WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN BOGOTA?

Cerealkiller says on Sep 4, 2007, 13:31:

Oh MrGizmo that really sucks. why would anyone want to spoil the park with a stupid mall on a corner...Thats very sad, i can see the Parque 93 declining just like Calle 82 did right after Atlantis was built. I loved sipping cocktails at cabala's terrace...You have given me very sad news.
As for restaurants, I would say the G zone is the only place packed with a lot of variety and good quality stuff. Have you tried Armadillo? Its really good but definitely not as cosy as Cabala...

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

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capitan_centella says on Sep 4, 2007, 14:18:

tastes in restaurants. . . there are so many. If you wanna try one. . try ANDRES CARNE DE RES. It´s nice, and excelent food. It´s out of bogotá, in CHIA (40 minutes driving) and most of the waiters understand english.

"When you open your eyes, you turn around with the world, But it can change, if you only close it, and see a dream to yourself." Me.

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CristalM says on Sep 4, 2007, 14:21:

Granted it was one of the first restaurants I went to here and it is owned by my friend's brother-in-law, but I absolutely loved the cozy atmosphere and the food was fantastic and cheap.

Cafe Crepes Dg. 108 #9A - 11
Tel. 214 5312 or 236 2688

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capitan_centella says on Sep 4, 2007, 14:26:

Agree with cristal. . . excelent place.

"When you open your eyes, you turn around with the world, But it can change, if you only close it, and see a dream to yourself." Me.

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mrgizmo says on Sep 4, 2007, 14:29:

I understand Andres Carne De Res opened a branch in Miami and it's supposed to be identical to the one in Chia

Behind every successful man, there's a nagging woman

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webmanco says on Sep 4, 2007, 14:34:

Cafe Crepes Dg. 108 #9A - 11 and it is near the hotel Charles Place, a few of the guy migth be familiar with it.

The other restaurant focused on hikers and outdoor activities is around 82 street an 16 carrera.

...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ...

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mrgizmo says on Sep 4, 2007, 14:38:

I just heard from someone I chat with in Colombia that Andres Carnes de Res has a satanic decor, I've never heard that before...Anybody agrees?

Behind every successful man, there's a nagging woman

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billyb says on Sep 4, 2007, 14:46:

Offbeat maybe, but I wouldn't call it satanic.

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ColombianoGringo says on Sep 4, 2007, 14:55:

Murillo Parilla (will get back to you with the address) - excellent meat.

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mrgizmo says on Sep 4, 2007, 15:02:

billyb - thanks. I'm glad to hear that.

Behind every successful man, there's a nagging woman

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Mr. Hollywood says on Sep 4, 2007, 16:02:

Satanic decor if you're a beef steer.

I can't imagine someone ever successfully replicating AndresCDR in Miami. The Chia restaurant is such an organically evolved and one-of-a-kind institution that cloning it would just be a rotten thing to do.

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Lily03 says on Sep 4, 2007, 18:12:

Cafe Crepes its great! Isn't it behind Santa Ana...?
I believe I went there twice and loved it great atmosphere and walking distance from my home sweet home :)

I do not have a personal favorite yet..I have to check other places out. But I like Crepes and Waffles...super rico (not traditional-but good food)

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billyb says on Sep 4, 2007, 18:12:

I agree Mr. H.

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Pappassito says on Sep 4, 2007, 18:27:

Cabon de Palo hands down.... Great food,impeccable service... and cheaper then Andres..

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static says on Sep 4, 2007, 18:38:

>Cabon de Palo hands down.... Great food,impeccable service.

Please elaborate. I'm all ears.

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vicshere says on Sep 4, 2007, 18:55:

Karen's Pizza park 93

listo

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Leeroy says on Sep 4, 2007, 19:11:

Harry's bar in the Zona G.

