/ 7.50 = $2.68

(6e) Iced Coffee, Vanilla Iquitos Frappuccinno, strong chilled coffee, cold milk, vanilla, ice cubes, first pressed brown sugar, blended, cool, delicious.  S/ 7.50 = $2.68

(6f) Iced Coffee, Mocha Iquitos Frappuccinno, strong chilled coffee, cold milk, cocoa, chocolate, ice cubes, first pressed brown sugar, blended, cool delicious.  S/ 7.50 = $2.68

Full compliment of 16 oz. fresh juices and smoothies from the juice menu all day.

For an even healthier experience, add 1 teaspoon of Maca or Cats Claw to any juice or smoothie for S/ 2 = $0.71

Juices

(7a) Orange Juice.  S/ 6.50 = $2.32

(7b) Limonada.  S/ 6.50 = $2.32

(7c) Passion-Passion Juice.  S/ 6.50 = $2.32

(7d) Star Fruit Juice.  S/ 6.50 = $2.32

(7e) Camu-Camu Juice.  S/ 6.50 = $2.32

(7f) Mango-Mango Juice.  S/ 6.50 = $2.32

(7g) Pineapple Juice.  S/ 6.50 = $2.32

Smoothies

(7h) Melon Cream Dream, (Seasonal).  S/ 6.50 = $2.32

(7i) Banana Bliss.  S/ 6.50 = $2.32

(7j) Peanut Butter Conspiracy.  S/ 6.50 = $2.32

(7k) Mango Pineapple Orange.  S/ 6.50 = $2.32

(7l) Orange Banana Pineapple.  S/ 6.50 = $2.32

(7m) Orange Pineapple Vanilla Froth.  S/ 6.50 = $2.32

(7n) Melon Pineapple Orange Honey.  S/ 6.50 = $2.32

(7o) Orange, Celery, Carrot, Apple.  S/ 6.50 = $2.32

(70p) Bada-Bada Smoothie. New on menu. S/ 6.50 = $2.32

The Best Breakfast In Iquitos

(8) Stuffed Cheese and Vegetable Omelet, with Toasted Chabata Bread, Real Butter, and Tropical Marmelade.  S/16.50 = $5.90 Add bacon.  S/ 3 = $1.07

(9) Pancakes, three light and fluffy Pancakes, Real Butter, Honey and our Home-made Tropical Fruit Syrup.  S/ 9.50 = $3.39

(10) Pièce de Résistance, Pancakes and Eggs, three light and fluffy Pancakes, Real Butter, Honey, and our Home-made Tropical Fruit Syrup, with Two Eggs, as you like them, (over easy, or sunny side up, recommended). New on Menu! S/ 14 = $5

(11) The Foundation, Two Eggs, as you like them, (over easy, sunny side up, scrambled, fried firm, 0r hard boiled), with toasted Chabata Bread, real Butter and Tropical Marmalade. New on Menu! S/ 6.50 = $2.32

(12) The Fundamental, Bacon and Two Eggs, as you like them, (over easy, sunny side up, scrambled, fried firm, or hard boiled), with Toasted Chabata Bread, Real Butter and Tropical Marmalade. New on menu! S/ 12 = $4.29

(13) Grannie’s Old Fashioned Home Fries with vegetables.  S/ 9.50 = $3.39

(14) The Time-honored, Grannie’s Old Fashioned  Home Fries and Two Eggs, as you like them, (over easy, sunny side up, scrambled, fried firm, hard boiled), with Toasted Chabata Bread, Real Butter, and Tropical Marmalade. New on menu! S/ 14 = $5

(15) The Classic, Two Eggs, as you like them, (over easy, sunny side up, scrambled, hard boiled), Bacon, Grannie’s Old Fashioned Home Fries With Vegetables, Toasted Chabata Bread, Real Butter and Tropical Marmalade. New on menu! S/ 17.50 = $6.25

(16) The ELT Sandwich, a fried firm Egg plus Garden Goodness Sandwich on toasted chabata bread; a mix of seasonal fresh raw vegetables, (including tomato and lettuce) and fresh cheese, dressed with three parts Extra Virgin Organic Olive Oil, and one part fresh squeezed Lime Juice.  S/ 11.50 = $4.11

(17) The BLT Sandwich, Bacon plus Garden Goodness Sandwich on toasted chabata bread; a mix of seasonal fresh raw vegetables (including tomato and lettuce) and fresh cheese, dressed with three parts Extra Virgin Organic Olive Oil and one part fresh squeezed Lime Juice.  S/ 14 = $5.00

(18) The BELT Sandwich, Bacon, firm fried egg plus Garden Goodness Sandwich on toasted chabata bread; a mix of seasonal fresh raw vegetables (including tomato and lettuce) and fresh cheese, dressed with three parts Extra Virgin Organic Olive Oil, and one part fresh squeezed Lime Juice.  S/ 15.50 = $5.54

