On the menu you will find lots of seafood, such as grilled lobster and red snapper, ceviche and shrimp cocktail, various sancochos (local soup), beef, chicken and rabbit, arepas (corn patties), empanadas and salads. For vegetarians there is 'ensalada de coteros', eggplant au gratin and a main course with lentils.
The desserts are to die for. First I declined, but when the manager offered me one of their signature dishes, I couldn't refuse. The coconut pie with corozo (local berry) ice cream is just mindblowing!
But what really took my breath away.... is the interior design. Restaurante Candé is situated in an old mansion in the San Diego neighbourhood, right next door to the relatively new Serrezuela mall. First Candé was located in the city centre, so when I heard they were moving, I was a little bit sceptical. Why move, when you are right in the middle of the action? But when I visited the new location, I fell in love right away.
Every room in the villa is decorated differently. The entrance is lavender blue, the bar is black and white with a dash of yellow, one of the big dining rooms is pink (my favourite one), but you can also sit in the patio, or upstairs, outdoors. It's just amazing how they mixed traditional Spanish colonial architecture with vibrant colours, tropical fabrics and local accessories!
The cherry on the cake is the live music and the mapalé dancers. Mapalé is an Afro-Colombian dance style that was brought to Colombia by the black slaves from Africa. It simulates the movements of the mapalé fish when it's out of the water. You'll find mapalé dancers throughout Cartagena, on Plaza de Bolivar and Plaza de la Trinidad in Getsemaní, but to be able to enjoy a private performance is something else.
Whether you come to Candé for the delicious food, the cocktails, the live music and dance, the sultry atmosphere or the stunning interior design... you won't be disappointed!
Restaurante Candé
Carrera 10, Calle de la Serrezuela #No 39-02,
San Diego (neighbourhood)
Cartagena de Indias
Colombia
http://www.restaurantecande.com/menu/
