My son, Jordan, and I went to this restaurant really only by chance. We found it in a local mall near where our convention was. It was a great experience. The meals we chose were attempts by us novices to taste some authentic Colombian dishes. I had the meal which is the namesake of the restaurant, called Bandeja Paisa. It was very good.
Bandeja Paisa had the following each cooked and placed on a wooden tray bedded with banana leaves
- Skirt steak, thin slices and tender
- Corn cake/biscuit
- Rice
- One over easy egg
- Pork belly sausage
- Cooked plantains
- Thick sliced pork back bacon
- Half sliced avacado
- Bowl of beans (soup)
I know this dish sounds like strange collection of breakfast / dinner foods, but it really was delightful. Everything was cooked hot but not overcooked. The sweet plantains made a nice contrast to the salty steak. The rice was perfectly done and salted.
Others had some talapia (dish) and a dish with a type of steak strips in a sautee of vegetables and some kind of french fries.
The staff was great, giving lots of tips and being kind with every request.
Desert was the coupe de grace-- a marvelous flan dish was a great combination of caramel and gelatin.
But, even after this great dinner, the absolute best, most amazing thing I had was the strawberries and creme desert. Homemade creme, fresh cut strawberries and served in large portions with a cinnamon stick. The creme was not too sweet to make you feel overloaded. It was perfect balance of sweet opulance. If you are in Orland, Florida and can make it to this side of town, you have to try the strawberries and creme.
You won't be disappointed. Try this place!
Mi Bandeja Paisa
Fine Colombian Cuisine
(407) 704-7888
12701 S John Young Pkwy
Orlando, FL 32837
Good eating!
Kim Gentes