FoodyChile

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This weekend brings with it the 4th annual día de la cocina chilena. A sort of official day to mark Chile’s cuisine. So far its safe to say its not a massive, take the day off from work sort of occasion. But maybe in a couple years it will take on a larger arena and the whole country will get a day to go eat.

This year it’s more of an insider’s tip. To celebrate it I headed to INACAP, one of Chile’s prime culinary and trade schools. Organized by the Chef association Los Toques Blanches and attended by restaurnteers, chefs, food writers, a government minister and of course, foodyChile.

Apart from a panel discussion, some cooking demos and a couple speeches there was a nice selection of dishes from all over the coutry. A few of them we got to try, I had a nice stewy Conejo Picante, or in English, Spicy Rabbit. It was a warm, welcoming dish with just enough kick and I think its a great name.

It’s good to have a continued push to build and expand on Chile’s culinary identity. To challenge it as more people come here from around the world and bring their own traditions with them, and find a cuisine that draws from the past but doesn’t ignore a diverse present. Not saying that you should start dipping your empanada in ranch, but blending the new and the old is only going to be good for the food.

So how will you mark the day? What did you eat…or what will you eat this weekend? For me it’s going to be a pretty Chilean weekend when it comes to food. On Saturday I’ll be visiting the market with clients and come Sunday will pack up the car and the family and head to the Vendimia festival in Isla de Maipo. It’s gonna be a good one. Hope you enjoy yours.

-Colin