This is my last 2nd day in Colombia in this trip. I got up quite early as usual. Waited for Carlos to be here and he took me to get my first COVID test at the testing site in Zona G called Gencell Pharma, I had a PCR test and the result is supposed to be returned by noon tomorrow. I have another appointment with Synlab at 3pm tomorrow at the airport for Antigen test as a backup in case the first test result did not get back on time or touch wood, I get a failed positive, so better have some backup plan. I am glad that it was all done now, and thanks particularly to Carlos (and Segrio) for helping me through this. With the language barrier, getting the COVID test arranged has not been easy for me.
We took a bus back to the Centro area where I had a reservation at Prudencia for lunch at 12:30pm. Interestingly, I learned about Prudencia back in the US, I think I read about it in a travel magazine when I was flying from Boston to Los Angeles or the other way around. I wrote down the name and said I would give it a try when I come to Bogota. So, I did. Last Sunday when I was in Medellin, I whatsapp'ed them to make a reservation, and started chatting to the owner Mario, I just happened to mention that I need to take a COVID test before returning back to US. He said they were also from the US, and planning to get back for the holiday. They understand because they need to do the exact same thing. He even introduced me to the party he is going to get COVID test. Even though I end up not taking his recommendation, instead I go with an US embassy listed ones just because I have no idea what is acceptable. Nonetheless, I was so appreciative for Mario’s generosity. He even helped me printed a document I needed for the COVID test. He really did not need to do that to a stranger. But he did. That says a lot of him as a person.
As for the foods, they did not disappoint neither. It was an 8-course lunch set menu. Partly I really wanted to try this place, and partly I wanted to treat Carlos for his birthday as well as being a great friend who have showed me Bogota on his day off. Prudencia had a very peaceful ambient, we almost felt like being in a green house, the ceiling was kind of glass too, so it was very airy, had high ceiling, and was very bright. We were started off by an amuse-bouche of niçoise olives with sherry brandy cranberry relish, and the fresh baked country bread and home butter. It followed by cauliflower popcorn with spicy pecan and vegan queso, and wood-roasted/glazed butternut squash with morita chili, almond crème fraiche, and grilled bavette. The bavette dish was oh my god delicioso! Both dishes were quite small. At this point, they actually asked if you like to take a break or continue. We just continued. The next was the meat course, I had the beef short-rib, while Carlos had the Porchetta, both wood-grilled, with wood-fired mango and Chinkiang vinegar kê-tsiap. Both were quite good, but I liked Carlos’ choice more. Next was a vegetable dish - grilled romaine with duck-confit aioli. Last but not least were two dessert dishes: poached pear in a Riesling-rosemary syrup and cornmeal pound cake (darn, I forgot to take a picture of this) and a sweet potato cheesecake. Throughout the menu, they have suggestion for different wine pairing. I am not alcohol drinker while Carlos does not drink for lunch. So we just had the kid stuff. Just by the ingredients, they are all about building on flavors, combining different element and textures together. The ambient of the place and friendliness of the people are the cherries on top. All and all, it has been a very satisfying experience. But like Carlos said, most Colombians only have an hour for lunch, so this is probably not for the local but maybe for visitors like myself, or special occasions. In any case, thank you Mario and Meghan for a wonderful meal, truly.
All other photos from Day 15 at Restaurante Prudencia are here.
After our extended lunch, we stopped by the Botero Musuem which was only a few minutes away. Finally I got to see the fat Mona Lisa, as well as a lot of other works of Fernando Botero. I have become a big fan after this trip. Amazing museum yet again, and it is free too. I have gotten so many postcards for my wall art. Really did not want to say goodbye to Carlos, but we have to. It has been a great pleasure meeting Carlos and spending a few days sightseeing Bogota together. I am looking forward to do the same for him when he will come to the US someday. That is a promise. As for me, I need to go, I am eating way too much here, and is becoming the subject in Fernando Botero’s painting myself.
All other photos from Day 15 at Botero Museum are here.
