Monday evening saw the newly established Pro Ecuador Institute for Export and Investment Promotion office in the United Kingdom invite a selection of top press and media writers from leading gastronomy publications and national newspapers to a very special evening of drinks and dinner, offering a vibrant showcase of some of Ecuador's most popular signature dishes and cocktails.

Taking place in the beautiful private dining suite of the Corinthia Hotel, guests - alongside the Ecuadorian ambassador to London, Dr Juan Falconí, were treated to a culinary journey through some of the Andean country's most famous meals, including a traditional ceviche, vegetable quinotto and a delectable chocolate desert, all accompanied by national wines and spirits.

Adding excitement, the three courses were prepared live by Ecuadorian Chef, David Reyes, in front of the twenty guests in attendance - some of whom were lucky enough to join him behind the counter for an impromptu lesson in Ecuadorian cooking. During the evening, invitees also enjoyed Ecuadorian music and had the chance to speak personally with Ambassador Falconí and Trade Commissioner Juan Diego Stacey, who shared information throughout the dinner about Ecuador's varied cuisine and the growing popularity of Ecuadorian gastronomy abroad. Decoration of the dining room and bar was finished off perfectly with beautifully colourful and elegant roses courtesy of Ecuadorian rose exporters Nevado Roses, and guests took away with them some food samples, an information pack and a complimentary 'Panama' hat - in reality an Ecuadorian export and trademark.

The event, organised by the Pro Ecuador London office, forms part of a week's worth of events and meetings promoting the goods and services Ecuador has to offer international consumers and investors.

Attendees, including BBC Good Food's Hardeep Singh Kohli and distinguished cookbook author and Chef James McIntosh, commented on the "beautiful dinner" served throughout "a most agreeable evening", and all guests were "intrigued to learn so much about the food, customs and geography of Ecuador", a country many had previously known relatively little about.

Pro Ecuador London were thrilled at the outcome of the evening, with Trade Commissioner Juan Diego Stacey expressing that "the Flavours of Ecuador showcase marked the start of an increased awareness of Ecuador and its incredible diversity within the United Kingdom as a country full of potential for visitors to discover. Britain is ready to explore Ecuador, and we will lead the journey".

For more information please visit: http://www.proecuador.gob.ec/

Twitter: @ProEcuador_UK, @Pro_Ecuador

For press enquiries contact:

Claudia Morales, Director, Branding Latin America cmorales@brandinglatinamerica.com