Colombian RestaurantsThere's a great deal of selection when it comes to Colombian restaurants, but not only is there a huge difference between the different restaurants, it's also worth remembering that it's a huge nation with a vast and varying approach to cooking. The area that I'm the most familiar with is Antioquia, where the food consists of plantains, arepa (corn bread) and sweet potato as the staples, served with meats such as pork or beef but rarely if almost never, lamb. You also regularly get fried deep fried tropical fish instead of meat. It's hearty and can get a bit boring over time. Along the coast you find arroz con coco (rice with coconut) served with deep fried fish. Typical or traditional Colombian restaurants mainly serve dishes suited for hard-working people where nothing little to waste and naturally, ingredients are used because they're cheap and easily available. Colombian CuisineHowever, there is a new scene in the cities especially, of high cuisine inspired by Asian, French and a sort of nouvelle-Colombian cuisine that is up-market and sophisticated. What's exciting about this tendency is that the raw ingredients that are mainly local, are of very high quality and very fresh.There is of course a price tag that comes with not only the quality of the food but also, the social and sometimes snobbish factor that goes hand in hand with this sort of trend. Point being, the selection has increased considerably.
Hands down, the best Colombian restaurant I've been to. Prepare yourselves. Seriously... for some of the best food I have ever tasted. Period.
Queareparaenamorarte meaning, "what do I have to do to make you fall in love with me?", serves food of such sumptuous taste and quality that it is entirely in a class of its own. The proprietor, Julian Estrada, professor, food historian and chef, traveled the country researching traditional recipes and food ways, saving them from extinction by recreating them here.
Prepared with great love and attention, slowly stewed, marinated, grilled or deep fried, the food is light, nuanced and incredibly tasty. We shared the Parantela de Empanadas, served with Creole chili sauces made with mango, pineapple, cilantro and guanabana (a delicious Colombian fruit also known as Soursop in English.) Scrumptious and the touch of the fruity chili sauces added a little "zing" to the experience. For main course, I had the Tamal de Guapi. A tamale made with flour from plantain and coconut, wrapped around shrimps and passion fruit. These are prepared by being steamed in plantain leaves. Delicious.
My mother-in-law had the Pusando de Fogon de Negros. Fish broth with coconut milk served with plantain, yuca, tiger prawns and sea bass. Hands down, the best fish "soup" I've ever tasted. My wife had the Fajas de Sobrebarriga con Salsa tejo. Marinated beef, prepared on the grill and served with a delicious sauce (ingredients remain a secret). Check out their full menu under (carta) at Queareparaenamorarte HATOVIEJO Calle 16 # 28-60 (On las Palmas) tel: 268 68 11 / 268 54 12 $$ As far as Colombian restaurants in Medellin go, this is far more typical. Located directly opposite the Hotel Intercontinental, this upmarket Colombian grill serves solid steaks, chucho (chicken or beef marinated, and grilled on skewers), pork of all shapes and sizes and a decent pepper steak. There is both outside and inside seating with the same menu. Outside, next to a bar decorated as a traditional "campesino" store, is less formal and if having dinner, you'll have a view of the sparkling lights from the city. Peaceful, but note that the main road, Las Palmas, is directly in front of the restaurant but surprisingly quiet every time I go. The meat is superb and so are the chicharron (pork scratchings) they serve as a snack when you arrive. It's relatively upmarket and the food consists of straightforward, hearty Colombian meat dishes.
New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. |
Do you want to subscribe to our monthly Ezine?
Fill out the details below to receive our fresh insights about Colombia.