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christobeldawg says on Sep 4, 2007, 19:15:

That Cafe Crepes place near Santa Ana has great atmosphere. Not sure about the food, menu seems a bit limited, plus because of that great candlelit atmosphere, I never could see the menu or the food, so I never was sure what I was eating.
There are some great hole in the wall places in La Candalaria but I don't remember the names of them. I think there, you just walk around and look for inviting places with loads of charm. Prices are good there as well. In North Bogota the prices are a bit, well, pricey.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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christobeldawg says on Sep 4, 2007, 20:56:

La Bruja in La Candalaria had a great atmosphere, good food, good prices

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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christobeldawg says on Sep 4, 2007, 20:57:

That is a traditional Colombian place, or seemed to be from what I know

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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mrgizmo says on Sep 4, 2007, 22:02:

Andres Carne de Res in Miami is owned by the same people who own the one in Chia, so it's actually a franchise, that's why the decor is said to be the same.

Behind every successful man, there's a nagging woman

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goin_south says on Sep 4, 2007, 22:48:

'Hands Down'?

Come on, then I don't think you've been UP TO.. ... Restaurante San Ysidro... at the Top of Monserrate! Es Magnifico! You can see Bogota as far as Bogota goes, from one of the tables in the part that is off to the side, with 'terrarium-like' windows, or... you can hide away in the more 'medieval-like interior', by the blazing fireplace, if it happens to be cool and rainy (when isn't it???)... great service, great ambiance, and very good food.

Where do we go from here?

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christobeldawg says on Sep 4, 2007, 23:12:

that one is magnifico but definitely a special occassion place, because of the meulah

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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goin_south says on Sep 4, 2007, 23:21:

Hey, isn't any and every night ... con su colombianita ... muy especiale???

Where do we go from here?

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goin_south says on Sep 4, 2007, 23:22:

your p.m.?

Where do we go from here?

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christobeldawg says on Sep 4, 2007, 23:37:

good point, I only say that because of the dollars involved. some of those other places I, and others, have mentioned, are great, and don't cost big tourist bucks as does Monseratte. I always think of that place as a potential place to become engaged, or a place in which to be married.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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goin_south says on Sep 4, 2007, 23:52:

hey, christo-
the manager back at the hotel said that the only thing better than what we did, was to be there after dark,,,,,under the stars!
we jus happened into the place, without knowing anything about it. WHAT A GREAT SURPRISE! even in the middle of a cold, rainy afternoon.

Where do we go from here?

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goin_south says on Sep 4, 2007, 23:53:

hey, christo-
the manager back at the hotel said that the only thing better than what we did, was to be there after dark,,,,,under the stars!
we jus happened into the place, without knowing anything about it. WHAT A GREAT SURPRISE! even in the middle of a cold, rainy afternoon.

Where do we go from here?

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goin_south says on Sep 5, 2007, 00:15:

Dont send him to Crepes Y Waffles; there was a line a half mile long.
I imagine it was good... if you want breakfast.
Not a bad idea, but I doubt they are 24/7.

Where do we go from here?

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goin_south says on Sep 5, 2007, 00:15:

/

Where do we go from here?

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christobeldawg says on Sep 5, 2007, 00:45:

cafe crepes, near Santa Ana mall, is not the same as Crepes and Waffles. completely different one of a kind place. tell em Lili

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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billyb says on Sep 5, 2007, 07:01:

I bet they have overpriced MEAT also :)

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billyb says on Sep 5, 2007, 07:11:

GIB, is the place in Chia you're talking about, the on that is kind of across the road from ACR?

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billyb says on Sep 5, 2007, 07:16:

Then again the food at ACR is not exactly chef driven if you know what I mean.

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droble77 says on Sep 5, 2007, 08:19:

From the pics I've seen, it looks like people go to ACR more for the fun atmosphere than the food. . .

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podborski says on Sep 5, 2007, 08:54:

Khatmandu in Usaquen is excellent, I've been many times, you can even get picante food there, but it is expensive.

I think Wok has great food at a reasonable price, obviously not exactly traditional Colombian .

1492 in Zona T is very good, especially the lomo, great patio, bit expensive but not outrageous.

The Pub and the BBC have great 'pub' food, burgers, fries, chicken fingers.

Cali Mio has good fast food rotisserie chicken.

Of course, el corral for burgers.

