What is Colombian Food?
Since I moved here in 2003 from Bogotá, Colombia, my hometown, people have often asked me, "What is Colombian food?" Twenty-plus years ago, my answer would have been the same dishes everyone knows, like Bandeja Paisa, Arepa, Tamal, and Sancocho. But now, in 2024, I can proudly share that our gastronomy is experiencing a beautiful renaissance. Many of us have left Colombia to work in the best culinary scenes in the US, Europe, South America, and other amazing countries, and we are now bringing those influences back home.
This past July 17th, a few days before our #Colombian Independence Day, I had the privilege of inviting some of the most talented Colombian chefs and bar professionals we have here in #Chicago and abroad to curate a menu showcasing what Colombian cuisine is nowadays at AMARU Restaurant in Chicago. What we witnessed was mind-blowing. I cannot be prouder or more excited about what we experienced that night. We saw a transformation in Colombian cuisine similar to what happened with Peruvian and Mexican cuisines in recent years.
One unique aspect of #Colombia is its incredible diversity. With two oceans, various altitudes, and multiple climates, Colombia offers a vast array of fruits, vegetables, animals, flowers, and seeds. This diversity allows our chefs and bartenders to be incredibly creative, taking traditional dishes rooted in our heritage and elevating them even further.
I believe Colombia is in a golden era right now for many reasons, and the world is taking notice. Our culinary professionals are receiving recognition from Michelin, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Bocuse d’Or, Coupe du Monde, James Beard Foundation, and many other prestigious organizations.
I want to extend my gratitude to the following people for their support during this event. I look forward to organizing more exciting events to showcase not only the flavors of Colombia but also the stories of other countries shared through their cuisine.
CHEFS & BAR
-Chef Carlos Ibá?ez, Bucaramanga, Colombia ( Owner Cotiza Longaniza )
-Chef Rodolfo Cuadros, Cali Colombia ( Owner of Del Alma Restaurants)
-Chef Jorge Kauam, Caracas Vanezuela, (Owner JK Chocolates & Gutenburg)
-Chef Alexander Quintero, Medellin, Colombia ( CDC S.K.Y Chicago)
-Bar Manager Juanjo Pulgarín ( Lead Bartender Maple & Ash)
SUPPORT TEAM
-Luisa Gomez, GM Apolonia
-Michelle Medina, NORA Events
-Diego Bolivar, Dbo Films
-Daniela Casilimas, DBO Films
-Chicago Sister Cities International Bogotá Chapter
-Mateo Mulcahy, ILCC Deputy Director
-Pepe Vargas, ILCC Founder and Executive Director
Enjoy this amazing video recap by DBO FILMS and stay tuned for the next dinner where we will be sharing the story of another amazing country.
VIDEO: https://lnkd.in/gcU_TB3d
Truly,
Felipe Ospina
Consultant for Sysco
Culinary Advisor International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago
Pilot Light Board Member and Co-Chair "Feed your mind Gala 2024"
#ColombianCuisineReimagined