Looking for a light breakfast, we happened upon a delightful cafe not far from out hotel. The menu posted on the door features meusli, yoghurt, eggs, crepes, juice, and fruit. Any of those sounded absolutely ideal.

The woman who waited on us, Elke Wiese, is the owner and speaks excellent English with a slight accent that reveals her German origins. Loving Cartegena, she made the decision in 2008 to open a cafe where travelers can find the cuisine to which they are more accustomed. With a Caribbean touch.

Best of all, Elke is a reliable travel gossip and takes time to pass on travel tips that are, for the most part, based on personal experience, the best kind of gossip.

Breakfast Gato Negro, Cafe, Cartagena

But…back to the cafe. A breakfast of meusli, yoghurt, fruit salad, juice, and coffee with milk is an excellent way to start the morning, not too heavy in the 90-degree climate. The crepes I ordered the next day contained diced red and green peppers, onions, and a light cheese. And I could have had crepes with Nutella and banana, Nutella alone, or simply fruit.

For the heartier diner, the omelettes and other egg dishes are carefully prepared, delicious, and accompanied by toast, juice, and coffee or tea.

Gato Negro also serves a tempting lunch, currently a chicken salad complete with lettuce, sliced vegetables, and layers of chicken. Follow it up with their delicious chocolate cake, not too sweet and chock full of chocolate!

The juices or jugos, are excellent and made with fresh fruit and water, much better for the health than the sugary

version we find in the US. The pineapple is refreshing, as is the limonada. On a more exotic note, we enjoyed the jugo de zapote which tastes a bit like concentrated peach and does not seem to have an English name.

Gate Negro also offers vegetarian fare.

Located in the Getsemani region of Cartagena, the cafe is found at Calle de San Andres No. 30-38. They can be reached at 5-6640958 or emailed at gatonegrocartagena@yahoo.com.

Best of all, there really is a black cat. He has his own basket near the back of the cafe, but enjoys the top of the armoire.  His stretching antics make me forget that I am in the middle of a very large city.

Gato Negro, Cafe, Cartagena