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Sep 5, 2007, 09:05:

My son was hooked in hamburgesas del corral, he said they are the best hamburgers in the world!!!!

he was there most of the time of course in hamburgesas del corral Villavicencio

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ColombianoGringo says on Sep 5, 2007, 09:10:

El Corral does make some awesome burgers, The only thing in the US that compares is Beck's Prime.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Sep 5, 2007, 09:16:

Nobody should drive to Andres Carne de Res for the meat. You can get plenty of great steaks in Bogota without the drive and the hassle. I'm fond of the lomo at 1492.

But everyone should go to Andres at least once in their lifetime for the party. Saturday night for young hot-looking Colombians. Sunday in the day is very cool for families.

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mrgizmo says on Sep 5, 2007, 09:19:

Here's a link to an article written by TIME Magazine about Andres Carne de Res
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1648610,00.html

Behind every successful man, there's a nagging woman

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gato-bandido says on Sep 5, 2007, 09:38:

I beg to differ on Khatmandu, the one time we went we were not impressed. Loud music makes a conversation next to impossible. Service was OK. Food was reasonably good. Overall the place is nothing to write home about, there are plenty of better restaurants in Bogotá.

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vicshere says on Sep 5, 2007, 09:45:

El Corral makes good hamburgers cause they have the added flavor of earthworms....just a booster kick of flavor over all the other burgers...well better than putting cocaine into he hamburgers

listo

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ColombianoGringo says on Sep 5, 2007, 10:04:

Mmmmm. Earthworms.

It's pretty obvious that I am totally slacking at work today since I would rather post a comment about earthworms than get any actual work done. It's just like that some days.

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Lily03 says on Sep 5, 2007, 16:56:

GS- i am not saying that Crepes & Waffles is the "best" eating place in Bogota..I just happen to like them. In the contrary to your thought, they do not only offer Breakfast... they have excellent Pitas, Crepes...con todo..
Ah..and my all time favorite...Waffle with nutella and a scoop of Vanilla ice cream ;-)

The Crepes place that Chris mentioned is different from Crepes & Waffles (franchise). Oh..I agree with you Chris..its sooo dark in there its always way to hard to see the menu, but the atmosphere was great, they had a guy playing the guitar and singing..nice.

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christobeldawg says on Sep 5, 2007, 17:03:

Don't know about the food but a great place for nightlife at Parque 93 is Havanas. They have a Cuban band playing, and people, after a few tequilas, start dancing around the tables in front of the band. They are like an old Cuban band out of the 1940's or 50's, and the place has the feel of preCastro Cuba.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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CristalM says on Sep 5, 2007, 17:14:

I was not able to walk too well last night so sent my kids out to get something for dinner (not too good on the phone with the domicilio thing yet!) Anyway, thry brought me back this steak dinner for 10500 that was incredible. Meat was tender and done medium like I like it, about 3/4 lb it seemed, fries and a little salad. It is a hole in the wall place that is pretty new down the street.....near autopista and 149 on 149. If anyone wants the exact directions, e-mail me. Next door is one of those icecream/fruteria places with incredible fresas con crema for 4000. Food was great but ambiance is non-existent.

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goin_south says on Sep 5, 2007, 23:29:

""Waffle with nutella and a scoop of Vanilla ice cream ;-)""

Hold on a moment Lily03; I'm goin_to-the-store to get some nutella! and HG vanilla!

I imagine the Crepes & Waffles is quite good. The one in Sante Fe mall in Bogota had a loooooooong line waiting to get in!

Where do we go from here?

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christobeldawg says on Sep 5, 2007, 23:32:

Gs, Crepes and Waffles, while in every mall there, is actually very good. I hit it regularly when in Bogota. Charlies Roast Beef, in all the food courts, is pretty good basic fare also. I tended to do better with the grilled chicken than with the beef in most places, if you know what I mean

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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goin_south says on Sep 5, 2007, 23:37:

Christobdg.... my honey dragged me into a place like that - Parque 93 is Havanas - in Zona Rosa.. very Cuban Band/Musica.... very dark.. only everyone drinking that damn Ron Caldas shit. Even me. Even me, baillar. Imagine that. Well, I was moving , anyway. ::)) That music, seems pretty popular in Colombia. I only wish they would rent a lil cubicle off to the side, por que... baillar en la cama..

