If you've never been to La Fogata, as soon as you finish reading this review, drive over there and get some excellent Colombian food. I came here for lunch yesterday with a couple of colleagues. This wasn't my first time coming. I've been here multiple times. It is a right of passage to bring colleagues new and old here for lunch and it never fails to satisfy.
First of all, this restaurant is very clean and spacious. There is plenty of room and space available for groups. I've come with up to 15 people during lunch and had no problem getting seated right away. The staff is super friendly, making you feel very welcome as soon as you enter. You will be greeted not only by the friendly smiles of the staff but also the hypnotic sounds of tropical and salsa music, making this a very upbeat and vivacious environment! It is impossible to walk in here and not be in a great mood.
I rarely order the same dish twice when I return to a restaurant I have already visited but La Fogata is definitely an exception to that rule. I keep ordering the same dishes here. They are that good! First, you have to begin with the empanadas. You cannot go wrong with the Empanadas de Res (beef) or the Empanadas de Pollo (chicken). Since I am usually here with a group, I prefer to order both. The meat, potato and rice combined with the deep fried yellow corn shell warm my soul as soon as I take a bite. This has to be one of the best appetizers out there. Dip them in a little aji, which is a sauce made from a mix of tomatoes, peppers, onions and cilantro and you will want to eat more than one. Save room though because you will need it for the main course.
The star of the show and what keeps me coming back for more is the Bandeja Paisa. This is the perfect meal. The only way I can describe it is sheer and utter satisfaction! When the plate is placed in front of you, the dilemma that will face you is where to begin. The carne asada (grilled skirt steak), chicharron ( fried pork belly), chorizo (Colombian sausage), Huevo frito (fried egg), arroz (white rice), frijoles (red beans), plátano madero (fried sweet plantain), aguacate (avocado) and arepa (white corn patty) will sate any appetite. This meal is large enough to feed two people! Every time I eat this meal, I am set for the rest of the day. Trust me, if you order this, you will not regret it and you will walk out of there feeling like you made an excellent choice. I've tried other Colombian restaurants and I can honestly say, I haven't found one that makes Bandeja Paisa to match the quality of La Fogata! I haven't even found a close contender yet. Give a round of applause to the staff cooking this food! They are making something special here! read more