Seriously...I almost fainted from excitement when I came across this little gem. Potatoes and…read morecheese are two of my favorite foods and here you can have both - mixed together! What's best? (or maybe not for the best?) Is they are located 2 blocks from my house. However, even if they weren't that close, they offer delivery so everyone in the centro can have a taste of the 'real papa'. Although, I recommend coming as I am of the opinion that it tastes better when ordered there. So, I realize I have been talking a lot about what they do but haven't really explained what The Real Papa is all about. The Real Papa is something I had no idea could even exist, it is essentially a gourmet baked potato bar! The process: similar to ordering a burrito at Chipotle, you have your base (a potato) and you can add an array of toppings (and they all include sour cream!) The toppings range from American cheese and caramelized onions to blood sausages and curry (separated out into 'basic' and 'premium' toppings) If baked potatoes aren't your thing, you can get a tortilla wrap filled with the same goodies or if you want to be on the safer side, you can get a soup or salad (but don't be fome and order something with potatoes!) Tip: Do try the basil and ginger lemonade! They cater and do events - this is the perfect type of snack for big celebrations such as company parties, concerts or even bar mitzvahs

My favorite hole in the wall restaurant in Chile. The first time I went to Serena I thought I was…read moregoing to faint when I saw the bathroom. Apart from the less than fancy atmosphere Serena is the best place to get traditional Chilean food, they even have Chicha! I love their Cazuela and Pollo Arvejado. Serena is always full (not surprising) as their food is to die for. They make everything fresh daily and have the most adorable little bar, some of the wine bottles are dusty but it all adds to the style of Serena. The owner is this sweet older Chilean man who sometimes serves you himself. Everything is really reasonably priced from the entrees to the bottles of wine. I always try to get in before 2pm otherwise sometimes they run out of the Cazuela for the day. Serena is located in Barrio Brazil and is a great place to grab lunch and then relax in the plaza on a lazy afternoon.

Very popular local empanada spot. Quite busy on a Wednesday for lunch. The empanadas are quite…read morelarge so 1 is likely enough. The Pino empanada is filled with beef, onion, olive, and egg. Very delicious for the first few bites but gets quite heavy. The cheese empanada has a puff pastry crust and is lighter. Drink options include sodas and juice. You'll definitely be brushing shoulders with locals but that's part of the charm of this local spot! Fair prices too.

Amazing empanadas in Santiago! They make them fresh all day long, you can see everyone working in…read morethe kitchen behind the glass. You buy your ticket at the first counter and pick up your empanadas at the next counter. They pack them to go but you can eat at the standing counters too.