I'm going to ask her what the name of the place was. No way I could remember after a bottle of that freakin Ron Caldas Motor Oil ;) Is that what Pablo Montoya uses in the Texaco Car???

Where do we go from here?

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goin_south says on Sep 5, 2007, 23:41:

Hey, but Christo- My novia I suppose is typical Colombiana, in that whenever, where ever we end up.... even in that cuban music place...the thing that made the Ron Caldas palatable was that she is always ordering one of those 'hot plates', with three types of meats, cooked, very chewy, tender... tasty,.. nothing real special, just real solid. Chicken, beef,.. maybe a lil sausage or pork.

Not the way I eat every day, but... who's gonna complain when all the rest of the environs y ambiance is so clear???

Where do we go from here?

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christobeldawg says on Sep 5, 2007, 23:45:

that was me GS, after a few tequila shots, and with a girl I had met less than 12 hours before, dancing like a bull in a china closet. She seemed pretty conservative earlier in the day, but then she started ordering all kinds of odd drinks, and started to get a bit out of hand. I have not seen the credit card statement for that night yet, but suffice it to say, I am going to be opening it, looking for the name Havanas. Overall, I don't like that area of town, way too overpriced and touristy. My dates, as in not my future wife, seem to love it.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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Robert Jorge says on Sep 5, 2007, 23:56:

Vicshere, how do they get earthworms in the meat at El Coral? Earthworms live ... in dirt. Do they have to be ground up with the meat? I haven't heard of that rumor (urban legend) since the Wendy's thing in the US back in 1981 or so.

GS, I think the meat variety plates your girl ordered are called picada. que rico

BEWARE of gold diggers.

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vicshere says on Sep 6, 2007, 06:37:

RJ just ask any Colombian about the rumor...I didn't make it up...I heard they were ground up in the meat...and I would think they would wash the little bugger first

listo

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Monpirri says on Sep 6, 2007, 06:46:

That's a gross rumor and more likely fabricated by the failing competition!
Thanks for sharing such a key info.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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billyb says on Sep 6, 2007, 06:49:

RJ, that rumor is very old. It started a long time ago whenCorral first started to take business away from the old Presto burger (now that was a horrible burger), I think the owners of Presto started it, jajaj. Have not heard it in a long time though.

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vicshere says on Sep 6, 2007, 06:53:

hey monpirri ...if they are using earthworms it would be a lot better than what some other places are using to lower their meat costs.....lets see I have heard of horse/donkey meat....but worst of all I know some places mix rancid meat into the mix.....remember in Colombia there are no real controls on health quality of you restaurant food...that's why I eat in my house 99% of the time...the only thing I actually eat out is pizza and only 2 places that I will go to

listo

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billyb says on Sep 6, 2007, 07:01:

Or a little rat meat for that matter :)

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Mr. Hollywood says on Sep 6, 2007, 12:13:

Ah, Chiguiro! Now there's a dish you don't see much around Parque 93.

I've never had rat (knowingly, at least), but somehow I don't think it would compare favorably.

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podborski says on Sep 6, 2007, 13:33:

I ate horse once time in germany when I was staying at a hostel type place. I only found out later what it was. Nothing remarkable. I think it's still common enough in europe to eat horse?

When I was a kid my friend shot a squirrel, and his dad said if you kill it you have to eat it, so we did. It was about 1 ounce of disgusting greasy meat, ugghh.

Also had bear one time, that was good, like roast beef, seemed to have a bit of a sweet taste.

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goin_south says on Sep 6, 2007, 16:18:

'Berry good', eh i-pod??

Where do we go from here?

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Robert Jorge says on Sep 6, 2007, 21:34:

I never had caribou or elk. But I imagine it is awesome.

BEWARE of gold diggers.

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goin_south says on Sep 7, 2007, 02:17:

Colombian Caribou?
If you'll promise not to spit in the stew Rubito, then I'll try some.

Where do we go from here?

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billyb says on Sep 7, 2007, 08:29:

Rubi, so your next stop is cannibalism then :)

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goin_south says on Sep 7, 2007, 10:55:

es" Rubito de Putumayo", bb ;)

Where do we go from here?

