Unique Dining by Andres Carne de Res

I’ve been living in Bogota, Colombia for approximately 3 years now. It’s a great city. The people are kind and beautiful. It is surrounded by rolling dark green mountains. There’s always something going on. Oh, and its restaurants are abundant.

There are restaurants for every taste and every price range. For example, downtown in the emerald district there’s a little place that offers only one plate on its menu, but a full plate at that for the equivalent of $3, including a beverage. Teriyaki is my favorite place for sushi. Santa Costilla, in Usaquen, takes the prize for the “fall off the bone; make your mouth water” ribs. My preferred Italian cuisine is found at Luna or Café Amarti. These are just to mention a few.

Mojito

However, if you are looking for good food, unique great entertainment, and a one-of-a-kind change in atmosphere, Andres Carne de Res takes the prize. There are two great locations but if this’ll be your first and only time eating there, then I highly recommend the Chia location. Kids are most definitely welcome.

After entering Chia, taking a left and following the road, you begin to notice a drastic change of scenery. Just ahead of you two men control traffic forcing the driver to slow down and take notice of both sides of the street; adorned with large sculptures, signs, painted cows, and a line of people at the entrance.

Parking is on the left while the entrance to the circus of a restaurant is on the right. Upon arriving at the entrance and if your child is lucky enough to have accompanied you, an employee will secure a strap to each child’s wrist which matches the one the designated mother/father will wear. Security is their pride in that your child will not be able to exit the restaurant without a matching band check with the designated parent.

Pass through to the entrance way where you are greeted and seated by a waitress or waiter. The tables and chairs are wooden. As you are escorted to your table, you notice every inch of the wall and ceiling are covered with some sort of paraphernalia – a doll, a sign, a light, what some may call junk, what others would label art.

You arrive at your table adorned with chopped coconut, mango, orange, and/or uchuvas in hallowed out half shells. Your waiter/waitress hands you a narrow rectangular metal box with a winding handle on its side. Initially, you find yourself perplexed and inspecting this box before you realize it’s the menu. And before you are ready to order, you recognize it is a deliciously extensive menu at that.

Waiter with menu in hand

Everyone has discussed the menu, chosen, and ordered their drinks and appetizers for now. The children have begun to get restless so before you take them to the children’s acitivity area, please note the light with the name above your table beforehand. Your child will receive a heart with their name and table name to pin on their shirt.

As far as activities go, there will be no more whining or playing under the table. At this restaurant the children are hosted by employees as they wall climb, dance, build out of wood, face paint, watch a puppet show, make their own t-shirt, build a clay sculpture, and more. You can purchase per activity or pay one flat rate for it all. Be aware, they won’t want to go home.

Now that the kids are safely enjoying themselves, you find yourself smiling over the table’s conversation feeling relaxed with your surroundings. Yes, the kids have come a time or two for a sip of their drink, to eat their meal, and to show you their latest accomplishment. Careful, the paint is still wet. When from out of nowhere individuals dressed in costume and painted faces walk past your table, around the others, a horn blasts and festive music blares as one actor sings, another puts on a birthday sash and confetti flies over the birthday girl or boy.

Finished projects

There’s a theme, definitely a theme among these performers. Today, it may be famous religious figures, on another visit the theme will be famous writers, or famous historical figures, or a holiday. Whatever the theme, take out your camera; make room beside yourself on the bench for them. They are here to interact, react, and entertain you.

Whether you go for the food, go for the entertainment, go for the kids, or go for yourself, you’ll find that by the time you leave you’ll have gone for all those reasons. Go day or night. You will return for all those same reasons and more. It is more than a restaurant, more than an attraction, it is a ‘must’ when in Bogota simply because there’s nothing ‘less’ about Andres Carne de Res.