Fervent Colombians stirring up Cartagena's artistic atmosphere with their fervor
In the vibrant city of Cartagena, Colombia, a blend of flavours and traditions is taking centre stage. From the bustling Bazurto Market to the historic centre, and up to the rooftops of trendy bars, the city is a melting pot of culinary delights and artistic flair.
Chef María Cecilia Restrepo, affectionately known as Chechi, is one of the pioneers of this culinary revolution. With her Arab-Caribbean roots, Chechi reshapes and renews northern Colombian food, drawing inspiration from her great-great-grandmother, Sofi, who arrived in Cartagena from Syria in 1923. At her small kitchen in the Centro Histórico, Chechi hosts special dinners, cooking workshops, drop-ins, and takeaways, offering a unique dining experience that pays homage to various cultures that have influenced Cartagena's cuisine.
Meanwhile, Georgina Álvarez, a former inmate at San Diego Women's Prison in Cartagena, and Chechi work together in the kitchen, preparing dishes such as kibbeh and arepas de huevos. Their collaboration is a testament to the transformative power of food and the spirit of unity that permeates Cartagena's culinary scene.
Indira Morales de la Rosa, on the other hand, focuses on preserving and promoting traditional crafts. She works with a community of around 60 people from her home region, including farmers, weavers, and people with disabilities, to create bags, shoes, and hats. Her dedication to sustainable practices earned her a 'green business' label from the Colombian Ministry of Environment in 2023. You can find her products in a corner of the concierge lounge of the Intercontinental Hotel in Bocagrande.
Amidst this cultural explosion, Alquimico, a multi-storey cocktail bar, opened its doors in Cartagena's colonial center in 2016. The decor of Alquimico is reminiscent of art deco, with typewriters, gramophones, and regal red curtains adorning the space. The ground floor menu, 'Comunidad', features creative cocktails with ingredients like lulo and guarapo, while the rooftop is a mural-laden tiki-style space decorated in the colours of the Colombian flag. A percentage from the sale of each drink at Alquimico is donated to Asocoman, a farmers' association in the Montes de Mariá region.
In 2024, Alquimico ranked eighth on the World's 50 Best Bar rankings, making it one of only two bars in Colombia to make the prestigious list. This recognition further solidifies Cartagena's position as a must-visit destination for food and drink enthusiasts.
Whether it's the chaotic, open-air market of Bazurto, the historic centre filled with culinary gems, or the trendy rooftop bars, Cartagena offers a culinary journey like no other. The city's unique blend of traditions, flavours, and artistic flair makes it a vibrant and exciting destination for travellers seeking authentic experiences.
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