Garlic
There are days when one looks for certain places to eat, depending on the mood and cash. In general, we hope that this place is nice, well attended, has good food and music with a relaxing atmosphere. So, when I'm unsure, but I know I want to eat delicious, fulfilling food, in a cozy place, I go straight to one of my all time favorites: Garlic.
Located on the corner of Loreto and Dardignac, in the Bellavista neighborhood, this small restaurant has what it takes to convert someone into a regular, as in my case, in which since its opening seven years ago, I've never stopped going.
They have a fixed menu that rotates according to the season, which includes an appetizer, entree and desert, all for $5,500 CLP during lunch and $6,500 CLP at night, without the appetizer. Among the starters offered now are creamy legume and vegetable soups and salads; the entrees range from pastel de jaiva (a crab casserole-type dish) to pollo a la sudafricana (South African chicken)—served with an exquisite caper sauce—plateada al vino tinto (beef in a red wine reduction), riñones al jerez (kidneys marinated in sherry) and a wide variety of pastas. I have tried them all, and I have to say that none have disappointed me, although, of course, I do have my favorites. With the starter, the entree and the hot bread—with an irresistible spicy sauce—served upon arrival, the dishes are very satisfying, so you should go hungry; I almost always have to ask for my desert to go. And of course, the deserts are real deserts: Creme Brûlee, chocolate mousse, raspberry cake, celestino (a sweet pancake)...mmmm, all are delicious, fresh and of considerable size.
They also sell cocktails, imported and national artesian beers and wine by the bottle or glass. Normally when I go, I sit upstairs, in the local's attic; I like to look at the diners below and enjoy the flowers decorating the railings and the majestic chandelier hanging in the center of the restaurant. Although it's small, it has a capacity for 40 people and the table arrangement is comfortable and precise, one is never crowded, cornered or bumping into other tables, as so often happens at other places. The music—wisely chosen by the owner Romi and her daughter Carmen—always accompanies the meal nicely and is very current. I noticed, that just like the menu, they change the albums by season; one time they played a lot of Tonino Carotone, and now, they're into Dub versions of consecrated songs such as hits by Madonna, Radiohead, Sinead O'Connor, etc. Romi and Carmen are also the cooks and prepare everything fresh, upon order, so sometimes it may take a while for your dish, but with the starter, the famous bread with sauce and good music, the wait goes unnoticed, even less so if you are in good company.
Something important to know, is that the kitchen is open until 11:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, so if it's late and you're hungry, this is an excellent solution. On Saturdays, they are only open until 6:00 p.m., Sundays they are closed. I recommend going on a weekday, not so late so as to get the starter, and asking for a creamy soup, the lengua nogada (tongue in a walnut and spice sauce) or the riñones al jerez (kidneys marinated in sherry) and to top it off, the raspberry cake...that is, if you can.
Details:
199 Dardignac on the corner with Loreto, Recoleta.
Telephone: (+56-2) 7370782
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