On Sunday afternoon many restaurants are closed in Valparaiso, as in the rest of the world. This is no reason for an empty stomach because Valpo does have a gastronomic Sunday offer in Barrio Puerto, on the caletas and on Cerro Concepcion and Cerro Alegre.
We tried Restaurant Dimalow´s fixed lunch for two Sundays in a row. Their CLP8.000 menu comes with a starter, main course and dessert. The refreshing quinoa with fried vegetables and the portobello quiche got us in the right mood for the main dish. I had a steak of quality meat on a flavoured puree with a perfect texture accomponied by a mildly creamy sauce of roasted peppers – a personal favourite- with some touches of basil flavoured oil. On the other side of the table the Corvina with a curried zuchini sauce was baked to perfection and accompanied by an original pebre de mote (spicy chopped tomatoes and onions with Chilean boiled corn). The chocolate mousse reminded me more of a panacota but did it’s dessert job and the cheesecake with red fruits was just right, crunchy pastry and not too sweet.
Contemporary and original cuisine, delicate sauces and an oustanding friendly and correct service make you want to spend a part of your precious Valpo time in Dimalow.
Dimalow, Passage Dimalow, Cerro Alegre. Valparaiso.
Before recommending this brand new martini lounge in Valparaiso, I should tell you that the owners are good friends of mine. But I must say that the martinis and cocktails I had in Ambar are among the best I’ve ever had. Alexis’ drinks are inventive or classic with the professional touch, well balanced and al gusto del cliente (at your request). Ambar’s bartender plays with a whole range of essences, herbs, infusions and tastes. David, the chef, prepares and serves his tapas with great care and an excellent eye for presentation. Their flavours take you on a gastronomic mini-journey around the world: Mediterranean meatballs in a delicate tomato sauce, Mexican quesadillas, Moroccan style chimichanga and home made crunchy crostinis. The design of the bar and patio are unique in Valparaiso. Colours, shapes and lights are intimate and young witout being too trendy. David and Alexis prefere electronic music and regulary organize theme nights.
