Orlando, FL. It was a sancocho kind of day. The gray skies, the bit of chill, and my tiredness made me stop here for a bowl of sancocho. Sancocho, with its rich stock; chunks of beef and chicken; hunks of yucca, potato and green plantain; a bit of mellow garlic; and a garnish of cilantro—-all comforted me like a mama’s hug. (Specifically this soup reminds me of Nildred, my Colombian coworker who’d buy sancocho when she felt under the weather and she’d eat it in the lunchroom.) This came with a plate of white rice, a cute little deep fried arepa, and a salad with homemade dressing redolent of olive oil and herbs. Everything was so good. There were no salt shakers on any table. To my surprise nothing needed salt. The flavors were excellent. I came around 5:00 pm on a Monday and dined inside. The music was fast-paced Latin music, not too loud, and images of Colombian beauties advertising Las Palmas flashed across the large screen tv on one wall. Young kids to grandparents, couples and singles all enjoyed their food in the smallish dining room that was about 50% full. My server was very sweet and checked in with me about four times. At the end of the meal I ordered a limonada coco, which was a slightly sweetened, tangy coconut cream drink. Around this time five servers came out to sing happy birthday to someone at the next table who was obviously a regular. If you’re missing Colombian home cooking you’ll find a nice welcome here. It’s right across from Gatorland, you can’t miss it.

Beautiful Colombian restaurant. Service &food 10/10