One of the most authentic aspects of the Chilean gastronomy lies in their so called "picadas", traditional name given to small restaurants and diners, where it is possible to feel and discover the Chilean culinary identity through simple, yet very savory and abundant dishes.

 

Valparaiso is commemorating its 11th year of being a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, and through a contest open to public, the municipality has chosen the El Pimentón (Bell Pepper in English) Restaurant as the best traditional "picada" of the port.

 

The contest was based on a total of 20 establishments previously selected from all the applied restaurants, where the general public got the chance to choose a 1st place through an online voting via e-mail.  The third place went to the Casino Social J. Cruz (397 votes), Las Parrillas El Molinón occupied the second place (527 votes) and the first place went to the already mentioned El Pimentón (597 votes).

 

The El Pimentón menu fully identifies itself with the Chilean cuisine through traditional, tasty and simple dishes.  Its owners say they have never used advertisement and that their clients only come through recommendation.

 

The majority of dishes come from traditional recipes, such as the vegetarian Pastel de Choclo (Corn Pie), the Chorrillana (a base of French fries and caramelized onions) with smoked long pork sausages, or the potato with skin and apple-rosemary sauce.

 

Additionally, its menu has some exotic products, such as the exclusive bell pepper beer, named after one of the restaurant cooks "Brígida Mena" 100% local and craft beer, or the XL shrimp and cheese empanada, considered by many as the best in town.

 

Another of the reasons that placed El Pimentón as the best traditional "picada" of the port is its service.  Their bilingual staff is able to explain to a foreigner what our Pastel de Choclo is about, and the elaboration and ingredient diversity of our traditional dishes found in the menu.

 

Ralated News in Chinese: El Pimentón：瓦尔帕莱索的最佳家味馆