Barranquilla a tropical elegance of times past. The rooms are large and include a sitting area and sanitized bathrooms. All rooms surround a palm-shaded patio garden and swimming pool. Every detail of this hotel conjures up one word—luxury. Who knows, maybe you’ll bump into Shakira or Carlos Vives in the lobby. The hotel has special package deals at slower times, which cost about half the normal price and include taxes, insurance and breakfast. Cra. 54, 70-10. Tel: 5-369-7777 / (toll free) 01-800-051-1101, E-mail: gerencia@hotelelpradosa.com, URL: www.hotelelprado.com.co. Updated: Mar 13, 2009.
Barranquilla Restaurants
Restaurante El Huerto Since 1986, Restaurante El Huerto has been preparing meals and baked goods especially for vegetarians and dieters. Its luncheon special is varied, so check the monthly menu calendar (12 – 3 p.m., $3). Wednesdays feature international cuisine from Mexico, China, Cuba or the Middle East, just to name a few. Tuesdays and Thursdays are free dessert days. Restaurante El Huerto’s branch in El Prado has a garden dining terrace, (Carrera 52, 70139. Tel: 5-368-4573). At both bistros, the staff speaks English. The downtown restaurant is open Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., closed Sunday. Cra. 45 and Ca. 36. Cell: 310-6361742. Updated: May 27, 2008.
mornings and evenings. Open daily 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. Ca. 76, between Cra. 53 and 54. Tel: 5-360-8568. Updated: May 27, 2008.
Restaurante La Castellana Look for the Restaurante La Castellana tucked way back from the street and down a long hall. Locals, visitors and the guests of the neighboring Hotel Los Angeles eat here. For a good reason, too. The food is delicious and the service attentive. The set meal (for lunch or dinner) includes a choice of meats, plenty of sides and free refills on drinks, as well as the customary starter soup ($2.10-2.65). Ca. 40, 41-66. Updated: May 27, 2008.
Govinda Climb the steps to the second floor and push open the door on the right. As you step into the leaf-green room, Krishna greets you from a stained-glass window. New Age music plays low and air conditioning cools the heat of the Barranquilla afternoon. This Govinda, like others in Colombia, serves excellent vegetarian fare, but here it is on porcelain plates. The lunch (soup, main course, salad, drink and dessert) is served 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. ($2.65). You can also specialorder breakfast or dinner to take out. Govinda offers Hatha yoga and cooking classes, as well. Or pick up some baked goodies on your way out. Cra. 43, 41-10. Cell: 301-4080898. Updated: May 27, 2008.
Restaurante Sarab The menu of Restaurante Sarab is full of typical Middle Eastern dishes. Order labne, fatuch, tahini, taboule, falafel, kabobs, shwarma and other delicacies in full ($2.65-5.80) or half portions ($0.80-3.20) and mixed plates, including vegetarian ($5.30-7). Kabob, falafel and other sandwiches run at $5.30. Top it off with a Middle Eastern dessert. Enjoy your meal inside air-conditioned comfort or out on the shady front patio. Open Monday 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Tuesday – Sunday 11:30 a.m.9:30 p.m. Cra. 49c, 76-139. Tel: 5-368-7407 / 5514. Updated: May 27, 2008.
Restaurante Country
Pepe Anca Steakhouse and Bar
Even in the ritzy El Prado neighborhood, daily set-plate specials are available at a reasonable price. At lunch time, blue- and white-collar workers crowd these picnic tables on the large front patio beneath a yellow awning. Don’t be shy to ask to share a table. The food here is great, down-home Colombian cooking ($1.85-2.10 per plate). The price includes soup and drink. À la carte is offered
Pepe Anca, Barranquilla’s finest steakhouse, has everything done right, from the menu to the interior design. The inside of this restaurant has light burnt orange and ochre walls and the tables are clothed in dark blue and peach. The menu features certified Argentine Angus beef (300 grams $17.50, 450 grams $23.50) and national beef (300 grams $13.50, 450 grams $20), which you
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caribbean coast
Barranquilla, Colombia’s largest Caribbean port, has a smorgasbord of international foods, including a lot of Middle Eastern restaurants, due to generations of Arab immigrants. Some are quite chic and have live belly dancing performances. Vegetarians have so many options that they can try a different restaurant each day of the week. Like everything else in Barranquilla, a set lunch is a little more expensive. Or, check out food options at the market that buzzes across many blocks, between Carreras 34-40 and Calles 40-42.
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