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I am not trying to slam Colombia. I love it there which is why I keep returning. But if anyone knows of a restaurant with great food AND great service, please let me know. Cali, Bogota, and BQ please.

Zack

Anyway, my "baby beef" was very good - service was slow but I think they were ironing out the kinks, it was crowded as it was the "new" place to be.  Beer choices sucked - not a good selection of national so I had to go with the likes of imported.  They had a sunken area where the bar was located and equipped with big screens for soccer.  Some single gals in that area - otherwise it was just a great place to chill with friends in the evening, chomp on a steak, down something cool and shoot the sh%t.  Obviously no A/C, so it's an evening joint.  I will return as it's a piece of work and basically my kind of joint.  I went midweek but it appeared they had a setup that could include music on the weekends.  Price was moderate to high by Cali standards, decent dress was in order.  I'll second those earlier Cali suggestions like Cali Viejo.  Cali's got alot of good restaraunts - my problem is escaping the maid's cooking when I'm there to get out and explore 'em.

I haven't noticed a service issue generally in Cali - but as another poster preaches - 'this 'aint Kansas anymore'

I liked it to and was impressed by the structure. It can be a hot spot on the weekend when many ppl go there to drink beers but during the week it is nice a quite. I think this sort of open air Parilla type joint could be real successful in the USA.

Another 5 star restaurant is the 'El Bunguer' at Calle 101 18-18.  No view like La Fragata, but very romantic, delicious food, great wine, and superb service. Same killer garlic shrimp and seafood.  Both these places are very nice and will impress any special lady.  You can't go wrong at either place, but I would rate the Bunguer a notch higher overall, but then again, it might have been the great dinner date I was with at the time.  Their wait staff exceeded most American fine dining places I have patronized.

The 'Cafe Jengibre' at Cra 11 107 42 (one block behind the LAI agency), not nearly as pretentious as the above restaurants and is only open for lunch.  Try the fresh salmon if available.  Nice french pressed coffee.  Great staff and very personable.  If you want to go somewhere for lunch after an agency interview this is ideal.  I prefer this establishment over the Crepes place.

The Galloping Gourmet.

Yes, Pablo is right, an absolutely perfect place for coffee/sitas and first date luches, I went there 4 or 5 times within a few days, each time with a different woman and the waiters never gave it away, I think they are very used to gringos coming in with Colombianas.

You are correct, besides the good service and great food, they know the word is mum when bringing another lady to their cafe.  LAI has spoken with them and they know where these gringos are coming from.  I won a prize for the best dressed costume at one of the parties that LAI was throwing once and much to my delight the gift was dinner for two at this restaurant.  I never got tired of that place.  It surprises me they are only open for lunch.

Pablo

That may be true, but the problem is, I almost always need to request it. They rarely come to my table on their own
and ask how everything is, give refills, etc.

Personally, I would rather have an "aspiring actor" who is on top of things than "my own personal servant" who serves
only when called upon.

Zack

I used to stop in at Karen's pizza on Sexta just about every night.  It didn't matter who the waitress was but they just weren't attentive.  They'd never offer to get me another drink after it was obvious the first glass was gone.  I'd have to ask, just as I'd have to ask for the check.  I went through the same routine for months, the waitresses who new me well by then, just never got it. They don't seem to anticipate needs well.

But to be fair, I've been to expensive restaurants in Cali where the waiters are definitely more attentive.

A restaurant is supposed to be a place where you can eat your food and then just sit there for hours and hours afterwards just talking, drinking cofee or whatever. They should NEVER bring you a check without you asking for it. It is not like the US where they want to shuttle you out the door so they can fill the table. I have had friends from South America come to the USA and think that the waiters are very rude because after they finish their food and the plates are cleared the waiter shows up with the check.

Zack

I understand what you're saying about the check however I still think the typical waitress is far less attentive than one here in the States.  They also have a tendency to leave you stranded at your table for long lengths of time. How can I ask for a new drink or a check for that matter when they just disappear or rarely look your way.

Steve

I'm bad with names but I think I've been to the restaurant you described.  It's more or less a buffet and they have an elegantly furnished upstairs.  The place I'm thinking of isn't on Avenida 6 but 6A.

Zack

Pete

I have never been to the restaurant at the Pacifico Royal Hotel nor have I been to "the greenhouse", but I have been to Cali Viejo and thus far, it gets my vote as a "good food, good service" restaurant.

Zack

Pete

Zack