When I was about ten years old, my parents brought my sister and me to a restaurant in Jackson Heights, Queens. It was called "La Boina Roja", which means the red cap. Now, this was not the first time they had been there, but it was the first time I was. I remember my dad saying that the food they served here was the closest to the real thing that he had ever tried in America. When my dad left Colombia in 1984, it was a one way trip. He was tired of the mess the country was in, but he is never going to be tired of its food.

As we opened the door, the heat of the well insulated restaurant surrounded us, saving us from the 20 degree temperature of winter. The smell of grilled meat and fried plantains was intoxicating. I looked around at the people inside as we were getting seated: there were families, couples, friends, as well as lone diners, sitting at the bar. I was really hungry and really excited. When I was little, I was really self-conscious about my Spanish speaking ability, so being able to order in Spanish in front of my parents was a huge confidence booster.

Anyway, I ordered what is now my favorite dish; grilled steak with a side of beans and rice. While we waited, we all got an appetizer dish of "tostones", or salted plantains that where mashed into a circle and fried. On top of the tostones, there was chicharron, fried pork rinds, carne molida, ground beef, with special sauce drizzled on top of it. Delicious.

The main course arrived, and in anticipation, I had barely touched the appetizer. My dad showed me the correct way to cut the sizzling steak, and I haven't forgotten to this day. When I was finished, I felt like I would never need to eat again. Colombian food is the most filling food I've ever eaten. While "La Boina Roja" is not in Manhattan, it is worth the 25 minute ride on the 7 train. I go with my friends and family whenever I'm home, and I would very much recommend it.