(19a) Super Spicy Bacon and Egg Breakfast Burritos With Gravy and Rocoto Sauce.  S/ 14.50 = $5.18

(19b) Super Spicy Bacon and Egg Breakfast Burritos with Gravy,  Guacamole and Rocoto Sauce to compliment the Burritos. New on Menu! S/ 18 = $6.43

(20) Fruit Salad.  S/ 10 = $3.57

(21) Granola, made from Andean whole grains, or cereal, a tropical fruit, and milk.   S/ 11 = $3.93

(22) Fresh ground peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  S/ 5.50 = $1.96

Gourmet Soups with Corn Bread

(23a) Cream of the Crop, Corn and Potato Soup, a bowl of soup, a piece of corn bread or our hand made artisan chabata bread, and two olives, equals a meal. Our Peruvian vegetarian soup is a rich, delicious, milky mix of old fashioned corn, potatoes, peas, carrots, fresh basil and other special spices.  S/13.50 = $4.82

(23b) Cup of Cream of the Crop Soup.  S/ 7.50 = $2.68, (no corn bread or olives)

(24a) Inchicapi Soup, a bowl of soup, with a piece of chicken, a piece of potato, and a piece of corn on the cob, a slice of corn bread, or our hand made artisan chabata bread, and two olives, equals a meal.  The essential Peruvian soup, made with ground peanuts, corn meal, rich chicken broth, chicken, potatoes, corn on the cob and special spices.  S/ 13.50 = $4.82

(24b) Cup of Inchicapi Soup.  S/ 7.50 = $2.68, (no corn bread or olives)

(25a) Healthy Chicken Soup, simmered with fresh herbs, vegetables, and wheat berries, with a slice of corn bread, or our hand made artisan chabata bread, and two olives. New on menu! S/ 13.50 = $4.82

(25b) Cup of Chicken Soup.  S/ 7.50 = $2.68, (no corn bread or olives)

(26a) Vegetarian Quinoa Soup, with a slice of corn bread, or our hand made artisan chabata bread, and two olives. New on menu! S/ 13 = $4.64

(26b) Cup of Quinoa Soup.  S/ 7.50 = $2.68, (no corn bread or olives)

Crisp Fresh Salad

(27) Garden Salad, a small salad mix of seasonal fresh raw vegetables dressed with three parts Extra Virgin Olive Oil, to one part fresh squeezed Lime Juice, and a little salt and pepper.  S/ 7 = $2.50

(28) Garden Goddess Salad, a plate full of mixed seasonal fresh raw vegetables dressed with three parts Extra Virgin Olive Oil, to one part fresh squeezed Lime Juice, and a little salt and pepper.  S/ 13.50 = $4.82

Lunch

(29) The Cheeseburger, topped tall with mild red onion, ripe tomato, lettuce and melted Edam cheese, on hand made artisan chabata bread, baked in our oven till melted and golden brown.  S/ 13.50 = $4.82

(30) French Fries, you’ll like our Andean French Fries, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside,  sprinkled lightly with oregano and salt, unique in Iquitos.  S/ 5.50 = $1.96

(31) Garden Goodness Sandwich, A mix of seasonal crisp raw vegetables with fresh cheese, dressed with three parts Extra Virgin Olive Oil, to one part Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice.  S/ 9.50 = $3.39

(32) Boiled Chicken Sandwich with mixed seasonal vegetables dressed with three parts Extra Virgin Olive Oil, to one part Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice. New on the menu! S/ 13.50 = $4.82

(33) Mex-Iquitos. Better than a fajita, with marinated Beef Tenderloin, Guacamole and Salsa Criolla wrapped in a flour tortilla. Rocoto Sauce on the side.  S/ 17.50 = $6.25

(34) Charred Chicken Fajita Fiesta with crisp fresh greens, chopped tomato, and a dollop of sour cream. Rocoto Sauce on the side.  S/ 17.50 = $6.25

(35) Guacamole side order to compliment the fajitas.  S/ 5.50 = $1.96

(36) Vegetarian Steamed Seasonal Vegetables, with Garbanzo, on Quinoa; high protein, nutritious, super grain of the Incas.  S/ 9.50 = $3.39

Delicious Baked Chicken Sandwiches

(37) Sweet Iquitos Fire Baked Spicy Chicken Breast Sandwich, hot Rocoto pepper, sweet mango salsa, fresh pineapple, Rocoto hot sauce, cheese, on our hand made artisan Chabata bread, baked in our oven until golden brown.  Rocoto hot sauce on the side.  S/ 13.50 = $4.82

(38) Parmesan Baked Chicken Breast Sandwich; with homemade tomato, basil Italian sauce with Parmesan and fresh Peruvian cheese, on our hand made artisan Chabata bread, baked in our oven until golden brown.  S/ 13.50 = $4.82

