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/

Restaurant Candé Cocina 100% Cartagenera

Restaurant Candé Cocina 100% Cartagenera in Cartagena de Indias is one of the prettiest restaurants I have ever been to. Serving traditional cuisine from the Caribbean coast of Colombia, it is a restaurant that can't be missed when you are in Cartagena! 

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/

Cuter than cute Cartagena

I just got back from an amazing trip to one of my favorite holiday destinations... Cartagena de Indias in Colombia. The colonial architecture, the colourful houses (and doors!), the extremely tasteful interiors, the shops, the music, the food, the cocktails, the sunsets…. it's just incredible! Cuter than cute and pure eye candy!!!

Photos taken at Restaurant Candé, Fenix Beach Cartagena and Gelateria Paradiso.
Stay tuned for more!

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https://tarasdolcevita.blogspot.com/2019/06/top-5-shops-in-cartagena-de-indias.html
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