march 2014 15

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Bogot has seen its fair share of failed revolutions. The Revo-lucin de la Cuchara, a vegan movement, is not one of them. Where others have faded away, this one has flourished as an integral part of the ex-ponential growth of veganism, vegetari-anism and generally non-meat, fish or poultry cuisine served up in Colombias capital during the last five years.

Whilst the buildings may be grey, Bogots mindset is greening, as shown by the mass protests on agro-policy and campesino welfare in August last year. And there are unprecedented open-ings of locales offering a range of excit-ing and traditionally-eaten Colombian food. Quinoa, chia, amaranth, arracacha, basul, yucca, yam, sapodilla or even the ice-cream-bean (guama) are just a few in-gredients you can find close to your door.

So what do Colombian-owned res-taurants have to offer the citizens and visitors of Bogot in 2014? I went on a week-long mission to find out.

Felipan: Vegetarian Bakery and Restaurant

A bakery downstairs, lunch up-stairs. Was not impressed by the fact that I could only buy the cake to take-away and couldnt sit and eat it unless

I bought lunch. I could not get a coffee either. The cake, however, was pleasant enough - so if you are in the area and just fancy a cake on the go, by all means have a look. I didnt stay for lunch as it seemed a bit pricy.

Clle 51 No.9-73

La Revolucin de la CucharaGreat service, huge portions, good

taste and very reasonably priced. Cush-ions provide a nice option and the wall paintings ooze character. The chips (French fries) are like the ones I buy at a British fish and chips. Soups are experi-mental and always improve my Spanish vocabulary. Downsides, the free salad bar can be a bit repetitive and you often have to work out if the dishes of the day contain enough protein. Also being new, it is only open 12 to 3 pm which means on hard long working days you have to find somewhere else.

Cra 9A No.60-44B

La ToscanaA student/teacher style canteen

with classic style deco, which is perhaps not surprising given its close proximity to one of Bogotas many universities. Its self-service but the staff is friendly enough. To test them out I took a friend along and asked for an extra bowl and cutlery. They were very obliging. The taste is very good and there are various vegetarian options but I found it on the slightly expensive side.

Cra 8 No.48-70.

Loto AzulA nice restaurant located in the

citys centre. The Indian corner upstairs is a must if you visit there. The menus and ingredients are interesting. They do good stew (or in Spanish lay terms) a cazuela. Portions are large and being a foreigner they welcomed me with a complimentary tea. The only downside is that you do come away smelling like

KAI WhITINg

Bogots vegan res-

taurants are riding a

very green wave this

year as more clients

choose the non-

meat option.

grease, which is not so good if you have a business meeting after.

Cra 5 A No.14-02

Pan de NoblesThe best thing about Pan de Nobles

is that there are three options to choose from and they are all next door to each other. The fast food bar and the bakery are open long hours, seven days a week which is great on a rainy Sunday after-noon. The plantain leaf-wrapped tamal

is awesome, as are the variety of cakes whilst the empanadas remind me of home. Its just a shame that they have a Coca Cola coffee machine, which just kinds of spoils it slightly.

Cra 9 No. 60-83

Pizza La Vecina AddressThis is the student hang-out. The

service is excellent, the drinks are cheap and the place is clean. Food portions are good. That said, not being a fan of soggy pizza the first mouthful was un-pleasant. They did re-cook it for me. My other slice was burnt slightly which was a shame.

Cra 8 No.45-13

P.F ChangsAs a non-meat eater this is arguably

a place to take your girlfriend or boy-friend out for San Francisco-inspired Chinese. Appetizers are very vegetar-ian, gluten free - such as their hallmark lettuce wraps and crispy green beans.

There is also a section on the menu dedicated to Vegetarianos and after you experience the food and service, you wont mind a bit of a wait at the door. A true sign of Colombian business acu-men stirred in with a Buddha Feast and a wholesome take on Lo Mein.

Cra 9 No.82 -19

Living la vida vegan