La Cevicheria is located just around the corner from the upscale Santa Clara Hotel in Cartagena, Colombia and in the center of all the hustle and bustle of the Centro Historico. Walking alone through the streets of a new country alone, especially one as marred by underworld tragedy as this one could be a little daunting. Fortunately, I stayed at a nice apartment style hotel very near everything, and just a 10-minute walk from this tiny corner food hot spot. I cross-referenced a few gourmet ‘nom noms’ and settled on eating at the famed La Cevicheria my first night in Colombia because of its location and reputation.

Anthony Bourdaine had eaten there in the past, and foodies from far and wide continue to toot its culinary horn. So, I went over and took my space in line for the standard half hour wait which is ever present at peak times. It’s open for both lunch and dinner.

I settled on sampling the mixed fish shrimp Colombian ceviche which the manager told me one of the typical elements included the plantain cured in cinnamon and various other red spices typical to Colombian cuisine. The other flavors married this sweet cured plantain with sour mangoes and crispy red onions with a tinge of spice at the tip of the tongue. I washed this all down with an artisanal blond beer.

La cevicheria’s coziness is housed by pale blue walls and minimal décor displaying a collection of voluptuous mermaids entirely appropriate for the beginning of Pisces season and this quaint picturesque beach town. After finishing my delicious first dinner in Cartagena, I was pleasantly surprised to be treated to a shot of sweet agua ardiente that warmed me all over for my walk back home. If you find yourself in Cartagena make sure you check out this tiny hole in the wall with alluring sirenas tempting you to try aromas of the sea.  If Mr. No Reservations recommended it, my review can’t hurt to remind you that this place hasn’t lost its charm or essence of just plain good food.

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