Set in a grand colonial home, the eatery's trademark dragonfly sign clings to a period-perfect exterior, alongside flowers that wind through decorative ironwork over tall windows. Entering, you encounter an open courtyard with a gurgling fountain. The outdoor dining space is Angeline’s hub, with wrought-iron seating under open skies. Greenery creates a sense of privacy at tables along covered corridors that face the central patio, where a musician softly plays during evening meals.
Two more-formal dining areas lie just off the garden courtyard. Connected by a doorway with a high, rounded arch, both have windows that look onto Antigua's buzzing street scene. One is a sleek space with red walls, racked wine bottles and hand-carved wood accents. The second is a breezier space with emerald hues and a retro upright piano at its center.
Back across the flower-filled courtyard, you'll find an inviting lounge. The space is intimate, yet bright and airy, with stool seating along a wide blonde-wood bar. Antique-style cabinets house wine and spirits, while metal sconces with signature dragonfly cutouts adorn the graciously aged walls.
The family-run restaurant lies under the helm of Alberto Blanco. The Guatemala-born restaurateur mastered culinary arts through 20 years of study in top-name restaurants across Europe and the United States. Karla, Alberto's sister, serves as Angeline's Front House Manager. Together, they greet guests -- inquiring about food restrictions, inclinations and dislikes to ensure delightful dining experiences.
With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, meals are prepared “a la minute,” without the use of pre-made soups, sauces or creams. Stocks are made from scratch, as is their pasta and bread. Proteins are purchased daily from a farmer's market, never resorting to freezing for freshness. An in-house garden provides many of their herbs and spices.
Table service can be something of a show. Multiple servers work in synchronization with a fair amount of flourish. The staff samples every dish that's served, as well as the in-house wine, ensuring that they can offer first-hand help in ordering. Having studied pairing principle and deductive method, Angeline's wine steward can give even greater insight into its vintages.
With one of the most-extensive wine menus in the city, choices from across the globe are separated into Old World and New World listings. The cocktail card includes drinks with vermouth that's crafted right on-site. There's also an international slate of beers, with an inclination toward Belgian brews and Central American offerings.
The á la carte menu changes, but a timeless appetizer that's a must-try is a specialty soup with black beans, avocado, cheese, spicy local sausage and tortillas. Another delectable way to begin a meal is with Dorado Carpaccio, accented by lemon, micro beets, cilantro seeds and tajín seasoning. To further whet your appetite before the entrée, there are starters like ravioli with beef tongue and shiitake mushrooms, as well as octopus accented by Moroccan flavors.
For the main course, they serve platters like lamb chops with vegetable purée, and daily-catch fish filets. Beef options include grass-fed tenderloin served with potato-and-chickpea purée. Angeline also offers a popular nine-course tasting menu.
For dessert, you can't go wrong with decadent chocolate soufflé and ice cream, or budín, a traditional treat that's a cross between bread pudding and custard.
© Copyright 2016 Vagabuzz.com - All Rights Reserved
