The Medellin Travel Blog: Where to Stay and What to Do» Where To Eat

Bijao, One of the best options for fine dining in Parque Lleras

Andrew Campion — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:28:57 +0000

With a unique design Bijao brings Latin cuisine to the table. The Bijao leaf comes from an amazonian palm, similar to the platano leaf which is used to wrap foods for cooking and eating, and in this case, for decoration.

One of the most stiking bars in Parque Lleras, Bijao mixes contemporary design with natural elements to create a subtle blend of modern aspects with nature. With three floors to choose from, each with it’s own personality and an excellent fusion menu this restaurant tops the list of the best places to eat in Medellin. On his trip to Medellin, Anthony Bourdain also chose this restaurant to dine and was full of praise for it’s chef, 31 year old Andre Mikail Lopez who after many years of experience in some of the top hotels and restaurants in the country and now manages the creative aspect of the menu.

Bijao reaches its impressive quality and design of open spaces that give the diner a feeling of being in a natural park, while enjoying delicious and innovative Latin cuisine. The New Latin cuisine concept is based on the recognition of the traditional flavors of Latin American cuisine blended with new combinations and methods of preparation enriched with typical ingredients.

ADDRESS: Cra 37 A # 8-66 37 A # 8-66

PHONE: 3116294

WEBSITE: www.restaurantebijao.com

AVERAGE PRICE: Between $ 10,000 and 30,000

Luxury Medellin Real Estate, Medellin Property Listings, Real Estate Advice and Consultancy

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Melodie Lounge, Chill-out in Parque Lleras

Andrew Campion — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 18:33:23 +0000

Melodie lounge opened several years ago and is more reminiscent of a typical chill-out bar in London or New York than anything you would normally find in Medellin. You won’t find any salsa or vallenato here.

What started as a small lounge bar, led by a pair of College students has become an icon of lounge culture in the city, releasing their own albums with national artists, producing their own radio show and also collaborating on concerts that have brought major international artists to the city including renowned musicions Bajo Fondo Tango Club.

Entering Melodie Lounge is a refreshing change from the loud crossover mix that is so prevalent in most bars and clubs in Medellin. What you experience is the innovative design, low-key lighting, friendly staff and a relaxing atmosphere that makes it easy to sit back and enjoy the company of friends to share a few excellent cocktails and not have to shout over a distorting speaker to make yourself heard. You will also find different music from all over the world played every night so going back will feel like a new experience every time.

Its decoration is between natural and lounge, with walls of colors,padded chair and sofas in every available space. The cocktail menu is expansive but its speciality is the martinis. It’s worth coming back a few times just to get to try many of the cocktails on offer all done with the original liqueurs ranging from the traditional Dry Martini to sophisticated preparations of vodkas and Gin of different flavors.

Likewise the food menu offers delicious options for snacks or as a main dish. The most popular dishes are the wraps which are also a good option for lunchtime when the bar/restaurant opens at midday.

Address: CR 37 # 10-29

Phone: 268 11 90

Open from: 12: 00 pm – 2: 00 am

Luxury Medellin Real Estate, Medellin Property Listings, Real Estate Advice and Consultancy

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El Poblado and the Zona Rosa

Andrew Campion — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 20:47:53 +0000

This well-known area of the city, located in El Poblado neighborhood, centers its attractions on its restaurants, discotheques, and bars, all with intense non-stop day and night activity. The innovative designs of the storefronts, in themselves, is an attraction.

The easy access to Calle 10 (10th Street) and Lleras Square from any corner of the city has made this a vital point of reference in Medellín. You will find an ample array of eateries, whether for international or typical fare. Fun and entertainment are two other reasons to visit the Zona Rosa. There are venues for just about any taste where the visitor can listen to live music, go dancing, or simply get together with friends.

Medellín has many varied places where you can turn your cravings loose, because no matter what you yearn for you can be sure you will find it.

Savoring the traditional cuisine of Antioquia is something you cannot miss when visiting Medellín. And, as special treat, you have to sit down to a Bandeja Paisa, number one exponent of local culinary endeavors with the honor of being one of the most asked for dishes, not only in Colombia but abroad. This gastronomical delight overflowing with beans, rice, and chicharron (pork rinds) will never taste as good though, as it does here, its home turf.

Likewise, traditional dishes from other regions of Colombia as well as international cuisine can be enjoyed at local restaurants. Fish and seafood are regular fare on local tables. The great variety of fish found in Colombian waters makes it possible for restaurants to offer a wide range of high quality fish fare rendering it difficult at times when ordering to make up one’s mind.

Bohemia, Partying, and Fun in Medellín

Medellín vibrates with its night life year-round, but it is with no doubt on weekends when public areas, discotheques, and night clubs offer a most varied alternative for fun, relaxation, and partying. Medellín has a well earned reputation of being a cheerful and lively city which is seen in the amount and quality of places people descend on to share dinner or a toast, engage in lively conversation, or go dancing. Favorite places for these activities are El Poblado, La 33, La 70, the tourist circuit through Las Palmas, and the nearby cities of Itagui, Envigado, and Sabaneta.

Unlimited, then, are the venues when time comes to have fun or enjoy a good dinner in Medellin. You have your choice of dozens of spots, where the only thing lacking will be time, to go partying or to satisfy a hearty appetite in a city eager to please you.

More information can be found on the official Medellin Tourist Guide: http://www.guiaturisticademedellin.com/index.php?lang=en

Luxury Medellin Real Estate, Medellin Property Listings, Real Estate Advice and Consultancy

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Arabic Flavor in Medellin: Restaurant Tabun

Andrew Campion — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 00:41:54 +0000

Modern yet traditional, intimate yet energetic; El Tabun tingles the senses at every opportunity.

