{"id":99992561,"date":"2016-08-26T16:18:53","date_gmt":"2016-08-26T22:18:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/destinationwe.com\/?p=99992561"},"modified":"2016-08-26T16:18:53","modified_gmt":"2016-08-26T22:18:53","slug":"first-impressions-clios-food-craft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/destinationwe.com\/food\/first-impressions-clios-food-craft\/","title":{"rendered":"First Impressions: Clio’s Food Craft"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"First-Impressions<\/p>\n

They say, \u201cYou never get a second chance to make a great first impression.\u201d And, I completely agree.<\/p>\n

We arrived in Guatemala City at La Aurora International Airport and were greeted by Julio with Antigua Tours<\/a>. Having done minimal research on Guatemala\u00a0prior to our departure, I felt as if I was on the \u201cSurprise Me Tour.\u201d I was a bit out of my comfort zone. Since I am a planner by nature and occupation, I like to know what I am getting into. Alas, I\u2019m happy to report, our Guatemalan experience exceeded my expectations.<\/p>\n

Clio\u2019s Food Craft<\/h3>\n

The first stop on the itinerary was lunch at Clio\u2019s Food Craft<\/a>.\u00a0We were surprised and thankful to learn Clio\u2019s Food Craft was hosting a private, closed to the public, lunch for our Destination WE Team. The rosemary hedges that lined the entrance provided a fresh welcoming aroma. My attention was quickly captured by the over-sized tree that stretched above the restaurant creating a canopy of leaves and twinkle lights, providing the illusion of eating outdoors. I loved it!<\/p>\n

\"Clios

Clio\u2019s Food Craft was established by the Brother & Sister Chef Duo, Roberto and Olivia de la Fuente. Their farm to table cooking preference took us through a culinary journey, starting with fresh baked bread and homemade butter spreads.<\/p>\n

As for the Cocktails at Clio\u2019s, they\u2019re not your typical bar drink. Instead, they\u2019re prepared with fresh ingredients, garnished with herbs and salt rims infused with limon negro.<\/p>\n

\"Clios

Clio’s Chefs<\/h3>\n

Chef Roberto and Chef Olivia introduced our first dish consisting of a melody of locally grown saut\u00e9ed mushrooms, nuts and spices. As quickly as we cleared our plates, a perfectly cooked beef medallion dish was served, which we all enjoyed! The Chefs provided us with a fascinating walk through of the journey each ingredient took to arrive on our plate.<\/p>\n

Lunch could have ended there and we would have all been happy and satisfied. However, Clio\u2019s Food Craft was just getting started! Next, the largest Prawn I\u2019ve ever seen was prepared for and beautifully presented. Each and every one of Clio\u2019s dishes are edible art, full of flavor. Following the delicious prawn, we were served a tender cut of grass feed lamb, accented with a corn husk lit on fire. Believe it or not, this was my first time eating lamb. All I have to say is, \u201cWhy have I waited so long?\u201d<\/p>\n