The Pursuit of Chilean Cuisine!

Before we begin this culinary extravaganza, you must think back to September and our very first road trip out of Valparaiso. It was in Quillota where we came across this entre on a fast food menu. We were told that it was a variation of a very traditional Chilean dish called Chorrillanas (pronounced "CH--as in Chile--OR--EE--AN--AS") and that image has stayed with us ever since!!



Now, fast forward to January and our visit to Paulo and Paulina's home. That day, we talked alot about the food and drink of Chile and committed to trying some of what we considered to be . . . . hmm . . . unusual. Well, a promise made is a promise kept . . . . here is our story!

It was a dark and stormy night in the port city and shadows of Portenos, past and present, were lurking in the alleyways. (OK, it wasn't storming . . . but it was dark!) We were on a quest for Chorrillanas, and in Valparaiso . . . there is only one real option. Unfortunately, it lay at the end of this long and spooky lane. (Are you scared yet!?) If not for our intrepid guides, Paulo and Paulina, we would never have ventured down this alley alone. . . may never have found the holy grail of Chilean cuisine . . . may never have tasted the fabled Chorrillanas.



Charlene and Paulina made it! Paulo and I were hanging back fighting off the ghosts of those that have come before us (and perhaps died of heart attacks from the cholesterol!).



OK . . . enough of that!
Chorrilanas is a traditional dish of Chile, but the story goes that it originated in Valparaiso, in this restaurant, at about the time that the dinousaurs stoppd grazing! That's why we had to come to this particular restaurant, "J. Cruz M. Casino Social Museo", for our initiation (Jote {hoe'ta} Cruz for short).



We'll get to the food soon enough. First, a little look at the restaurant. This is the kind of place we dream of finding when we travel. . . full of history, tradition, local flavour . . .
And speaking of local flavour, how about some local entertainment.



If you listen closely, you will hear that the gent with the maracas is also singing.



The thing to do here seems to be to sign you name with the date that you were here.



. . . and so we did! Some people choose to leave small photos, and the arched doorways are lined with pictures.



Now then . . . the task at hand . . .

Before any restaurant meal, of course, there is a beverage.
Tonight . . . a very special beverage . . . a concoction we could never have imagined . . . until Chile!



Paulina is mixing beer and orange soda to make what is called "Fanschop"! The "Fan" originates from Fanta, and "Schop" is a beer mug, or in this case, a glass. The very idea of mixing beer and orange pop seemed blasphemous, but . . . as they say . . . "When in Rome . . .". Surprisingly, it was quite good! A refreshing alternative on a hot summer day perhaps.



And now . . . the minute that you've all been waiting for . . . the main course . . . Chorrillanas!



A mound of fries is obviously the base. Next is a mix of boiled onion and egg. And to top it off . . . boiled beef! It wasn't as bad as we had imagined (see first photo), and it isn't something that we will go searching for, but the experience was one that we will cherish.

Chorrillanas y Fanschop . . . Bon appetit!!



This is the look of yet another satisfied customer!



Just one more thing before we go. In the post about the football / soccer game, I wondered about the Wanderers being called "Los Panzers". Thanks to Paulo, I now have an answer.
In the 60's, the Wanderers were the Chilean champions. At that time the team was compared to the German tank called the Panzer (Big, strong, powerful). Since then, the team's nickname has been "Los Panzers". Now you know!



Hasta luego,
Full . . . but happy!
Amor,
Norm and Charlene