"Hey Big Spender!"

the minute you walked in the joint
i could see you were a man of distinction
a real big spender!
good looking, so refined
say, wouldn't you like to know what's going on in my mind?
now let me get right to the point!

For some reason which I am still trying to figure out, Colombians are my toughest customers, my worst critics, and the cheapest tippers. Even on extremely busy nights, when the restaurant is rocking and rolling, filled to capacity with customers who are obviously enjoying themselves eating, drinking, laughing, the will criticize the food, send things back, complain the loudest, yell across the floor, demand the most attention, leave a paltry tip (or, in some cases, zero tip) and tell us how crappy we are as they are exiting the restaurant. They compare us to the typical Colombian restaurants that dot Roosevelt Avenue in the Jackson Heights section of Queens expecting us to be like those restaurants.

Even when I, myself, work the floor greeting customers, and asking them how everything is, there are some who will just not crack a smile no matter what. They'll sit there stiffly and act hostile towards every gesture of goodwill I make.

I don't want to paint them all with the same brush, mind you. I happen to be Colombian too.

Last night we had a couple of customers who we showered with attention (in addition to offering them a couple of glasses of wine on the house). They enjoyed everything and informed us of their desire to have a party at the restaurant. I would like to believe that it was an oversight but they left without tipping the waiter.

Prior to the El Diario review of Bogota coming out, I had contemplated placing ads in the latin media to attract Colombians to the restaurant. I've since changed my mind. I'll just keep the focus on serving up great food by fantastic, attentive staff in a well decorated space and let word of mouth do the rest. Those who love us will tell their friends. I must point out here that we are NOT a Colombian restaurant. We are a pan-latin restaurant with an emphasis on Colombian dishes done just a little differently.

In closing, I'd like to offer this testimonial written to us by a customer:

"Hello, Farid Ali Lancheros,
This is Jose From: turismodecolombia.com

I was at your restaurant on Monday, let me tell you, the service we received was the best. I have never received service like that anywhere in New York. I called you on your cell phone today around noon to congratulate you in addition to wanting to share with you my experience at "Bogota Latin Bistro" but the answering machine pick up. I left you a message, but I was unsure if the message was clear enough.

Well this was our experience:

As we came in around 9:30 p.m. I was promptly and warmly greeted by George who was seated by the entrance door. George politely point out places for us to seat down, giving us our choice of seating and suggesting a romantic corner for my guest and myself. I have never, ever gone to a Colombian restaurant where we were so warmly greeted by a host/hostess. We chose to sit down by the white painted brick wall section. Jasmine our waitress was very nice and very sociable.

The menu was very complete, I chose to eat Tropical Salmon and the guest of mine, chose to eat "La Bandeja Paisa" both were delicious, very nice pictures representing Colombia. We were very happy and impressed with your restaurant. It is familiar, casual and romantic and the food was delicious.

I also reviewed the last E-mail you sent me, with pictures and the press release. I wish I was there too. I was wondering what will be the best time for you to answer a couple of questions about your restaurant, and also if I would be able to take a couple of nice pictures to include them in my project. I have open space this Friday 14, in the afternoon.

Thank you for your time
Jose Fernando Cardenas
turismodecolombia.com