Where to Feast: Medellin, Colombia

Where to Feast is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement. It’s finally happening despite inconsistent policies, interruptions, and human stupidity as explained in these posts:

• 11 Reasons Why I Still Don’t Want to Travel
• North Korea – Level 4: Do Not Travel
• We’re All In This Together, So Long As You’re Miserable
• Air TPOL Retiring From Travel
• Kayak Answers, “Can I Travel to…?”
• Don’t Route Via Panama
• Breakthrough Infections: Another Reason Not to Travel
• COVID Test for Return Travel Is Stupid

I love my Rio Mar bubble (see House Hunters Puerto Rico: TPOL Finds His Home), but food options in the area leave much to be desired. That’s why it was a welcomed change to go to Medellin and sample all sorts of food.

La Carbon

I arrived in Medellin en route to stay at my friend’s house (see Hostel v. Hotel v. Friend’s House). I could not find the address for his building on Uber. I asked for a restaurant nearby and he said La Carbon. When the Uber dropped me off, I stopped in for what was supposed to be a light lunch.

Trying to get a grasp on my binge ways, I attempted to order a half bottle of wine. As good luck would have it, they were out. Since moderation was not an option, I decided to splurge for their finest Malbec.

With a full bottle to consume, I needed an adequate amount of food. I started with the shrimp ceviche and, despite my complaints about PR cuisine, ordered the fried pig cutlets.

With half a bottle to go, I needed more food and ordered the mixed chorizo plate.

I received the check, a modest $82, paid, and walked down the hill to my friend’s house.

Delivery

On day two, we were supposed to go out for dinner. Since I had given up on moderation, that did not go as planned. After a stop at the golf club (for wine not golf), we went back to the house of views for more vino. Three bottles later, it was clear we were in no condition to leave the house. Unlike Rio Mar, Medellin has delivery options like all real cities do. I took a calculated risk and ordered Arabic fast food. The shwarma, though not top 10 worthy (see The Best Kebab in the World), was good. The falafel sandwich was excellent, and the hummus was passable.

Dandre

Since I was here for ‘work’ (see IQKhameleon in Medellin for the Final Stretch), I needed to get my life together and not arrive at the meeting completely disheveled. I walked to Parque Lleras and came across Dandre. I started off with an espresso which, compared to the bean water most coffee shops in PR serve, was perfect. I ordered a mimosa as an appetizer. That brought back memories of first-class travel (see Get Ready to Takeoff: The World’s Best Champagne). Though it was not made with Krug, the freshly squeezed OJ made it worth ordering a second. Like San Carbon, I needed food to accompany my libations. The salmon with rice sounded pleasant. I did not know that I would also receive tomato soup and a fruit salad. All of this was only $20.

Terraza

Following the meeting and in need of a celebration, we did make it out to dinner. This time the cuisine was Italian. A few appetizers, a pizza, rigatoni bolognese, and two bottles of wine made for a great way to end my trip. Pricepoint: $115.

Overall

For food, Medellin may not be Melbourne (see Guns & Butter: Melbourne Travel Guide). However, there are still so many restaurants with excellent and diverse food, friendly staff, and great wine for the right price. Puerto Rico needs to catch up on all fronts.