Travel2Colombia Vol.1 | Page 29

Recommendations: Right- The Tomato Octopus Salad and Shrimp Ceviche at La Cevicheria Left- The menu at El Bistro. The Filete de Dorado was absolutely amazing On one day we took the tour to the mud bath volcano, El Totumo (see the article on Hanging out in small towns). On another we enjoyed scampering around the Bazurto Market (see article on the Niche market of Markets) before visiting Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, with its reputation of being one of the greatest and strongest fortresses in the Spanish Empire in the 17 th and 18th centuries. We guided ourselves through the tunnels and onto the ramparts to get great views of the city and an appreciation of the might of the fortification. And then there is the food in Cartagena. We had two beach lunches; one near our hotel, where we enjoyed deep fried fish with rice and vegetables: huge portions! On our El Totumo day, we had a very similar menu at another beach side restaurant—this time with soup—and again the portions were impressive. On our third day we turned a corner and stumbled upon El Bistro. It was a bit dark inside but crowded—always a good sign when it comes to restaurants. The meal was, in a word ‘delicious’: Tasty fish and fat, juicy shrimp with rice, salad and a few cold Club Colombia beers. In fact we liked the place so much that we returned for dinner and repeated the wonderful, friendly experience. The other really nice meal we had was at La Cevicheria. The service was friendly and attentive; the shrimp ceviche and octopus salad were very fresh and tasty. We ate indoors but they also have streetside tables for those who wish to dine in the glow of the historic buildings. Left: Candy Alley, where the Bebe de Leche, made with evaporated milk, were so good that we brought some home as souvenirs.