dezaseis

Prize for best restaurant in Santiago goes to Dezaseis. What makes this seemingly ordinary restaurant so wonderful is its ability to serve fine dining cuisine in a unpretentious cozy atmosphere, and what's more, at an affordable price. The decor is rustic in a way that only time and history can accomplish. Unlike other "rustic" restaurants in urban cities where the mood is forced by Pier-One decorations, Dezaseis possess a real charm and warmth that allows you the patron, to feel like you're partaking in something special.

As usual, the restaurant was empty when my friend and I arrived. I like to eat early and beat the dinner rush. By early, I mean at 9 PM, as the Spanish don't eat until 10 PM. We sat in the back by the kitchen, sipping our wine as we watched people slowly trickle in- regulars, locals, families, and lovers. Not a tourist was to be seen. After carefully inspecting the menu (which was in gaellgo) we placed our order and were told by the waiter dinner would be at least 30 minutes. While some might have felt put off by this remark, my friend and I were pleasantly surprised, for we understood. Our meals had to be freshly prepared and cooked, a practice long forgotten and absent in many newer establishments. We smiled, ordered more wine, and happily agreed to wait.

The food we ate was unreal.
We ate-
Chimpirones- small squids cooked in their squid ink and served with tender white rice.
Bacallo- a fish generally served salted but in this case, it was slathered in aioli and baked in an oven.

The squid was tender and flavorful. It's ink was rich, thick, and decadent. As for my fish, it was cooked to perfection. It flaked perfectly when my fork sank into it and the aioli it was baked in was simple but delicious. The meal as a whole was flawless.

Needless to say, I will be returning to Dezasies, and sometimes the best things in life do come to those who wait.