The career of chef Diego Lisoni (Santiago de Chile, 1981) went through various areas of gastronomy before embarking 11 years ago on El Taller (Av. Providencia 1467, Providencia), a project focused on artisanal ice cream with a deep emphasis on the flavors offered by the different regions of Chile. In this way, he passed through restaurants, the world of wine, hospitality, and even catering. However, after a family trip to Argentina, he was convinced that a difference could be made in ice cream production and embarked on that. And it hasn’t gone badly, because a few months ago he opened a new MUT location and they also continue supplying ice cream to different restaurants in the city. These days, Lisoni has just launched the new autumn menu of El Taller, with more than interesting flavors like the Rica Rica from Atacama, the Hazelnut from Linares, or the Calafate from Punta Arenas.
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Question. A restaurant you recommend for dinner?
Answer. I like Tiramisú (Isidora Goyenechea 3141, Las Condes) with its pisco sours and its bulletproof menu. Also, always with good energy. It could also be El Tigre (Alonso de Córdova 3788, Vitacura), because it has tasty food and offers a top experience. And although it opened recently, I would recommend The Loft on the fifth floor of MUT (Apoquindo 2739, Las Condes), which has an open kitchen until late.
Q. Where do you eat the best sandwich in Santiago?
A. I have two favorites: the chacarero from Lomit’s (Av. Providencia 1980, Providencia), with its juicy churrasco, fresh green beans, and bread toasted on the griddle. The other is the Barros Luco from Elkika Ilmenau (Diego de Velásquez 2109, Providencia), with perfect slices of lomito and plenty of melted cheese in a frica. What a pleasure! And a bonus track: the Italian lomito with green chili from Soler (Ruta 5 Sur, km. 189, Curicó), an unmissable ritual with my family during vacation time.
Q. A place that never fails when having breakfast or just a coffee?
A. It is always good to go to a bakery that has customer service. Along those lines, for an everyday breakfast I like to go to Lo Saldes (Las Tranqueras 990, Las Condes), always with fresh bread and friendly service. For a coffee break or to work, I like Café Bicka (Luis Pasteur 6156, Vitacura), which has several extraction methods and where I recommend the Belgian siphon experience.
Q. The ideal place for a romantic dinner?
A. I love going to Le Bistrot de Gaetan (Santa Magdalena 80, local 7, Providencia) for its delicious food and a top wine list, as well as impeccable service. Another great place is Latin at the Marriott Hotel (Av. Kennedy 5741, Las Condes), where the skill and spectacular technique of its chef Roberto Vallejos deserve applause.
Q. A place to take foreign friends to eat?
A. The Ocean Pacific’s Buque Insignia (Ricardo Cumming 277, Santiago), because they offer a great experience with their fresh seafood, wines from around the world, and the atmosphere of their restaurant-museum which is unique in Chile. I would also take them to Doña Tina (Camino Los Refugios del Arrayán 15125, Lo Barnechea), for its campy atmosphere, generous dishes, and the very Chilean seasoning of its plates.
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Q. Something you always have in your home refrigerator?
A. Sriracha, whole grain mustard, and green chili. And always ready a bottle of white wine or a good sparkling wine.
Q. Essentials in your home kitchen?
A. Rosemary and oregano from our garden, coriander seeds, avocados, garlic, and a quality olive oil.
Q. Where do you buy what you eat at home?
A. Generally at supermarkets. And when I can, I buy fruits and vegetables at the El Guanaco market in Recoleta. I also like to buy cheeses at Les Dix Vins (Vitacura 2935, Las Condes).
Q. Any guilty pleasure to confess?
A. The buckets of fried chicken with coleslaw from the chain Chicken Love You and the ciabatta from Jumbo supermarkets. Thank you for existing!