A Read & A Recipe from Abaco Libros y Cafe
Bury your nose in any one of these hand-picked page-turners for a literary journey to Cartagena’s pirate-plagued past and whimsical modern day. Then pair your read with a few items straight off their cafe menu.
Abaco Libros y Cafe is a staple on every traveler’s must-visit list in Cartagena, if not for its dreamy interiors of floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and cozy coffee shop vibes, then for the chance to support a good ol’ fashioned independent bookstore. The shop has lived its own storied life, opened 18 years ago by Cartagena local Maria Elsa. It’s become one of the principal cultural spaces in Cartagena and the go-to spot for travelers and locals alike on the hunt for their next beach read or good cup of Colombian coffee. On March 13th, they closed their doors as the citywide lockdown descended on Cartagena. Fortunately for you, you can get a taste of the magic that goes into this Cartagena gem right here on this page.
Step 1: Pick a Book
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s masterpiece tells the story of the rise and fall, birth and death of the mythical town of Macondo through the history of the Buendía family. Reading this book before walking around Cartagena is like experiencing the magical realism in your own skin.
If you’re in Colombia, buy it direct from Abaco online here. If not, buy it from a local bookstore near you. Still can’t find it? There’s always Amazon.
Of Love and Other Demons by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
This book was written by Gabo after he witnessed the excavation of the tombs located in the Santa Clara Convent. During the excavation, they found the body of a girl with long red hair, a description that matched up with the legend Gabo had heard as a kid about a 12 year-old-girl that was believed to be a miracle-worker. While visiting Cartagena you can visit the tomb in the Hotel Santa Clara Bar and bring Sierva María’s story to life.
If you’re in Colombia, buy it direct from Abaco online here. If not, buy it from a local bookstore near you. Still can’t find it? There’s always Amazon.
The Color of Cartagena
In this compact book you’ll find amazing pictures of the colorful city of Cartagena. Its colonial architecture leaves most feeling like they’ve traveled back in time.
If you’re in Colombia, buy it direct from Abaco online here. If not, buy it from a local bookstore near you. Still can’t find it? There’s always Amazon.
Sir Francis Drake by John Sugden
Sir Francis Drake is a biography of the famous conqueror and his numerous expeditions in America, including the assault he launched on the city of Cartagena. While reading this book, you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for the walled city and its fortifications.
If you’re in Colombia, buy it direct from Abaco online here. If not, buy it from a local bookstore near you. Still can’t find it? There’s always Amazon.
Taste of Colombia
If you like Colombian food, or even just find yourself curious about it, this book contains a collection of some of the most representative recipes with amazing pictures and easy-to-follow instructions.
If you’re in Colombia, buy it direct from Abaco online here. If not, buy it from a local bookstore near you. There’s always Amazon.
Step 2: Pick the Perfect Pairing
Abaco’s Creamy Frappuccino Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup crushed ice
1 cup espresso or very strong coffee
3/4 cup milk of your choice
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon of powder milk (if desired- this makes the Frappuccino creamier)
Instructions
Blend together crushed ice, espresso, milk, sugar, and powder milk until well-blended. Pour into glass and enjoy.
Serve immediately.
Banana Cake off Abaco’s Pastry Shelf
Ingredients
3 large ripe bananas (about 1 and 1/2 cups mashed)
3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 and 1/2 cups (360ml), plain yogurt, at room temperature
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13 inch (20x30 cm) pan.
Mash the bananas. Set aside.
Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together. Set aside.
Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed until smooth and creamy – about 2 minutes.
Add both sugars and beat on high speed for 2 minutes until creamed together and has a whitish color. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
In a bowl, whisk the eggs and the vanilla. Add this mixture to the mixer. Beat on medium-high speed until combined, then beat in the mashed bananas. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed.
With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three additions alternating with the plain yogurt and mixing each addition just until incorporated. Do not overmix. The batter will be slightly thick and a with some lumps.
Spread batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes.
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you find the top of the cake is browning too quickly in the oven, loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
Remove the cake from the oven and set on a wire rack. Allow to cool completely.
If you have leftover cake you can cover it tightly and store in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
Step 3: Tie it All Together with Abaco’s Coffeehouse Playlist
To truly transport yourself, get this playlist going in the background. It’s the exact same one you’d find playing in Abaco Libros y Cafe.
How to Continue Supporting Abaco Libros y Cafe
1. Follow them on Instagram.
2. Rate and review them on TripAdvisor.
3. Purchase a gift card directly on their website.
On behalf of Abaco Libros y Cafe, thanks again for your support!
If you haven’t yet donated, tap the button below. Abaco will thank you for it!