I happened to mention to Migui, the other day, that I had a willy for some Colombian food, and she told me she had just the place, so we headed out to Jackson Heights, to Natives Restaurant. The meal that was to follow was nothing short of rapturous, delightfully seasoned, served piping hot, and attractively served.
We started out with some Colombian empanadas, which had a crust similiar to the catibias that I tasted in the DR this past summer, and then we had the Picada Paisa which brings carne frita, chorizo, chicharron, tostones, yuca, potato, arepita, celery, carrots, and blue cheese (whew!). This was enough for a party of six, and that is not an exaggeration.
I don’t know what they do to it, but the best chicharron I find seems to be in Colombian restaurants (look at the close up). Crispy, salty with just the right amount of fat (my guilty pleasure!), it’s almost too good to have more than twice a year!. We rounded out our order with a Bandeja Paisa (that came with chicharron, avocado, rice, beans sweet plantain, fried egg, and carne asada), the Roast Chicken with arepita (this was some of the best roast chicken I have had in Queens…well seasoned, juicy and delicious, it was worth the trek on the BQE!!), and the Lenos al Carbon (think really good BBQ!). The waiter brought over a side of Papas a la Crema, that inspired last month’s exclusive website recipe, and was the definition of comfort food! The waiter looked at Migui and I like we were bananas!
Bandeja Paisa and Carne Asada
Roast Chicken with Arepitas
Lenas al Carbon with hot sauce
Papas a la Crema
Needless to say, we passed on dessert, but stopped by to peek at the dessert case which held Tres Leches and layer cake, but with entrees that are sooo good, it was not an effort to skip the sweets!
Migui & Daisy with doggy-bags!
Natives Restaurant
8222 Northern Blvd.
Jackson Heights, NY
718 335 0780
Boriqua Blog 
Hola Daisy y Migui:
Glad you are back! Things were getting boring around here. I like the new portions. They will soon need bigger doggie bags. carino, soy yo, Anita CT
Gracias Anita! I’ve been having technical issues with my computer, but I’m back with a vengeance! oxoD
Hey Daisy!
Long time – we missed you!
I just had some of those empanadas the other day when a co-worker brought them in. I have to say that they were the BEST I’ve had in a long time (especially with the hot sauce). If the food is just as good, then I definitely have a great place for take-out when I’m at work (in Woodside).
So, any plans on coming back to El Bronx for a visit? Remember, we’re rabid for you up here 😉
Luv you – keep those posts coming!
Mike
BTW – if that computer of yours acts up again, llamamé – I do Windows!
Hola Mike,
I’m thrilled you had a chance to sample the empanadas, and trust me when I tell you that the rest of the food holds up his own. I don’t have any events scheduled in the Bronx just yet, but as soon as I get an invite I’ll send up a smoke signal 😉