*Chef’s Choices*

(39) *Chef’s Choice, Steamed Fish Fillet, Fresh From the River; Salad and your choice of Twice Baked Stuffed Andean Potato, Best Rice Ever, or a Cup of Soup.  S/ 19.50 = $6.96

(40) *Chef’s Choice, Fried Fish Fillet, Fresh From the River; French Fries, and your choice of Salsa Criolla, or a small salad. New on the menu!  S/ 19.50 = $6.96

(41a) *Chef’s Choice, Italia-Iquitos Pasta, Better Than Marinara Sauce, on Fettuccine.  S/ 14 = $5

(41b) *Chef’s Choice, Italia-Iquitos Pasta, Sauce, Salad, Garlic Bread, Olives.  S/ 19.50 = $6.96

(42) *Chef’s Choice, Garlic Bread, with roasted garlic butter and fresh herbs. You’ll love this garlic bread, straight from our oven to you.  S/ 5.50 = $1.96

(43a) *Chef’s Choice, Stir Fried Sweet Snow Peas and Quail Eggs in Garlicky Soy Sauce, on Special Fried Rice. New on the menu!  S/ 15.50 = $5.54

(43b) *Chef’s Choice, Stir Fried Sweet Snow Peas and Quail Eggs in Garlicky Soy Sauce, on Special Fried Rice, with Chinese Egg Rolls and Pungent Mustard Soy Sauce or Sweet and Sour Passion Sauce for dipping. New on the menu!  S/ 19.50 = $4.82

(5) *Chef’s Choice, Chinese Egg Rolls with Pungent Mustard Soy Sauce or Sweet and Sour Passion Sauce for dipping. New on menu!  S/ 10.50 = $3.57

(44) *Chef’s Choice, Special Fried Rice.  S/5.50 = $1.96

Regional Specialty

(45) Cecina, (smoke and salt cured lean pork ham), rinsed in pure water, marinated in a special sauce and fried, Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Passion Fruit Sauce, and Salsa Criolla. New on menu! S/ 19.50 = $6.96

Individual Portions

(30) Andean French Fries.  S/ 5.50 = $1.96

(46) The Best Rice Ever; brown rice with toasted Brazil nuts.  S/ 5.50 = $1.96

(47) Brown Rice. New on menu! S/ 5.50 = $1.96

(48) Special Seasoned White Rice, (Seasoned with Chicken Broth, Ginger and Salt). New on menu! S/ 5.50 = $1.60

(49) Twice Baked Stuffed Andean Potato, with mild roasted garlic, sour cream, butter, cheese, and green onions. S/ 5.50.  $1.96

(50) Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Passion Fruit Sauce. New on menu! S/ 5.50 = $1.96

(51) Boiled Andean Potato. New on menu! S/ 5.50 = $1.96

(43) Special Fried Rice.  S/ 5.50 = $1.96

(52) Bacon.  S/ 5.50 = $1.96

(34) Guacamole.  S/ 5.50 = $1.96

(53) Avocado and lime. New on menu! S/ 5.50 = $1.96

(54) Salsa Criolla.  S/ 5.50 = $1.96

(55) Mango Salsa.  S/ 5.50 = $1.96

(40) Garlic Bread.  S/ 5.50 = $1.96

(56) Olives.  S/ 5.50 = $1.96

(57) Corn Bread.  S/ 2.00 = $0.71

(58) 1 Chabata Bread, untoasted.   S/ 1.50 = $.54

(59) A plate of toasted, buttered, sliced, chabata bread S/ 5.50 = $1.96

(60) Quinoa. New on menu! S/ 5.50 = $1.96

The Dawn on the Amazon Cafe Photo Menu

Thank you for choosing the Dawn on the Amazon Cafe

This is a labor of love by Bill Grimes and all of our team of cooks, waiters, waitresses, choppers, rincers, washers, administrators, accontants, guards, painters, and cleaners.

To see the full menu without photos click The Dawn on the Amazon Menu;

My impressions from the first seven weeks of the Dawn on the Amazon Cafe.

The Dawn on the Amazon Cafe has been open for 43 days, closed on Sundays. These are my first impressions.

Running a restaurant is hard work. I knew that. Now I know it better.

We served 32 icy juices and smoothies today.

The best part of hosting from my restaurant is meeting new people and making new friends. Travelers trickle through here every day. I would never know most of them except when they choose to relax in the shade along our sidewalk cafe to drink a smoothie or beer and strike up a conversation. Most of the people that get this far have an interesting story to tell and I am a good listener so we get to know each other a little, and next thing you know, it can be the beginning of a new friendship.

