Washington DC- Colombian Food

bikesadhu says on Jan 27, 2008, 09:07:

there is very good colombian food in arlington,va.
monseratte on glebe road, just past route 50, colombian owned and operated.
the empenadas are out of this world!

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jenocampo says on Jan 27, 2008, 14:14:

I'm native here in Arlington, born and raised to Paisa parents. Monserrate is NOT good, maybe their empanadas are the only thing that is worth it. It's one of those places that is pseudo "Mexican-Colombia-El Salvadorian Cuisine" whatever the hell that is. I would recommend places in Silver Spring MD where there are more Colombians, like "Los Arrieros" good luck though, DC is not like Miami or NY where there is plenty to choose from.

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blainechus says on Jan 27, 2008, 16:00:

mmm thanks for the tips....some colombianos could make a decent chunk of change if they decided to open up a decent restaurant in the metro area! I am curious where the hell the embassy people eat? Probably have an in house chef...

Guess its off to NY for a weekend...

Blaine

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doktordemente says on Jan 27, 2008, 17:31:

If by decent you mean edible, then Monserrate is ok. However, part of the dining experience is absolutely missing there. Thye owners and staff are unfriendly, sour, and it takes them much too long to take care of your order, let alone bring it to the table. "Los Arrieros" (on Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring) is much better and they have a store that sells Colombian products, inclluding fresh ingredients for real Colombian food. Have fun!

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Monpirri says on Jan 27, 2008, 18:07:

Blainechus, I know exactly what are you saying and I'm with you.
US Congress needs to expedite work visas for Colombian chefs who love to cook Colombian food because we do not have enough restaurants in the Washington area.
I volunteer to go down to Colombia scout out the finest cooks from Colombia jajajaja

"mmm thanks for the tips....some colombianos could make a decent chunk of change if they decided to open up a decent restaurant in the metro area! I am curious where the hell the embassy people eat? Probably have an in house chef...

Guess its off to NY for a weekend..."

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Monpirri says on Jan 27, 2008, 18:11:

Aqui esta mi aviso de publicidad, "Se buscan cocineros colombianos con experiencia que le encante cocinar a lo colombiano en los estados unidos, para mayor informacion contactar el congreso americano, atte: monpirri"

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jan 27, 2008, 19:59:

I'm sorry but as much as I love Colombia, what IS great Colombian food?

Every great restaurant I've been to in Colombia is doing some other kind of cuisine. Maybe Andres CDR is the epitome of great Colombian cuisine?

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Monpirri says on Jan 27, 2008, 20:34:

You must be another gringo, notice that I did not say an American because my American friends are well traveled and very knowledgeable about Colombia. ACDR is a commercial joint there is no typical colombian food there it's just a zoo, like studio 54 used to be, except that in the ACDR they give you some food.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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slguy says on Jan 27, 2008, 20:36:

As far as I'm concerned, there's nothing wrong with Colombian cuisine that a good splash of Texas Pete won't solve. ;)

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jan 27, 2008, 20:58:

Yeah, right, Monpirri. Several years of living in Colombia have really left me naive.

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Monpirri says on Jan 27, 2008, 21:01:

I met in Barranquilla an expatriate, a retired nco who was there to finish their paperwork for his marriage. His agenda was to meet his girl on daily basis and to go down to the kiosk for coffee and cigarettes near his hotel. His routine was the same every day, I met him and his girlfriend and we went out to places that foreigners don't visit because they have a very defined trained fast-food palate or because they do not know what to look for since they don't have the slightest idea what Colombian food is all about because they know Columbia, the chicks, the movies, corona beer, guerrillas, cartels and now Chavez.

We took him, my friend and I, to several places where now he and his girl visited on a frequent basis. They have now returned to New Mexico with a new pleasant experience with food from Colombia.

“Life is like a box of chocolates" once you know it.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jan 27, 2008, 21:04:

Believe me, friend, I've been to plenty of places that foreigners don't visit, and I don't eat fast food. And I've been all over the world.

I still don't think Colombia has a signature cuisine (Butifarras perhaps? Morcilla? Patacones?) that sets it apart in any real way.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jan 27, 2008, 21:04:

I'm sorry, I forgot, hormigas culonas, of course.

