«With rich and fertile soil, a lack of seasons, and two coasts, the food here in Colombia is spectacular. Ripe, local fruit is everywhere—including mangoes, guavas, bananas, and plums—as are the arepas: a plump and tasty bundle of cornmeal, butter, and salt that is either filled or mixed with white cheese and then fried or broiled.»
We experienced Colombian food at its best during our road trip to Villa de Leyva, a beautiful colonial town about three and a half hours from Bogotá. Our lunch was served alfresco in the shaded courtyard of Restaurante Mercado Municipal. We watched as our chef picked fresh herbs from the garden. Our sophisticated and luscious plates arrived with the house specialties: tender lamb or chicken roasted at high temperatures and accompanied by sides that featured locally grown, organic ingredients.
Dining plate at the Restaurante Mercado Municipal. All photos courtesy of the author
On our way back, we made a rest stop at a roadside restaurant that specializes in broiled arepas. Impressive stacks of rich gold patties seemed right out of a painting by Colombian artist Fernando Botero.
Arepas shop outside of Bogotá