SimplyAbuDhabi XXXIII

1 9 0 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I EAT For foodies, Cartagena is well and truly on the culinary map. indeed, what better place to relax and indulge in some gastronomic fare, than in one of the 200-year-old sherbet-coloured colonial mansions refurbished into chic, hot-of-the-moment restaurants. La Vitrola Clearly one of the gastronomic kingpins of Cartagena, La Vitrola is part old-school Havana club, part trendy bistro— the Cipriani of Cartagena. it’s tough getting a table and the sound of the bands’ intoxicating mix of live Cuban song is more ‘party’ than ‘romance’ but local fare, whirring ceiling fans, swaying palm fronds and slatted window shutters make this a compulsory stop for an authentic Cartagena experience. donjuan on the hot list and with all good reason, is donjuan—a temple of gastronomy and one which is a favourite of the Colombian President himself. Having passed through the kitchens of no less than three Michelin star restaurants, the secret of owner and chef, Juan Felipe Camachoh, celebrates natural flavours served as they should be; uncomplicated and oozing exceptional just-been-picked taste. it would be a travesty to not try the pulpo, a simple dish of octopus marinated in olive oil, lemon and cilantro. For dessert, pop next door to his other famed restaurant, Maria, named after his beloved wife. Carmen Cartagena Set in an elegant colonial building, Californian chef rob Pevetts and his muse Carmen Angel have taken on three spaces: a courtyard with fountains and plants, a roof terrace with stunning views and a more formal dining salon. Exploring the diversity of local ingredients with a delicate Asian twist, an array of complicated reductions and accomplished culinary concoctions are crafted. Without a shadow of doubt everything is impeccable but the sea bass fillet, smoked at the table and accompanied by banana risotto with the lightest lemon foammost certainly tops the list.