8. February 2015: Restaurant 1621
The Restaurant 1621 is in the Sofitel Hotel and is ranked among the best restaurants of Cartagena. I went for the tasting menu “Menu Découverte” (115’000 COP) which started with a selection from different breads, namely corn, wholegrain, black olives, and French baguette. Followed by a amuse bouche from the kitchen, a “gazpacho con fresas, perrejil, pepino” which was very refreshing and at the same time of an interesting taste due to the parsley.
The first course of the tasting menu was a “quick seared “escabeche” tuna, assorted vegetables, green herbs sauce” which looked promising but for my gusto the tuna was cooked too much.
As a middle course, a “sorbet tamarind and vodka sherbet” were served which was again refreshing allowing you to digest the first courses. While I always consider a sorbet inbetween a nice idea I was a bit astonished how early it was served.
The main course was a “beer marinated filet of beef, potato and bacon terrine, asparagus, plum puree” which was absolutely fine. Especially the plum sauce with the meat was a pleasant combination.
The last course of the menu was the “parfait de limón y menta” which was of a nice but decent sweetness – the combination with the mint chutney was definitely interesting.
Last but not least, a couple of friandises were served. For the fact that the feedback I read about the restaurant before going here was incredibly good, I had expected way more. The dishes are very solid, good ground work but for me it was absolutely nothing breath-taking. And given that I paid approximately the same price at the restaurant El Cielo in Bogotá which had approximately 12 courses and definitely had surprising elements, I was a bit disappointed.
Especially, when I saw a special coffee offered on the menu, the “Ritual Legendario de Café “Cona” (Enjoy the finest selection of coffee arabica in the best coffee regions of Colombia, brewed at your table with a French “Cona” coffee maker)” (12’000 COP) where you can even choose your coffee bean (I wanted the “Matiz Ebano (sturdy and robust flavored Matiz coffee beans that are roasted espresso style)”), and wanted to order it, I was informed that the machine to make such coffee was broken. I got offered a regular coffee instead (which I was not charged thereafter – thanks, nice gesture) which was obviously a disappointment.
There is a nice selection of desserts and cheese which I have not been able to try but looked promising. Overall, the dishes are good but it somehow lacks the special effects.
What is beautiful though is the place itself. The interior – also part of a former monestary is absolutely stunning, not onle the wine area …
… with the ham and you know what not …
… but also with a classical Italian cold cuts machine …
… and the actual dining room is just stunning.
With regards the service I am not entirely sure what to say. On one hand they were very professional and did a good job – on the other hand there were definitely flaws like the wine or water was not refilled for quite some time or when I had ordered a second bottle of water (9’000 COP), they forgot to bring it and only after asking for it again, it was brought to the table.
However, it is worth going just for the interior but do not expect too much excitement for the taste buds.
As the place is “famous” amoung tourists and, obviously, hotel guests it is highly recommended to book a table in advance.
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Contact Details:
Restaurant 1621
Sofitel Santa Clara Hotel
Calle del Torno #39-29
Cartagena (CO)
Tel.: +57 56 50 47 00
Fax: +57 56 64 70 10
E-Mail: reservation.santaclara@sofitel.com
Homepage: http://www.sofitel.com
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