Dawn on the Amazon Tours and Cruises has a team that works together toward our common goals. I want similar teamwork at the Dawn on the Amazon Cafe but it’s too soon. My cafe crew are nice, smart, friendly, polite young people, brimming with potential, but teamwork doesn’t come automatically. It’s forged over fire. A few weeks ago , two out of 4 on the morning shift were late, so they experienced my fire. I’m a gringo. I hate late.  I woke up around 5:30 in a great mood, and only got to enjoy that happy mood for a couple of hours. We lost a breakfast guest because we opened 5 minutes late. That has not happened again. Forged over fire.

I take full responsibility for training my staff and turning them into a team. I don’t want or need a staff. I want and need a team. I must do more, faster, and better to enhance the teamwork that will make what we want to become possible.

I’m satisfied with the quality of the food. The service is good. The chairs are comfortable. The view is great. The neighborhood is interesting.

The system needs work. We’ve hired 7 kitchen cooks, choppers, or washers to help our Chef Judy, fired 4 or them, and 2 quit. I will probably have fired a fifth one by the end of this week. You can’t be sick more than you work and hold down a job.  Judy, Marmelita, and Mayka can’t do all of the work. I fired one waiter. A waitress worked one day and never came back. Mediocre will not cut it here. We are trying for remarkable. Turnover is high. We need more stability.

Several times a day someone says “My compliment to the Chef”, or “This is the best food we’ve found in Iquitos”, or something similar, which I always pass on to Judy or Mayka, or Marmelita. Occasionally a mistake is made on an order. Sometimes it’s the servers, sometimes the cooks. I’ve been accused of being too hard on them. Maybe so. I expect a lot. We’re trying for something special here. It’s the system. Follow the system and there can not be a mistake. Follow the system and there will only be compliments.

We met one of my modest goals on the 24th day. We grossed over S/ 1,000 soles. Since then we have only totaled six 1,000 sole days. Another modest goal is to average 1,000 for a week. We’re new. I must not establish goals that can not be met. I need to stay modest. A 1000 soles isn’t much, but it’ a start.

We added a delicious pasta dish to the menu, and great roast garlic bread. We call it Italia-Iquitos Pasta, Better Than Marinara, With Fettuccini. The combo comes with Garlic Bread, olives, and a mixed salad dressed with extra virgin olive oil. We created this vegetarian meal with toasted Brazil nuts as one of the surprise ingredients in the tomato based sauce, and more fresh basil than any chef outside of New York, San Fransisco, or Rome would ever add. I’m having the combo again for dinner tonight with a glass of wine. Better Than Marinara will soon become one of our most popular meals.

Right now our most popular dishes are the Mex-Iquitos, Better Than A Fajita, the Chef’s Choice Steamed Fish, the twice baked stuffed potato, and the cornbread.

Because of the popularity of the Mex-Iquitos Better Than A Fajita, I was inspired to create the complimentary Charred Chicken Fajita Fiesta, topped with crisp fresh greens, chopped tomato and a dollop of sour cream. I highly recommend the Charred Chicken Fajita. It’s one of my new favorites.

I did not plan to add a Chinese stir fry or fried rice because I doubted we could do better than the Long Fung Restaurant. After much experimenting, I’m proud to say I was wrong. You’ve got to try the Stir Fried Sweet Snow Peas and Quail Eggs in Garlicky Soy Sauce, on our Special Fried Rice, with Chinese Egg Rolls, and Pungent Mustard Soy Sauce for dipping.  There is nothing like it in Iquitos.

We are going to unveil more new additions to the menu this week that I am excited about. We are testing and tweaking the recipes now. I’ll let you know when we get them right.

My impressions from the first seven weeks of the Dawn on the Amazon Cafe

Bill Grimes is the host at the Dawn on the Amazon Cafe

The Dawn on the Amazon Café opens at 7:30am, Monday, February 1st, 2010

Ok, this is exciting for us. The Dawn on the Amazon Café opens tomorrow morning, Monday, Feb. 1st, at 7:30am.  After months of planning, and three weeks of practicing and refining our recipes, we are ready to break into the restaurant scene in Iquitos.

We occupy one of the best locations in Iquitos, on the quiet end of the boulevard with a beautiful view of the river. We have one of the best chefs in the upper Amazon to prepare the freshest ingredients for our home cooking. Every thing will be made from scratch. No store bought premixed canned sauces or boxed ingredients, no artificial flavorings or preservatives, no refined sugar or MSG.

Cooking from scratch takes a little longer. This is not fast food. This is delicious food. It is more like Grandma used to cook when the family got together. Simple orders such as soups, salads, pancakes, appetizers, etc. should be ready in 15 minutes, more complicated dishes should be served within 30 minutes or less from the time the order is made.

Today I feel very organized. I hope I still feel very organized this time tomorrow.

The Dawn on the Amazon Café opens at 7:30am, Monday, February 1st, 2010

Bill Grimes feels very organized today. That’s lucky for the Dawn on the Amazon Café