By Carl Seidman
Puerto Natales in southern Chile is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, perhaps the most magnificent of all in Patagonia. Although Puerto Natales is nothing to write home about, this mid-sized port city is the surprising home to a number of excellent restaurants serving up concoctions of seafood fresh from the Atlantic Ocean. One such restaurant is Afrigonia, an intimate higher-end restaurant owned by a Zambian and Chilean couple serving up a beautiful display of African and Latin fusion. The menu is not extensive but offers curry, crab, lamb, prawns, beef, and salmon prepared in ways found nowhere else on the continent.
Of particular amazement is the ceviche, a traditional Peruvian dish consisting mainly of raw fish marinated in citrus juices and spices that can be found almost everywhere in South America. Restaurants have perfected this native dish, but this particular ceviche takes first prize. It is a mix of salmon, citrus, mango, red onion, and spices. The fish is sashimi grade and the fusion of sweet mango with sour lemon is a perfect marriage. If you find yourself in Puerto Natales either to take on the Torres del Paine circuit, W trek, or to cruise the Navimag ferry north to Puerto Montt, Afrigonia is a must as it is, in my opinion, the best ceviche in South America.
About the Writer:
Carl Seidman is a consultant by trade, but he is retired for now at the age of 32. You can keep up with his travels, projects, and ideas on his blog at TheFirstRetirement.com.
Feature photo by erin & camera
