For ethnic dining enthusiasts Jackson Heights Queens is "Nirvana," representing New York's most diverse gastronomic neighborhood. Indian, Bangladeshi, Himalayan, southeast Asian and virtually every country in in South America. Today, I am pleased to take you to my favorite Colombian restaurant, La Bonia Steak House (The Red Beret)  For eighteen years the Salazar family has been serving up mountain-sized portions of delicious Colombian food in a cozy setting.

Fried calamari is a dish that seems to be served everywhere, and it always is pretty good. But, here at La Bonia is is fantastically good. The key is in the spicy red sauce, a taste that like I have never experienced before. As much as I have tried to get the recipe it remains, "a family secret."

My favorite entree is the "Entrada" (Skirt Steak). It is grilled just the way I like with a tad of charcoal burn and juicy. It arrives sizzling in a black skillet and "smoking," which adds to the anticipation of the taste.  I especially like it smothered with the green chimichuri sauce.

Rice and beans, can any dish be more common?  However, at La Bonia, I have NEVER tasted such great tasting beans in my life anywhere! They are amazingly tasteful. 

This dish is my second favorite entree, "Cazuela De Mariscos" Creamy mixed seafood soup.

La Bonia Steak House is cozy place seating about forty. It is a favorite with large Colombian families and is spirited. The walls are adorned with wooden sculptured art of rural Colombia settings. The TV always seems to have soccer (football) on, however, the sound remains down with Latin music playing.

One of the major reasons why this is my favorite Colombian restaurant is because of the fun-loving wait staff. The woman on the left is Paula, she is one of my favorite servers in the city. 

Colombia (Spanish) lesson - "Hello" (Hola)   "Thank you"  (Gracias)  "Delicious" (Delicioso)

Interesting fact about Colombia - Colombia has the biggest salsa festival, biggest theater festival, and the biggest outdoor horse parade in the world.

Address - 8022 37th Avenue  Jackson Heights (Queens)   (718) 424 - 6711