Queens TribuneJanuary 15, 2009 Discover Colombia Living in Queens, we hear all about the great ethnic restaurants that pepper our borough but many times, we can’t seem to find one when we’re looking. Enter La Pequeña Colombia. Located just off the No. 7 train in the Little Colombia section of Jackson Heights, this eatery has been a local favorite since it opened in 1984. Newly remodeled, the restaurant has a front set up diner-style with a bar and booths and a back section that is spacious and white-clothed chic. Regulars come for the plato montanero, a dish the menu translates as “a traditional mountain platter” consisting of ground beef, fried egg, fried pork, griddle cake, avocado and fried beans. With a description like that, is there any need to say that portions are generous? Suffice it to say, you’ll either leave with a doggy bag or a busting stomach. La Pequeña also grills an incredible entrana, or skirt steak. Served with a chimichurri sauce, this juicy steak is something that would make Peter Luger jealous. Other favorites, are the chorizo, a pork sausage seasoned with paprika and salt, arepas, an unleavened biscuit made from cornmeal and garra, and traditional pork rinds. Fish is also available fresh and La Pequeña prides itself in not using anything canned. All traditional dishes, or platos tipicos, come with a choice of sweet or fried plaintains, fried cassava, stewed potatoes, French fries or yuca sudada and are all less than $20. The sangria also is homemade and served by the pitcher or glass. La Pequeña is also one of the few places in the City where you can find an Aguila, a Colombian beer. But don’t leave before tasting one of Colombia’s finest exports: coffee. The coffee is made to order but I suggest having it with hot milk, the way the Colombians drink it. In short, go to La Pequeña and be transported to
Colombia. |