In seven years of travel on four continents, I've eaten in lots of places. But there's something about the Green Point in Cusco. The food looks and tastes great and is reasonably priced. The lunch special includes the salad bar, soup of the day and the choice between two main dishes, plus dessert -- all for 10 soles (less than $4).

Of course there's nothing special about a restaurant serving good food at a good price. So what makes this place so special?

The homey coziness is certainly one reason that brings me back, and the friendly staff too. It feels like I'm being served by relatives in the family living room. Plus, as a non-vegetarian, I'm pleasantly surprised how delicious and filling these beautifully-presented vegan meals are.

The great menu was what drew in Martin Hlavacek, a Czech living in Cusco. He was desperately looking for a good vegetarian restaurant and discovered the newly-established Green Point about a year ago. He loved it so much he decided to invest and become a partner.

Master chef and founder Fabricio Durand is the tasteful genius behind it all. He has combined his cooking experiences in his homeland Peru with others in the rest of South America, Europe and South Africa to create a menu that is full of rich flavors.

The pumpkin and red beet combo soup is heavely. The sushi is exquisite. The bean and vegetable rice is hearty and delicious. The pizza is a little soggy and the cappuccino tastes funny with non-dairy milk, but I always leave satisfied and content.

Not surprisingly, there's internest in expanding the restaurant with branches planned in other countries. I'm not so sure that's a good idea. It will bring in more money for sure. But will it take away its soul? Will focus change to business, rather than friendly service? I don't know. I love the place so much I don't want it to change. 

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