ALL THINGS FOOD: Colombia trip comes with amazing meals, friendship

Before I left, I was frequently asked me if it was safe to visit Colombia. In 2016, there was a peace agreement that has helped make life better for people. Unfortunately, there recently has been some uptick in crime, but it is still considered safe to travel there.

While on a food tour, I learned about government programs that are training farmers to grow cacao (the plant from which we get chocolate) instead of cultivating drug crops. I saw colorful art installations that reclaimed former drug dealing parks, and the people I met are very hopeful about the future.

Colombia is a large country with a wide variety of terrain, everything from mountains and jungles to beaches. I met my friend on the northern coast in the city of Cartagena.

We enjoyed viewing the stunning Caribbean Sea from our balcony while talking almost nonstop, interspersed with eating, taking a food tour, salsa dance lessons and learning more about the culture and history.

This part of Colombia has more Afro-Caribbean history and features a lot of plantains, beans and fried foods in its cuisine. The fruits and vegetables were beautiful and the avocados were massive, bright green, smooth and absolutely incredible!

After Cartagena, I returned to Bogotá to spend time exploring on my own. I took another food tour and was able to experience the differences in this central, mountainous part of the country.

Bogotá has a totally different vibe than Cartagena that is reflected in the food, clothing and ethnic backgrounds of the people. While visiting The Museum of Gold (Museo de Oro), I learned there are over 100 different indigenous groups and languages throughout Colombia. I had no idea the country was so diverse!

Next door to the museum was a lovely restaurant named Aracataca that was focused on creatively elevating and highlighting indigenous foods.

The restaurant was absolutely fantastic and by far the best meal I had on my trip. I ordered the Filete de Ahuyama, which showcased grilled pumpkin, basil, poleo (an herb that tastes somewhat like mint) and a cilantro coconut milk curry served with coconut rice. There was even fresh coconut grated on top. It was so yummy!

I also ordered an Arepa de Huevo, which is a fried cornmeal bread stuffed with cilantro, eggs and some special sour cream. I am pretty certain I said words like “delicious!” and “wow!” out loud to myself in the restaurant. Luckily, no one looked at me strangely as they also were enjoying the restaurant’s magnificent dishes and gracious atmosphere.

Colombia has come a long way, and I am hopeful its people continue to succeed in finding peace and prosperity. I was greeted warmly in this beautiful country and had a wonderful time with my friend and on my own.

Great friendship, food, wine, amazing avocados, dancing, art, learning and laughter made this a memorable time that I will forever treasure.

Email Christine Gallagher at allthingsfoodchristine@gmail.com.