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Monpirri says on Jan 27, 2008, 21:08:

I do not think I'm your friend, thanks anyway. You experience with food in Colombia is proportional to your knowledge about Colombia, if you understand what do I mean.
Have nice taco or a juice wendy burger.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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slguy says on Jan 27, 2008, 21:09:

wow. who peed in your cornflakes, MP?

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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Monpirri says on Jan 27, 2008, 21:13:

I am sorry I just ate too much junk food and to top it off, a damn dog bit me on my leg

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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slguy says on Jan 27, 2008, 21:19:

That'd do it, I guess. I hope you shot that worthless mutt? ;)

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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Monpirri says on Jan 27, 2008, 21:27:

I wanted to do something do that dog several hours after the incident but I just let it go, instead I checked myself into a hospital for a second opinion, I wanted to hear a professional advice.
It's funny because it happened at my friend's ranch and they called the ranch, chihuahua but I was bit by a very large dog and a hairy one, I dunno what kind of breed.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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slguy says on Jan 27, 2008, 21:32:

sure it wasn't a chupacabra? ;)

seriously, though- don't docs usually wanna see a rabies test on the dog or something? Rabies shots for humans are, or at least were, a bitch. Maybe they stopped giving them in the abdomen, but for years, was a painful series of shots....

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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Monpirri says on Jan 27, 2008, 21:34:

Jajajjajaj, it could be, the SOB tought I was a butiffarra sandwiched between tons of cheese and .....

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Monpirri says on Jan 27, 2008, 21:45:

Maybe so, but I did not get to see the doc I just saw the nurse besides I told him I was ok that I just needed something to apply to the area as an extra protection and afterall my friend at the ranch told me that his dog had the shots, whatever that means.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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slguy says on Jan 27, 2008, 21:49:

ahhh- was your friend's dog. after all? I thought your friend's dog was a chihuahua - and a big bastard bit you. My mistake. But rabies gestation period is several days, I understand. Keep aware of your health...

I stand by my shoot-the-mutt statement, however. ;)

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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Monpirri says on Jan 27, 2008, 21:54:

I hear ya! I'm going to exit this post so the good guys continue to advertise their Colombian food. It's hard because the food is too diverse and varies from region to region besides it does not have the popularity or the organization that other countries have managed to create, launch and export.

Que viva la cocina colombiana!

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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ujay says on Jan 28, 2008, 00:03:

where can one get a decent Colombian plate in the nation's capital?...do they exist?

not even in colombia,its all shit.
colombia has not got one dish that would sell on a menu.
and before you all start shouting just think,its a fact,just where any place out side of colombia do you find a colombian eating house.theres your answer.

www.unionjackedfilms.com

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Robert Jorge says on Jan 28, 2008, 01:02:

There are probably 100 Colombian food "eating houses" in Florida alone. I ate at one in Orlando, and saw perhaps a dozen others.

ujay, I don't know what you consider really good food, but it must be out of this world, if you think Colombian food is shit. I found my paradise when I could get a 2 lb. steak that came from a steer butchered 12 hours previous, with potatoes and yucca for 9mil pesos. Sopa de mondongo, fabulous. Morcilla, slow roasted whole chicken, sopa de menudencias, fried whole fish served with avocado and rice, fruits beyond most people's imagination, ceviche, etc.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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Robert Jorge says on Jan 28, 2008, 01:05:

I forgot ajiaco.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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ujay says on Jan 28, 2008, 03:06:

robert,
you kidding or what,
you got more sence then that,steak is not a clobombian dish,and chicken all thou eaten a lot here is no where near as good as kfc,
and who out side of colombian would go out to a place to eat and order what you have in this photo,and yes in maimi which is the capital of latin amc,you will find it and cuban and mexican and the black bean,
but dont try and kid me that you would go out to eat with friends and give them soup,you would go capt'jacks or hooters or hard rock ,or many other fine places but you would not go get a soup.
and we are talking about colombian dishes ,tamal is next is it....great you can have mine.

