Restauranta La Vitrola in Cartagena, Columbia

Pros:

• Guard outside the door (checking names from reservation list)
• Cute place that feels authentic
• Serves Peroni which seems rare in Cartagena
• Reasonable size wine menu
• Nice bread basket
• Feels like a mamma and papa shop
• Live band (old and cute musicians)

Cons:

• Not attentive service
• Heavy A/C felt like we were in a cold downwind on Mount Everest
• Sitting I said downwind with smell from petroleum lights on tables
• Can’t make a Margarita (way to sweet)
• No plates for bread (a mess)
• Live band – musicians came around to sell their CDs at the tables
• Only house wine (“red or white?”) by the glass
• Water served in half liter plastic bottles, felt cheap.

Other observations and comment:

• It was difficult getting reservation. Had to book 3 days in advance. Think you need a reservation.

We had:

• Jerk chicken: Nice. Well spiced to the mild side. Small portion though. 7/10
• Grouper steak with coconut rice: Meh. Good rice though. Big portion. 5/10
• No starters or dessert