Photo credit: www.cntraveler.com
Welcome to “Where Chefs Eat on Vacation,” where culinary experts share their dining experiences from recent travels.
Nina Compton, an acclaimed chef and restaurateur known for her award-winning contributions to the culinary world, embodies a passion for vibrant flavors and cultural exploration. Originally from Saint Lucia and currently based in New Orleans, Compton gained recognition as a runner-up on Top Chef before creating her own Caribbean-inspired restaurants, Compère Lapin and Bywater American Bistro (often abbreviated as BABs).
With a profound appreciation for the landscapes and traditions that inform her cooking, Compton embarked on a long-awaited journey to Cartagena, Colombia. She had desired to visit this Caribbean coastal city since a failed invitation in 2022 for a guest chef event. Finally, in August 2024, she took the opportunity to explore Cartagena with her husband, enjoying a week split between the historic Old Town and the serene Blue Apple Beach on a nearby island.
The colorful streets of Cartagena and their charm were a major draw for Compton, who opted for an adventurous approach to her culinary exploration during this trip. “I didn’t want to prepare at all,” she shared. “I avoided researching restaurants or reading reviews beforehand.” Relying on a few casual recommendations from friends who are well-versed in the local culinary scene, she approached her journey with a mindset aimed at serendipity and surprise. This led her to discover hidden culinary gems and solidified her belief that Cartagena should have a more prominent place on the global culinary map.
“When it comes to culinary travel, Cartagena isn’t typically considered a top destination,” Compton remarked. “Yet, it absolutely should be; there are so many beautiful and unique experiences waiting to be discovered.” As her new cookbook, Kwéyòl/Creole (published by Penguin Random House) is set to launch, Compton reflected on her favorite culinary spots and experiences in one of Colombia’s most colorful cities.
What was the first thing you ate when you arrived?
Upon landing, we made our way straight to the Old Town, which I highly suggest as it is simply breathtaking. After dropping our bags at the Townhouse Art Hotel, I was filled with excitement.
My husband and I strolled just around the corner from our hotel and stumbled into a gorgeous alleyway adorned with pink and yellow houses, surrounded by lush plants and vibrant flowers. It was a blissful moment, illuminated by the sun, with every turn revealing more beauty—each corner an unexpected delight. Approaching lunchtime, the streets were bustling with activity, as vendors offered fresh coconuts, coffee, and a savory type of fried bread. As a chef, the sensory overload was invigorating, with fruits artfully arranged in carts—each orange, mango, and palm berry displayed with care. In culinary terms, “eating with your eyes” is essential, and the vivid colors and enticing aromas were truly captivating. For my first bite, I wanted to embrace local flavors, so I chose a refreshing ice-cold coconut from one of the street stands, where they expertly opened the shell for me to enjoy the jelly inside.
The sunny interior of Celele, one of Cartagena’s premier and award-winning dining establishments, is also worth mentioning.
What was your go-to breakfast every day?
Source
www.cntraveler.com