Fonda Sabaneta

Of all the places in the series, this is the only one we did not find by searching. We were already going to Fonda Sabaneta before we had a channel. We love it, and that is exactly why it had to go in: if you are going to make an honest guide, you have to be able to judge the places you already want to go to.

It starts strong before you order anything. You sit down and they already bring you the chicken consommé with its lime. I am not a soup person, but I drink that broth to the bottom every time I go.

The menu is presented as a passport, destination Medellín, and it has everything: breakfasts, snacks, starters, soups, seafood, picadas, desserts and a kids' menu, which is appreciated.

To start we ordered the tostones, and pay attention here because these are not the tostones we Cubans are used to. They do not come flat: they come shaped like a cup, crunchy underneath, with the beef and the guacamole on top. The contrast is what makes them. Tostón, guacamole and beef cannot fail, and it does not fail.

For the main, bandeja paisa for both. For anyone not from around here: the bandeja paisa is everything in life that can make you fat, gathered on one plate. Beans, beef, chicharrón, chorizo, arepa, empanada, egg and sweet plantain. If cheat day has an official dish, this is it.

Now the honest part: neither of us finished it. And what was left on the plate was the same in both cases — the chorizo, the arepa, a little piece of chicharrón and the empanada, which does not convince us. It is not bad, but it is not what you will remember. Even so we ordered a caramel flan to share, because dessert is not up for negotiation.

Two practical things before you go. First: the room is small and the tables are very close together. We like that, it feels closer, but if you are looking for privacy this is not your place. Second: you cannot park out front. Leave the car a bit away and walk, which you will appreciate after the bandeja.

The scores speak for themselves. Atmosphere 8: it is very well themed, and if it does not reach a 10 it is only because of the size of the room. Service 9.5, and here we have to open a big parenthesis — from the moment you sit down they are feeding you, and Colombian warmth is the kind a Cuban understands and enjoys. Price 9.5: a $103.40 bill for two people including cocktails and beer, and $150.32 with service and tip. If you go on a weekday it comes out cheaper than on the weekend.

And the food, a 10. Our first 10 on food in the whole series.

Approved, and a proper food coma. And remember that the chubby ones are always right.