Una Cena Especial – A Special Dinner

Last weekend, on a spur of the moment invitation from some colleagues at the US Embassy here in Santiago, Sarah and I went to a special dinner that featured the cultural sights, sounds and tastes of an area in Chile known as Chiloé. The purpose of the dinner was a fundraiser to help students from the towns in Chiloé who are in Santiago studying and attending local schools and universities.

Chiloé itself is the largest island in Chile, and is located in the northern part of Patagonia. The area has a rich fishing history with an established industry of fisherman, craftsman and farmers. The area is known for its wonderful seafood dishes, its warm wooly and handmade clothes and handicrafts and well as its friendly inhabitants. It is also an area rich in its own mythology, fueled in part by its interactions with sea going travelers and its attention to sea monsters, ghost ships and trolls within the art and stories of the region.

During the evening, we were treated to a wonderful dinner that consisted of different clams, mussels, sausage, pork, chicken and potato like cakes that were presented in a large, steaming bowl. The food was quite delicious, but at first glance, I did not have any idea what it was or exactly how to eat it. The food was accompanied by a local drink, which seemed part orange juice and warm red wine, which also was quite enjoyable and flavorful as well. We also were picked for a number of activities as we were placed in the front row, and Sarah and I had to join in and attempt to do one of the regional dances from Chiloé, which I am sure a shock to the rest of the diners - but hey, when in Chiloé.....

We made our way home thanks to the kindness of members of our group and reflected on the great evening we had experienced in sight, sounds and tastes, and savored the memories as well of our special dinner, una cena especial, in the heart of Santiago with the flavor and influence of Chiloé.