Discover the Vibrant Culinary Scene of Cartagena with Local Chefs

LANDED Podcast 028

Discover the Vibrant Culinary Scene of Cartagena with Local Chefs

Cartagena boasts one of South America’s most dynamic and flavorful food scenes. Each year, new culinary delights emerge, reflecting the city’s rich tradition, skill, and innovation. In this episode, the focus shifts to Cartagena’s culinary creators.

Juan Camilo Ossa, El Beso Restaurant

Juan Camilo Ossa, chef at El Beso restaurant, highlights Cartagena as a remarkable spot for the culinary industry, buzzing with trendiness. For him, dining in Cartagena is a vibrant experience, filled with colors and tastes—approachable and authentic. Dining in Cartagena is all about celebrating simplicity and the flavors on the plates.

His restaurant is located in the bohemian Getsemaní neighborhood. Once home to enslaved people, this area is now a vibrant hub. Post-pandemic, Getsemani is flourishing, coming alive with artists and a tight-knit community. Juan mentions that the colorful streets are filled with celebrations, where people host carnivals, barbecues, and soccer games. He emphasizes that this is the magic of Getsemani—an interconnected community that supports one another.

El Beso Restaurant
Website: https://elbesorestaurant.com/
Instagram: @elbesorestaurant

Alejandro Ramirez, Pascal & Municipal

Alejandro Ramirez shares his extensive experience in the restaurant business across Europe, Argentina, Mexico, and the United States, which led him to return to Cartagena to launch his first restaurant. He appreciates the city’s laid-back vibe and slower pace of life. Alejandro describes Cartagena as welcoming, fostering a close-knit atmosphere. He believes that he is not just working for his restaurant but for the city itself. When one restaurant thrives, they all benefit. To showcase this, Alejandro tells us about the WhatsApp group the restaurants have to support each other, maybe just to ask who has some sugar left for tonight’s dessert.

He highlights food festivals like Alimentarte, held every January, where renowned chefs gather to create special dishes, with profits benefiting the Corazon Verde Foundation. Alejandro points out that there’s always a celebration happening in Cartagena, reinforcing the community spirit.

Martha Mogollón, Granitos de Paz

Martha, a native of Cartagena, has been passionate about social causes since high school. She explains that Granitos de Paz embodies the belief that small efforts can lead to significant change. Founded in 2004, inspired by a comparison of Cartagena’s poverty to that of Africa, Granitos de Paz focuses on providing tools and opportunities for people to rise above extreme poverty. Martha emphasizes the resilience and vibrant dreams of Cartagena’s residents as the driving force behind their mission.

The “Patios Productivos” program, also runned by Granitos de Paz, began in 2007/2008 to help individuals grow their own food, transforming neglected gardens into sources of organic produce. Families that once struggled to make ends meet are now cultivating microgreens and earning a sustainable income.

Restaurants like Celele and Mar y Zielo source their products, showcasing the impact of Granitos de Paz. They aim for restaurants to feature dishes that highlight their work, connecting diners to the positive change their meals contribute to in the community. Celele has set an exemplary standard for innovation and collaboration, helping Granitos de Paz grow their mission. Currently, 207 families are involved, with projections to expand to 350 by year’s end.