www.unionjackedfilms.com

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Monpirri says on Jan 28, 2008, 03:24:

Ok, dude what is your favorite food? Although I ready know, it's the one that has cheese on everything, of course any rebel kid loves food with plenty of cheese on it but if you think that stuff is great food than you were raised with the wrong food.
Do a search on this site and learn a little bit more about Colombian food or travel on your own and became an expert.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jan 28, 2008, 08:40:

Monpirri, instead of foaming at the mouth, why don't you actually come up with an example of a signature Colombian dish or food. Just, off the top of my head, a few examples from around the world: Louisiana - Gumbo, Oaxaca - Mole, Switzerland - chocolate, France - champagne, Texas - chili, Peru - ceviche, Lebanon - shawarma

Colombia, in my experience, doesn't have one.

Note, while you're foaming at the mouth, that I've NEVER said there isn't plenty of good or even wonderful food in Colombia.

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Desideria (Moderator) says on Jan 28, 2008, 08:55:

Ternera a la llanera, ajiaco, bandeja paisa, sancocho de gallina valluno, sancocho de pescado con coco...all of those could be the national dish of Colombia with the right promotion. They sure beat the hamburger or haggis....

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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Robert Jorge says on Jan 28, 2008, 10:53:

Ujay, for four months, I ate soup at least once per day as a meal or part of a meal. If you don't believe me and think I ate at Hooters and Hard Rock Cafe, I would like to know how. There are no Hooters in Colombia and there isn't a Hard Rock in Villavicencio.

They carne I was talking about is well known as a Colombian dish - particularly in the Meta. I haven't seen too many quarters of fresh beef raised on grass, skewered and slow roasted over wood coals in Germany.

The reason there isn't a national dish for Colombia is the food variety is so diverse. Everytime I was in Bogota, we ate at the same little restaurant on Cra. Septima 2 blocks from the Tequendama area. We ate there perhaps 15 times total, and I made a point to order a different meal each time. I never ate a meal there that wasn't delicious.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jan 28, 2008, 11:25:

I love the grass-fed beef of Colombia, too, Robert. The whole "corn fed" thing in the US is just a big scam to sell bloated beef.

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ujay says on Jan 28, 2008, 18:55:

robert ,what i said was yes in colombian you may well do ,the food is ok ,....but if you are in the usa you would not go and eat soup,you would not go and try find a colombian place ,
tell me one colombian dish you could put on a usa menu and sell,and dont come back with soup....

www.unionjackedfilms.com

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Monpirri says on Jan 28, 2008, 19:57:

"robert ,what i said was yes in colombian you may well do ,the food is ok ,....but if you are in the usa you would not go and eat soup,you would not go and try find a colombian place ,
tell me one colombian dish you could put on a usa menu and sell,and dont come back with soup...."

I could think of a 100 Colombian dishes, for example, the dishes that my mom used to make, or any of recipes listed on "Recetas de la cocina Colombiana" or any of the dishes that Chef Kendon MacDonald has in his DVD, or any of the food that sells in some restaurants in Barranquilla, or any of the dishes listed on the menu in Club Colombia, or the place that Daniel el paisa said about Cartagena’s gastronomy, or just listen to what the Chef from Argentina says on Colombian food, just watch the video posted on the post “Sabor a Colombia"

Sopas? Try any of these places in Barranquilla.
http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/photos-from-my-recent-trip-to-sa...

Recetas de la cocina colombiana
http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/recetas-de-la-cocina-colombiana/

Gastronomist and critic Kendon MacDonald spearheads awaking and gusto
http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/gastronomist-and-critic-kendon-m...

Porque la comida de USA no tiene sabor??
http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/porque-la-comida-de-usa-no-tiene...

Club Colombia
http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/club-colombia1/

Sabor a Colombia
Monpirri says on Monday September 10th, 2007 6:38: edit Wait until the video loads and then click on the play button, you’ll need Quicktime to launch the video clip.Please listen to the chefs’ comments about Colombian gastronomy.http://www.colombiaprovoca.org/video/index.html
http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/sabor-a-colombia/

14 Colombian restaurants among the best…
http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/14-colombian-restaurants-among-t...

