Restaurant Celele, Cartagena de Indias

Restaurant Celele in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, is a true gem! Not a "hidden gem" anymore, but definitely something special. Celele restaurante is home to Colombian chef Jaime Rodriguez, who is not only a great guy, but also a true innovator. Chef Rodriguez does a lot of research on local ingredients, gastronomic culture and biodiversity. The result is a modern Colombian cuisine, showcasing the best of the best of Latin American produce.

In fact, the colourful (and very Instagrammable) dishes really show what contemporary Colombia has to offer. The Caribbean flower salad, the burrata served with watermelon and gazpacho, the stuffed crab, the guanabana mojito… literally everything tastes so good! 

The delicious food and drinks are served by a very well-trained and kind staff. They really know what they're talking about and if I remember correctly, some of them speak perfect English (and are able to explain the dishes to you in utmost detail).

On top of that, the interior decorating is amazing! I loved the attention to detail in every little thing, from the plates, to the cutlery, from the art on the walls to the flowers in the cocktails... and I could go on and on...! Celele stole my heart. And not just mine... In 2024 Celele ranked number 6 on the Latin America's Best Restaurant List.

If you're lucky enough to visit Cartagena, make sure you make a reservation for Celele in time, because this is currently the hottest place in town. You have to pay a small amount in advance in order to make the reservation, but this will be deducted from your bill. 

I think there is only one thing missing.... and that is merchandise! I would literally buy anything that reminds me of my visit to Celele (t-shirts, kitchen aprons, napkins, cocktail glasses, etc.)....

Celele
Cra. 10c # 29 -200, Calle del Espíritu Santo
Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
Tel.: +57 (301) 742 0389
Email: reservas@celelerestaurante.com 
Website: https://celelerestaurante.com/en/home/

Happy New Year!

Later than usual, but I wish you all a very Happy New Year! While the most important things in life are of course a good health, safety, financial security, family and friends.... I also hope for some wonderful trips, because I think traveling is not only a lot of fun, but also very enlightening. However, for 2025 I wish most of all for peace around the world....

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from my family to yours! I hope you will have wonderful days, together with family and friends, in peace and in good health.

Photos taken in Antwerp, The Hague and Wassenaar 

Start of the Holiday Season at H.O.F. Fashion

H.O.F. Fashion in The Hague kicked off the Holiday Season by throwing a wonderful pre-Christmas party. Or actually... an "All I Want For Christmas" party! There were cute bow belts, sequined dresses, tops and pants, beautiful jewelry by FIEN, perfumes by Celeste Parfums and the latest beauty trends by Prestige Cosmetics. Oh and many pretty tins with cookies and panettone by Ortigia! (The perfect Christmas gift if you ask me.)

I found a silk off-the-shoulder top which I really liked... and bought of course. When I came home, I discovered it's the exact same color (poison green) as a pair of high heels I just bought... and as the Chanel nailpolish color Reveuse! Funny how you get attracted by the same things, without realising it.

Guests were served pink champagne and delicious sweets (by Charlie's Fika). I felt like a kid in a candy store. And I wasn't the only one. There were so many people... it was incredible. Owner Stephanie really knows how to throw a party! Thank you so much for having me.

For more information about H.O.F. Fashion, please read my previous article: H.O.F. Fashion. 

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween guys! As you probably know, I don't celebrate Halloween, but I do admire all the incredible outfits and decorations that people come up with. Last weekend I saw a big Halloween parade with lots of kids who were dressed up as witches, ghosts and little devils. They were so cute! 

A shop that always has the best Halloween decorations and gifts is The Chocolate Line in Antwerp, Belgium! Chocolatier Dominique Persoone is a master at making beautiful (and delicious) gifts for Halloween as well as Dia de los Muertos.

For more information please visit:
The Chocolate Line