Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
January 2020 Colonia is a super cute town with a Portuguese vibe, and I highly recommend popping over from Buenos Aires for lunch – it’s only an hour on the ferry across the Rio de la Plata. With cobbled streets, trees bearing brightly coloured flowers, pastel painted buildings, and the air filled with birdsong, it’s a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires. Where to go and what to have? For a sophisticated lunch, head to Charco Bistro. On a cobbled lane, overlooking the river, the vine covered conservatory has an inside/ outside feel and serves modern interpretations of local staples. Go for the sweetbreads – every bite a complex melange. The rich meatiness of the sweetbreads themselves, caramelised to give a contrasting texture, the spicyness of the soft and sticky black pudding and a refreshing sliver of pear (I was disappointed to see such a thin slice, but the flavour did come through). There w...