I've been to Medellin a couple times over the years, Medellin boasts the most beautiful women in Colombia, was there last year and was surprised to see the backpakers moved into Lleras park, now with lots of hostels and shit pizza/taco places , however seems they're to busy boasting on facebook to leave the safe area as you don't see them anywhere else like downtown at the Botero plaza, avoid North of that area especially by the river where there's a lot of crushing poverty, believe me I almost found out the hard way walking to far down the road.
I like Envigato and Sabeneta, couple little towns South of Medellin, little more laid back. Agree fully Colombian food is the worst, however there's something charming about kicking back in Sabeneta sweating balls in the heat, drinking your warm beer with ice, with all the Chorizo and blood sausages hanging off the rafters, makes you glad they cooked the fuck out of the food, and all the salt makes that warm beer go down better
Watch out for those Gringo Hunters