Best Artisanal Finds in the Chilean Capital

Artesanías de Chile is a joint effort between the Chilean government and over 2,000 artisans from north to south to support their craft with three stores in Santiago now: Bellavista, Moneda Government Palace, and SCL Airport. The pieces are unique and made with first class quality ranging from hand-thrown clay pots (greda), ornaments made with “crin de caballo” (horse tail), Mapuche earrings and weavings, alpaca shawls, and wooden bowls among others. Every sale directly supports the artisans along with government initiatives to train them in their craft. Bellavista 357, Bellavista Phone: 56 (2) 2235 2014

Chilean wine is having a moment, with vintners discovering the myriad terroirs in the country spanning over 10 latitudes from the Pacific to the Andes--with over two dozen grape varietals. Many of the most avant-garde projects are small producers making garage or even underground wines alongside the reference wines. Enter Santiago Wine Club. The owners, two wine-loving friends (one French, one Chilean), teamed up to bring these inspiring wines to their loyal patrons in Barrio Lastarria. Arranged by valley, their are obscure, fun, serious wines for everyone. Owners are usually at the store and know their wines well. Perfect for any wine lover or drinker to take a bottle home--or drink while in town. Rosal 386, almost corner Victoria Subercaseux, Barrio Lastarria Phone: 56 (2) 2632 6596

This intimate project started by Juan Morales, the ex-chef of the Michelin-starred Arola in the Ritz Carlton Santiago, is all about the producer-to-table experience and understanding Chile’s varied culinary terroir from north to south (which spans over thirty latitudes!). The chef has personally created sustainable relationships with artisan fishing wharves and small agricultural producers throughout Chile to give birth to his simple yet refined interpretations of traditional Chilean cuisine. For example, the “vidriola”, a firm, white-fleshed fish from the far flung archipelago of Juan Fernandez, graces the menu paired sautéed fava beans and a delicate almond cream. We love the hand-pulled “pantrucas”, a homemade pasta eaten during the winter, with a truffled poached egg. Desserts take most Chileans back to the sweet, sugary treats of their childhood with favorites like “mil hojas” and Chilean papayas from Lipimávida. Av. Lo Barnechea 1223, Lo Barnechea. Dinner only. Monday to Friday 8pm-midnight. Tel.: 02/2216 6793 Photo credit: D.O. Restaurant