While other international restaurants in Medellín often bow down to a diluted version of authentic cuisine, El Tabun refuses to pander to Paisa’s love of bland food.

With cloth ceilings, hypnotic Arabic music and belly dancing complete with jingly jewelry, El Tabun’s sensual approach slowly hypnotises you into a different world, or at least a different city.

The freshly baked bread with houmous and 12 side dishes consisting of various dips, salads and roasted vegetables is a great opener.

El Tabun offers a delivery service, but with so much emphasis on atmosphere, you would be reckless to stay at home.

Luxury Medellin Real Estate, Medellin Property Listings, Real Estate Advice and Consultancy

Call or Email now for an Expert Consultation www.luhorealestate.com Email: info@luhorealestate.com

Office: (+57 4) 312 5827 - Mobile: (+57) 314 728 9411 - USA: (305) 600 0776

Royal Thai: At Last, Genuine Thai Food in Medellin

Andrew Campion — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:42:52 +0000

For a long time Medellin has suffered from a real lack of international cuisine. Due to historically few foreigners living in Medellin and the stubborn determination of the locals for their hearty ‘paisa’ food, very few new food innovations have successfully been launched in the city. Until now that is.

Royal Thai is the first genuine Thai restaurant to open in Medellin and serves up authentic Thai cuisine at very affordable prices for the Zona Rosa, Parque Llears area. All the food has been carefully selected and the preparation is watched over by Janette Sngobsrijintana, a native Thai with many years experience and a family heritage in Thai food.

Among the many dishes you will find favorites such as Red and Green curries (as hot or mild as you like) 2 varieties of Pad Thai, Thai spring rolls and mango salad. Also on the menu are sweet and sour pork, chicken with cashew nuts, ginger chicken and a roast duck curry among others.

Menu of the day is just $9,000 pesos and most dishes from the menu range from $12,000 to $22,000.

Address: Calle 8A #37 x A 05
Phone: 448 1818

Luxury Medellin Real Estate, Medellin Property Listings, Real Estate Advice and Consultancy

Call or Email now for an Expert Consultation www.luhorealestate.com Email: info@luhorealestate.com

Office: (+57 4) 312 5827 - Mobile: (+57) 314 728 9411 - USA: (305) 600 0776

New Pizza Option in Poblado: Delivering on value for money

Andrew Campion — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 02:07:22 +0000

For people who like to order in a pizza every so often but think twice when the cost of a large pizza can be anywhere up to $50,000 pesos for questionable quality now have an affordable option that delivers on on the taste buds as well.

Everyone has there own personal favorite pizza company in Medellin whether it’s Domino’s, Piccolo’s, Gourmet 1969 or a local variety but now there is a new pizza company that’s throwing out the challenge to all the high priced restaurants. 444 PIZA, (that’s right, I spelt pizza with 1 ‘Z’ as it would be spelt on the telephone) are a domicilio (take-away) only restaurant that is saving money on renting an expensive Zona Rosa location and concentrating on providing the best gourmet pizzas at very competitive prices.

With 12 different pizzas to choose from in medium or large sizes at only $20,000 and $24,000 respectively it’s just about the best value for money pizza this writer has come across in a long time. The pizza is thin crust by default but you can choose a thick crust if you prefer and the toppings range from the ever popular Hawaiana to a wide range of Italian based mixes including Foccacia, Melanzane, Capricciosa, Siciliana and Procciutto e funghi. (I have included the menu so you can download it to view the ingredients).

One of the extra bonuses is that this company also make delicious sweet pies and quiches that are of a quality that is difficult to find anywhere else in this city. The pies include Tropical, Apple and Sweet for $22,000 each and the quiches also come in 3 different varieties. To order a quiche or pie you will need to call 4444 PIE, (or 444 4743) and the pizza’s can be order by dialing 444 PIZA (or 444 7492). Both products have this websites high seal of approval.

Note: Delivery is restricted to Poblado for the moment.

Luxury Medellin Real Estate, Medellin Property Listings, Real Estate Advice and Consultancy

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Traditional Colombian Food: Ajiacos y Mondongos

Andrew Campion — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 23:04:19 +0000

One of the best places to get served up a slice of real Colombian life is in Calle 8 in Poblado in a little hidden away converted house that has been serving some of the best traditional food in Medellin since 1991. The name is Ajiacos y Mondongos and it delivers on it’s name. On the menu are just three dishes, Ajiacos, Mondogos and Cazuela but what they lack in variety they more than make up for in ambiance and flavour.

So famous are it’s delicious home recipes that the rich and famous of Medellin have been coming here for lunch since it opened and have left their glowing remarks written for all to see on the walls of the restaurant alongside the celebrity photos. Even the President himself has graced the establishment.

One of the best parts of this dining experience is that the service is super fast, even when it’s full, and a lunch will set you back less than $10 and leave you feeling very satisfied. The small rooms, tables and chairs just add to the eclectic atmosphere of the establishment and it’s one of Medellin true dining experiences.

In a city not renowned for it’s food, this is one place where they have got it right, and sticking to tradition has rightfully earned them the reputation as the best local food in the city.

Calle 8 # 42 -71 Reservations: 266 5505 (reservations not required, just walk in)

Monday to Friday 12:00PM to 3:30PM (Lunch Only)

Luxury Medellin Real Estate, Medellin Property Listings, Real Estate Advice and Consultancy

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Royal Thai: At Last, Genuine Thai Food in Medellin