COL: Restaurante Casa Santa Clara
'Ajiaco', a popular soup dish in Bogota, is a must!
Perched atop the sacred Monserrate, a mountain towering over 3,000-metre above the city centre of Bogota, Restaurante Casa Santa Clara is a charming restaurant that showcases traditional cuisine from across Colombia. Despite not making a reservation at this popular venue, my BFF and I were fortunate to secure a table after waiting for 20 minutes or so.
Ajiaco Santafereno COP 39,000 (~S$12.50)
Taste: 8.5/10
We had the chance to try the beloved local soup featuring chicken, potatoes and a kind of mountain herb called guasca that added a touch of mild, earthy flavour. Arriving piping hot at the table, the soup that also included a cob of corn was a comforting choice on a chilly day. Served on the side was a plate of rice, avocado, capers and cream.
Posta Cartagenera COP 47,000 (~S$15.05)
Taste: 7.5/10
Hailing from the port city of Cartagena in the northern part of the country, the dish showcased tri-tip sirloin that was marinated in a flavourful blend of spices, onions and garlic before being simmered till tender. The caramelised panela (Latin American unrefined whole cane sugar) sauce added a thick, smoky depth, though it leaned a bit too sweet for my taste. Served alongside the red meat were rice cooked in caramelised coconut water and some red-hued plantains.
Ceviche de Camarones COP 30,000 (~S$9.60)
Taste: 8/10
This bite-sized dish featured shrimps elegantly placed on top of deep-fried plantain discs. Ideal as an appetiser or a snack, it offered a delightful contrast of textures: the crispy plantains paired with bouncy, succulent shrimps that were marinated in a zesty blend of tomatoes, spices and lime juice.
Flan de Queso de Cabra COP 13,000 (~S$4.25)
Taste: 8/10
For dessert, we shared a decadent pudding made of goat cheese that boasted a moreish, creamy texture. As seen in the photo, it came with such a generous amount of guava sauce. Despite its seemingly very sweet appearance, the sauce actually offered a delicate fruity sweetness that complemented the pudding without overpowering it.
Melon's Rating
Taste: 8/10
Ambience: 8/10
Service: 7/10
Overall: 7.5/10
To add icing on the cake, we were seated by the window, offering a lovely view that enhanced our early dinner experience. Pika's advice: Reservations can be made online through their website, but take note that there's an advance fee of COP 70,000 (~S$22.85) per person. I suppose the fee can be applied towards your bill, but it does require that minimum spending.
Restaurante Casa Santa Clara
Monserrate
Bogota
Colombia
(Mon-Fri: 12 noon - 10.00pm;
Sat-Sun: 8.00am - 8.00pm)
*Prices quoted are subject to 10% service charge.
Have a nice meal,
Cliff(y)
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