Next time you are in Colombia call me and I'll show you around maybe I learn something!!

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Robert Jorge says on Jan 28, 2008, 20:59:

Actually, a cafe serving a wide variety of soups, typical of Colombia, would probably do very well here in the US if they were in the right geographic area. I would love to be able to get a huge bowl of mondongo on my lunch break rather than a Big Mac value meal.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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slguy says on Jan 28, 2008, 23:10:

There is NOTHING wrong with any cuisine that this won't fix....

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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eywed says on Jan 28, 2008, 23:17:

RJ come to tampa , there are many Colombian rest serving great soups

Ay Hombe!!!!!

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Robert Jorge says on Jan 28, 2008, 23:23:

Will do. Tampa is on my itinerary. You have to be our tour guide though. I know my way around generally, but I don't know the real local places like you do.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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eywed says on Jan 28, 2008, 23:28:

You get here I will show you the sites . Great Little place. Just big enough to be exciting.

Ay Hombe!!!!!

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eywed says on Jan 28, 2008, 23:29:

RJ when you thinking about being in tampa?

Ay Hombe!!!!!

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Robert Jorge says on Jan 28, 2008, 23:40:

No plans, but I am getting the itch to take a week off. I could see us traveling this spring. We have to meet Jim (Kernow) in Orlando for a day or two. After that, we could come down Tampa way for a couple of days. Then, I am obligated to stop in Fort Misery(Myers) to say hello to a couple of friends and then go onto Miami for the same thing. I'll keep in touch. I am looking forward to authentic Colombian food.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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Robert Jorge says on Jan 28, 2008, 23:43:

And eywed: Consider coming up here to the panhandle in a few months. By April, the water is in the 80s and the beach here is about the only beach cleaner and nicer than your area. Goin_South is planning on making an appearance here in the spring after his future wife gets here. (All the rich coon-asses vacation here)

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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goin_south says on Jan 28, 2008, 23:44:

......,......, ...., ....., ...,.... ,....

I'D RATHER BE.........IN COLOMBIA :-)).... (No Quiero Conozco Gustav)...(TEMPORARY NAME CHANGE: RUNNIN_NORTH! JEJE!!!)

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goin_south says on Jan 28, 2008, 23:46:

gringo/colombiana (oh, well... and tg/hg/lila/cg..sauceyg.... who did I leave out?) bash in Destin this summer... deseo!

I'D RATHER BE.........IN COLOMBIA :-)).... (No Quiero Conozco Gustav)...(TEMPORARY NAME CHANGE: RUNNIN_NORTH! JEJE!!!)

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eywed says on Jan 29, 2008, 00:22:

Let me know RJ . around April 18th My Vallenato group will be playing a gig at a nice Colombian bar here. I am hoping to be able to play a song or two with them by then. We shall see. Thats going to be a great party

Ay Hombe!!!!!

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ujay says on Jan 29, 2008, 01:48:

fish and meat is not a colombian dish,so no matter where you eat it that is not colombian,
so what are we left with,
its like i say the only plate really that is known is bandeja paisa,and that you would not put on a menu in any decent place,
there are 60.000 colombians in london ,come sunday what do they eat ,
roast beef ..lamb yorkshirepud,
that speaks for its self.

www.unionjackedfilms.com

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Monpirri says on Jan 29, 2008, 06:48:

Ujay, if you speak Spanish you can pick up any of the dishes or recipes listed on "Recetas de la cocina colombiana" Or next time you stop by Colombia buy a book on Colombian cuisine!
Colombia does not one single dish or plate because every city in Colombia has its own dish, aside from bandeja paisa and ajiaco, there are several unique and delicious dishes, take for example, dishes from the norther part of Colombia, and I’m sorry I’m not going to post the specific answer because I want you to find it for yourself, either by traveling over there or by looking it up here on pbh.

