Dec 13, 2024
A great omakase-like Colombian tasting meal - Our dinner with Colombia essentials was one of the culinary highlights of our trip. We enjoyed experiencing food from so many different regions of Colombia. Oscar and Maria made delicious dish after delicious dish. The "Posta de Cartagenera" was definitely a highlight. The coconut rice had such a strong coconut flavor; I'm so impressed they are able to infuse such a rich taste in the rice. Esteban explains the history and significance of each dish eloquently. His knowledge is clearly vast, and he adds in a good bit of humor along the way. He also kept the libations coming, homemade lulo cocktails, tree tomato juice, berry infused liquor, and more. There is also music local to each region corresponding to the dishes. After our meal we enjoyed looking at the art they have on display, and talking with Esteban about the local artists and photographers who made the work. Colombia Essentials is tucked into a quant neighborhood in Medellin. It was easy to get to from our hotel, and felt very safe. It was a unique, wonderful, and personal experience that I'd highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 30, 2024
Medallion extraordinario! - One sentence - best food, artwork and company during our stay in Medellin!
If you want to meet some of the most genuine, creative, loving, and hospitable people around these parts, and combine that with an extraordinary culinary feast..go for it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 26, 2024
Great experience - Medellín has been my second home for some time now. In recent months, my partner has been traveling frequently to visit me, and I’ve been looking for new experiences to share with her and show her more of this country. A friend told me about this place, and although I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, I’m so glad I went. It was a delightful evening in a space this city truly needed. Worth every penny!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 21, 2024
A tour of Colombia through the senses - I had the privilege of enjoying this unforgettable experience a few days ago: an immersion in the flavors, aromas and traditions of Colombia, without leaving the city.
For about two and a half hours, you tour the various regions of the country, through a series of incredible preparations, and accompanied by a wonderful staging.
Upon entering, you will find the warm and welcoming atmosphere of a house, adapted as an art gallery at first, and where you will appreciate works, between painting and photography, by local artists inspired by Colombia.
This atmosphere sets the stage for what’s to come: the table becomes the epicenter, while Oscar, the chef, prepares some of the dishes live, Esteban guides you with a presentation of the historical and cultural context of each dish.
During the presentation, photographs and video are projected, accompanied by music from the regions we are visiting, that is, the experience is not only gastronomic, but multisensory.
As for the food, it is simply spectacular. It’s a complete tour from the Andes, with the ajiaco, to the pandebono with Paipa cheese, the borrajado, through the posta cartagenera of the Caribbean Region (my favorite), ceviche of Pacific shrimp, patties of jaiba, rice nailed, salad of Amazonian fruits... the variety is impressive, and you do not stop eating during the whole experience. However, the dishes are served in small sample portions, allowing you to taste everything without feeling overwhelmed (it is advisable not to eat before, because otherwise you will not be able to with everything!). Traditional Colombian cocktails and drinks are also served, with exotic fruits, ferments and tropical flavors.
In addition to the food and art, I loved the closeness and personalization of the experience, as it is designed for a small group, of maximum 8 people. Likewise, Esteban and Oscar’s love and passion for what they do is notorious, and this makes the interaction between the participants much closer and the whole event feels like a conversation between friends.
In my case, this was an excellent plan to invite my friends from France, Belgium and Gibraltar to discover Colombia in a unique way. And myself as a Colombian, be surprised at the diversity and gastronomic wealth we have in each region of our country.
I will return a thousand times, and I recommend it in closed eyes!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 21, 2024
Amazing!! - The host kept me interested in each dish, they were very good and filling. They also had handmade drinks which I recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 14, 2024
Art and flavor of Colombia - The story behind each of the dishes, the drinks that complement them and the way they highlight the flavors of Colombia is spectacular.
The gallery has beautiful photographs and drawings that complement the experience and are the perfect memory of the visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 14, 2024
A wonderful Colombian experience - A wonderdul culinary experience in such a vibrant place with a great vibe. Surrounded by beautiful art, this was an evening myself and my partner loved and made some new friends in the process.
First, the food. An array of delicious dishes from various regions and a mix of food. Each plate that comes out is full of flavour and has a story behind it. From Ajiaco, Posta with rice and the envuelto just to name some of the around 10 amazing dishes that you are served.
Also, a number of Colombian drinks, some alcoholic and other not. A few of which i have never tried before which were absolutely delicious and will be going out of my way to try again.
The location is super easy to get too in Belen Fatima, in an authentic Colombian stle house which doubles up as an art gallery. So many amazing photos and paintings which we would love to take them all home.
Finally, the host Esteben and the chef Oscar provided such an amazing atmoshere that the 3 hours we spent went by in no time. I highly reccomend this place and for sure i will return one day very soon!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 14, 2024
Colombian flavor. 🤤 - Without a doubt a wonderful experience, only they have the magic to transport you to those beautiful places by food, enjoy the company too much and the dishes were exquisite. I promise that if you decide to visit them and enjoy the experience you will not regret it 😋🤤
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 14, 2024
Rich flavors and stories - Very tasty!!! wonderful experience...
Knowing foods and flavors of Colombia that they did not know existed, highly recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nov 13, 2024
A gastronomic trip through different regions of Colombia in one night - With my friends we lived an incredible experience with Esteban the enthusiastic host and Oscar the talented chef. It was a unique sensory trip with a central point the gastronomic that allows you to taste authentic flavors of Colombia that would otherwise be almost impossible to reach in a single trip of 2-3 weeks. In a single night, this tour made us travel through several regions of the country, with dishes and a staging that capture the season, essence and tradition of each of the regions.
I loved the experience. Literally, you travel through the regions of Colombia using all your senses. The hosts, Esteban and Oscar, not only serve delicious food, but also explain the history and context of each dish, making the experience much deeper.
In addition, the atmosphere and space are ideal, with music, videos, art and decor that make you feel part of a complete tour of Colombia. It is an experience that cannot be missed who wants to know and taste the real heart of Colombia in one night. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor