A Chef’s Guide to Santiago, Chile

A Chef’s Guide to Santiago, Chile - Find. Eat. Drink.

Chef’s Guide, Santiago, Chile, Where to eat, where to drink, where to shop, recommendations, City Guide, Travel Guide, Chef’s recommendations, hotels

By Liz Caskey

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Parque Forestal & Lastarria & Santa Lucía Hill

Photo Credit: magoexperto[flickr]

East of the city center is Cerro Santa Lucía, possibly Santiago’s most distinctive and memorable landmark. It was on this very site that Pedra de Valdivia founded Santiago in 1541. Late in the 19th century, the hill (cerro) was transformed– with a baroque maze of pathways, terraces, fountains and plazas– into the public park which it is today. Here are the areas known as Lastarria and Bellas Artes, a joint neighborhood that boasts not only Cerro Santa Lucía, but also the belle époque landmark Bellas Artes Museum and the romantic Parque Forestal. Reminiscent of the Bois de Boulogne, the gracious park features gravel pathways, antique lamp posts and the Fuente Alemana. Is it any wonder that this area of the city is the most happening part of Santiago? Top restaurants, outdoor cafés and bars, fashionable boutiques, antique flea markets, art galleries and artsy, alternative cinemas imbue the quarter with a suave, cosmopolitan, intellectual atmosphere. Elegant, European-style apartment houses line the shady streets. A traditional aristocrastic barrio, yet hip and cutting-edge at the same time, Lastarria is home to young couples, old-time residents, the gay community and international visitors. Walk the shady park, the cobblestone streets. Just be careful—you may fall in love with the place.

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Photo Credit: donrenexito [flickr]

ARTESANÍAS DE CHILE

With two exquisite locations, this non-profit government-supported handicraft store seeks to promote the folk and handicraft traditions in Chile from the indigenous Aymara communities in the North with their hand-died Alpaca shawls to the Mapuche Indians in the South. They have exquisite textiles, hand-carved wooden bowls, clay pots and unique figuras de Talagante (clay figurines depicting rural life in Chile’s Central Valley). Stop in to learn about these traditions, or better yet, take home these souvenirs and support the artisans.

Location: Multiple

Website: www.artesaniasdechile.cl

Location: Providencia

Address: Chilean Crafts Foundation, Bellavista 0357 (Pasaje Salvador Donoso)

Closest Metro: Baquedano (green line)

Hours: Mon - Fri 10:30- 6pm; Sat 10am - 2pm;

Location: Las Condes

Address: Centro Artesanal Los Domínicos, Apoquindo 9085, Local 35

Hours: Mon - Sun 10:30am - 7pm

COQUINARIA

Photograph courtesy of Coquinaria

Located in the “basement” of the W hotel, this is the newest project of gastronomic entrepreneur and British ex-pat, Kevin Polter. Coquinaria brings an aura of Dean & Deluca to Santiago. Upon entering, take a big breath and swear you won’t get overwhelmed. The sheer selection of local and imported gourmet products will work any foodie into a full-on fever. Beautifully decorated with whole grains and seasonal vegetables in the center, the shelves hold a staggering array of local artisan cheeses, cured hams, olive oils, sausages, chocolates, fresh pasta and flowers. Eat in for tasty dishes like tender risotto with wild mushrooms and truffles or take a break from shopping for a cappuccino, paired with the local luxe chocolates from La Fete.

Location: Las Condes

Category: Gourmet Market

Address: Isidora Goyenechea 3000 (Augusto Leguia Norte) Santiago

Website: www.coquinaria.cl

T: +56/(0)2.245.1958

Closest Metro: El Golf (red line)

Hours: Mon - Fri 8am - 10pm; Sat 9am - 10pm; Sun 9am - 8pm

Credit Cards: AE, DC, MC, V