Eating in Colombia: Brunch de Salento, the Travelers’ Lair

The first time I spotted Brunch, I knew immediately that it would become my Salento spot. Firstly, the restaurant is named after one of my favorite pastimes. Who doesn’t love leisurely late weekend mornings filled with good company, breakfast food, and mimosas (and before you know it, it’s evening)? Secondly, there was a sign in front of it advertising a pancakes and eggs breakfast special. Pancakes! Such things are hard to come by in Colombia.

When I arrived in Salento, I was more than halfway through my trip. I was yearning for more options and more flavor than traditional Colombian food typically offers. After countless meat and potato set lunches, my taste buds wished for something different, and Brunch de Salento granted those wishes. Geoff, the Oregonian who opened this restaurant, is clearly aware of what travelers want by the time they reach Salento and has created a menu accordingly.

I laughed out loud the first time I walked into Brunch. It was so unabashedly backpacker. A group of people who looked like they met in a hostel were playing cards in corner. The walls were covered with hand-drawn flags and Sharpie messages from travelers from all over the world. The American English-speaking waiter let us know there was also a little mini theater in the back where we could watch movies.

And then there was the menu. Breakfast burritos, hamburgers, lasagna, salad, omelets, hash browns, and of course, pancakes. I went to Brunch several times while I was in Salento and everything I tried was very tasty. If you go, it’s a good idea to leave room for the star of the menu — the peanut butter brownie. I’m not usually a fan of peanut butter, but after hearing everyone rave about the brownie for a couple days, I decided to give a try. It turned out to be one of the best brownies I’ve ever had. It’s made with homemade peanut butter (which is also sold by the jar for all those travelers who obsess about peanut butter when they’re on the road) and topped with a choice of chocolate or caramel sauce. Delicious.

What makes Brunch de Salento truly great is the atmosphere. It’s not a restaurant where you’ll have an “authentic” Salento experience; it’s more of a gathering place for a tribe of traveling kindred spirits. Even when I went in by myself, I never dined alone. The staff always greeted me warmly and the owner was like a walking guidebook to Salento. I often ran into people I met in other parts of Colombia while dining at Brunch and became friends with some quirky travelers who were spending an indeterminate amount of time in Salento. I met a large group of Mexican Americans and we chatted about our love for Oaxaca. Many times I went in for a quick bite and would find myself still there hours later engrossed in wonderful conversation.

Brunch de Salento exudes homeyness and it’s clear that a lot of heart has been put into making it such an inviting environment. Between the menu and the vibe, this restaurant really captures the essence of its name.

Brunch de Salento
Calle 6 No. 3-25
Salento, Colombia
https://www.facebook.com/brunchdesalento

I came across this great review and interview with the owner while looking up information for this post:
Brunch in Salento, Colombia

Original article: Eating in Colombia: Brunch de Salento, the Travelers’ Lair

©2014 Girl, Unstoppable. All Rights Reserved.