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Mr. Hollywood says on Sep 7, 2007, 10:58:

Caribou isn't very high up the food chain. The darn things' primary prey is lichen.

I guess Rubito is looking for a dinner of Grizzly steaks, Anaconda nuggets andWhite Shark soup.

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kat1 (Moderator) says on Sep 7, 2007, 12:23:

narcobollo, specialist in tipycal food from the coast yummy yummy

I went to la fragata and I was not impressive :(((

my favourite restaurants in Bogota are Las acacias

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Lauthra says on Sep 7, 2007, 18:19:

We tend to go to the same places, Crepes & Waffles, Wok & Archies, we know what we like there. We have tried other new places and just keep coming back to them.

Nato (='.'=)

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la campiña says on Sep 7, 2007, 18:30:

how much money do want to spend north is better but expensive merry go round

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christobeldawg says on Sep 7, 2007, 18:54:

Crepes and Waffles is boring but I found myself eating there all the time. The food is really good there.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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la campiña says on Sep 7, 2007, 20:09:

same here in cali crepes is good but over priced leños y carbon es mejor

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gringoloid says on Sep 8, 2007, 09:17:

Rubito turned me on to some restaurants in Usaquen. Rubi, that restaurant next door to the one we went to was pretty cool; I believe it was the Indian one.

Who are the three blind men?

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billyb says on Sep 8, 2007, 19:44:

So when you see "carne de muchacho" on the menu, your eyes must light up.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Sep 8, 2007, 20:36:

The best of the Woks that I've been to is the one in la zona T.

Usaquen definately has some cool restaurants. Also, there are a ton of cool places in La Macarena.

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christobeldawg says on Sep 8, 2007, 20:40:

I ate at the Parque 93 and did not much like it, and it seemed a bit pricey. nice atmosphere out on the deck, with those outdoor heaters they have in all of those restaurants there. cause it is a bit nippy at night in Bogota

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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billyb says on Sep 8, 2007, 21:35:

Can you get good Thai in Bogota? I love Thai food.

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christobeldawg says on Sep 8, 2007, 21:38:

Rubito, with those big heaters, I am always too cold on my side facing the street and too hot on my side facing in. I feel bipolar.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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billyb says on Sep 8, 2007, 21:45:

You didn't stuuter, but you also didn't give a reveiw. Somebody invited me to a Thai place in Cali, but when they said that their favorite dish there was the teryaki bowl, i said no thanks. I mean teryaki at a Thai place?

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Cerealkiller says on Sep 9, 2007, 01:59:

Hahaha Billy. I have never seen a proper Thai or Indian restaurant in Bogota, I am sure there must be something now though. Apparently a lot of stuff hs changed over the past year...
In regards to the WOK, i think its okay but it isnt anywhere as good as Teriyaki.
La Macarena has some really nice places, I think its one of my favortite areas and then Usaquen is okay, I dont think Ive explored it fully...Somehow I manage to always go to Zhang, Tienda de Cafe or Archies...I love all three places.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

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podborski says on Sep 9, 2007, 07:16:

I still say the 'bamboo wok' dish at Wok, is one of the best meals you can get in zona t or parque 93 for the money.

They have some curries that are close to thai dishes too, but I haven't tried them all.

Their sushi was just ok.

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webmanco says on Sep 9, 2007, 07:18:

Kat1
I went to la Fragata and I was not impressive :(((


There are several Fragatas in Bogotá, the one on 100 street is "Giratoria" Another place for sea food is Pescaderia Jaramillo.

...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ...

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billyb says on Sep 10, 2007, 15:43:

So you weren't impressive? But how was the food ;)))

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eldorado says on Oct 14, 2007, 19:17:

What about a great lunch at a great place for 7000 pesos ....3.5 dollars.
I just love the place on calle 43 between 7-8 avenues.
Its called CASA TAMAYO tel 687-8304 calle 43 numero 7-38.
Great food, great service.....great design......what can I say...just classy place.
I like going to lunch there so much that I decided to let all know about them.
Hope you will enjoy too !
Call before you go....they maybe open only on weekdays

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