But here’s a hint: http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/arepas1/

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Monpirri says on Jan 29, 2008, 06:52:

Slguy,
I bought my own Colombian aji picante. You can buy aji picante in any store in Barranquilla or in Colombia. I found a restaurant right across from vivero San Francisco that serves a real hot but real hot picante (sauce) so hot that I was so happy, if you know what I mean.
Customs at the airport checked both bottles; the commercial one, the little bottle, and the one that the owner or Manager of the restaurant made for me to bring back to the states.
I remember when the custom officer in Barranquilla was looking at the bottles. He asked me, do you like aji? Yes sir! I said.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Monpirri says on Jan 29, 2008, 06:55:

Warning: bottle on the left makes you MAD

I posted this before since we have new members almost every day. There is a company in the states and in Cartagena that sales aji online.
www.amazonpepper.com

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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slguy says on Jan 29, 2008, 09:54:

I was only trying to imply that given my tastes are for picante, a little sauce helps. ;)

My experience has been (and admittedly this experience is limited, compared to living in Colombia!) that colombians generally aren't big on spicy food. I know, I know- I'm likely full of crap. Just my personal experience.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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Monpirri says on Jan 29, 2008, 10:14:

It’s ok, I understand because most foreigners think like you do because they only know ColUmbia as is broadcasted by the media.
But now I know three Americans who enjoy the food as me, one is married to my niece in NJ, the second one is my friend who lives in California and he’s married to a girl from Cali and last but not the least, is the guy I recently met in Barranquilla, he loves aji picante!

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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slguy says on Jan 29, 2008, 10:17:

has nothing to do with the media. has to do with everyone I ate with in colombia shrieking in pain, when they only watched me using hot sauce. never mind trying it themselves.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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Monpirri says on Jan 29, 2008, 10:34:

Ok, I see what are you saying, you found a club, let's put it that way, or you found a group of Colombians who are "shrieking in pain" when they watch you use aji picante. That is true; there are many Colombians who rather die at the electric chair than to try a real hot sauce! Well, that happens in every other country, some like Aji Picante or hot sauce others not!

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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slguy says on Jan 29, 2008, 10:36:

absolutely. we're in agreement.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jan 29, 2008, 10:42:

I love aji.

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doktordemente says on Jan 29, 2008, 13:04:

People PLEASE stop this nonsense! The question was about a Colombian restaurant in Washington, DC, and did NOT ask about the virtues of Colombian cuisine. Stay on topic.

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slguy says on Jan 29, 2008, 13:11:

thanks for the moderation, newbie. we appreciate it.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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Monpirri says on Jan 29, 2008, 13:18:

Newbie, sometimes the subject get off track. Have you noticed that for a while we were talking about my injury leg on this post?
Welcome to the nonsense club

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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slguy says on Jan 29, 2008, 13:35:

I'm always amused when newbies come here expecting perfect "on topic" conversations. Anyone who spends even a LITTLE time exploring the board knows that this ain't the buttoned-up, always-on-topic kinda place. One of it's many charms, for me.

Especially hilarious are the newbies who bring their previous experience here, and then think trying to impose their standards is cool.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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Monpirri says on Jan 29, 2008, 13:51:

I always wonder when I supposed newbie comes strong with questions because usually newbies are shy to address a direct and provocative question.
My theory is that they are not newbies, they are old rebel members with a cause.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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slguy says on Jan 29, 2008, 14:05:

I tend to agree. but in this case? what oldtimer would say something like "stay on topic"?????? jajajajajjajajaj

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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bikesadhu says on Jan 30, 2008, 09:24:

back to the topic...my wife and i who is colombian have always had great food at monseratt...then again some people can have a horrible experience anywhere,i had a friend tell me the other day he could not get a decent meal while he was in paris(!?),but everywhere he goes he always has a "bad experience"...i dont know,man...i would definately not listen to the negative and check out the place...its not 5 star but the food is darn good,and the colombian owner has always treated us right,but to each his or her own.

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Monpirri says on Jan 30, 2008, 19:17:

If any of you can get a copy of Avianca Magazine, "Avianca en Revista," January 2008
The magazine has a good article about "Colombia Exquisita" The article starts with the gastronomy of the Atlantic Coast and continues to a dish from the Amazonas.
Check it out from page 194 to 212

Que sigan disfrutando la cocina colombiana!!

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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