Our most treasured project has been an organic garden in our patio, allowing us to cultivate vegetables in full view of the public, demonstrating that even in a city it is possible to do this.

The garden also offers an opportunity to reconnect with our environment in a form that differs from the way we use a public square or household garden.

The chickens that used to roam along the passageway when we filmed La Isla’s advertisement also provided a supply of light blue and brown eggs, which soon found their way to our lunchtime tables. Unfortunately, the birds had to be returned to the countryside, due to complaints from our neighbours about being woken well before the crack of dawn - by the crowing of a rather enthusiastic cock .
A small plot of medicinal herbs provides fresh mint for our ‘mojitos’, rue to keep away troubled spirits and lemon balm to ease troubled minds, along with other herbs.

In the evening, the bar lights up offering a wide variety of alcoholic drinks and fine Chilean wines.

From the kitchen issue forth steaming plates of stir fried vegetables, crepes, “ropa vieja” (‘old clothes or rags’, a Cuban shredded beef dish), sandwiches and shellfish, which can be collectively indulged in the patio, the dinning room or the cafeteria on the street-side of the establishment.

Different varieties of wines produced by local emerging wineries, have become a favourite choice for those who relish a good conversation, while sharing a board full of cheese or shellfish.

When we first entered our establishment, we never suspected that the small building on Irarrázaval street stretched so far back, terminating in a huge patio that contained a walnut tree, five palm trees and a native Chilean peumo.

Modernisation attempts by previous occupants had completely covered up adobe walls and old wooden beams. However, once the false ceilings and aluminium mouldings were removed, the identify of the original building was revealed, which made an impact on all of us. It was then that we promised to return the house its dignity, beginning with the construction of a side corridor. Ever since we have continued the restoration process.