"The Curved Wall"

We have a wall in the space we call "The Curved Wall" behind which are the bathrooms. I have a feeling that it's something I'm going to be saying a lot: "Oh, the bathrooms are behind the curved wall."

It's a cool curved wall, by the way.

Coming Full Circle

It was great watching George help out a budding entrepreneur who is interested in opening up her own business by giving out the same advice and wisdom that was so generously given to us by other business owners when we were starting out.

It was deja vu all over again as flashbacks of Erika Westbrook of Jive Turkey, Aki from Coco Cafe, Eric from Nana and so many countless other business owners who shared with us so much information came rushing to my mind as I listened to George dispense his knowledge, support and encouragement.

Now we get to pass it along to others who are where we were. "Keep on going forward, Channa, no matter what!"

Sh*t Happens

In the course of the million and one things that it takes to open a restaurant, expect sh*t to happen. Sometimes you just have to laugh.

Bogota Bistro Makes Japanese Television

I have come to believe that magic happens at Bogota. It does. It has happened since day 1 when George and I decided to open a restaurant together in January of 2003 and I am convinced that it will continue to happen.

Yesterday, we had a meeting with Julienne from Brex America, a vendor of Brazilian products. It turned out that Julienna did the New York University "Semester at Sea" Program that George also did. An hour into the meeting, a Japanese television crew from Nippon TV came in to do a story on us for Japan's version of Good Morning America. It then came out that, as George had done a few years ago, Julienne also taught English in Japan for a year a while back too.

There was instant chemistry among everyone in the room and everyone had a lot of fun laughing and swapping stories of living in Japan. We were interviewed and managed to include Julienne in some of the footage being shot of us in the restaurant. I loved watching Julienne and the tv crew having so much fun in the restaurant with us. I really enjoy watching people having a great time here. It tells me that what I've set Bogota out to be, has become.

Everyone had so much fun, the Japanese tv crew and interviewer promised to come back once we opened. I'm telling you: Magic happens in this place. It wouldn't be the first time and I know it won't be the last.

Time Out New York July 2005

Time Out New York came by 3 days ago to photograph our food for an accompanying blurb appearing in the July 4th weekend issue. I took my own shot for the blog.

The Mural Behind the Bar

I love watching the reaction of people passing by when they pass by Bogota for the first time and catch a glimpse of what's happening inside. What I love even more is hearing the reactions of what they have to say when I step outside to say 'hello'. And what I love most, thus far, is the reaction of those I have brought inside to take a 'sneak preview' of the place.

Wow. Beautiful.

The words used most often by people looking into the window from the street are "Wow" and "Beautiful." Those are very cool words to hear. Over the past few days, the owners of D'Mai Spa, Blue Sky Bakery, Flirt Boutique, 200 5th Avenue, Nana Restaurant, Pollitos Restaurant and an Arts and Crafts shop have all stopped by to look at the competition (yes, that would be us).

15 1/2 Years

That's how long I've been at my day job sitting in an office, alone with a computer for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week with barely any human contact. Just me, a computer, a telephone and an occasional email request for intranet updates to the company's internal website. Last week I was diagnosed with nerve damage to my arms and hands as a result of such dedication.

Excuse me. Is that Bogota Latin Bistro I hear calling me?

Many entrepeneurs get their businesses started while working full time job. The issue of, "When am I ready to leave my full time job and begin this new venture in my life full speed ahead?" eventually arises.

It has for me.

NASA, We Have Liftoff

1. As of today, Monday, June 20th, 2005, aside from some finishes and minor things being corrected here and there, construction more or less is over.

2. Our last major hurdle, turning on the gas, has been resolved. In other words, we have gas and can start cooking!

3. Time Out New York is sending a photographer this Wednesday at 4:00 pm to take pictures of food.

4. New York Post Latin section is sending a photographer next week to photograph the backyard.

5. George and I are speaking before the graduating class of the Women's Center for Education and Career this coming Monday.

6. I took off all the newspaper covering the glass to reveal what's inside to passerbys. The reaction is stunning. I love it. People stop and stare in with an expression that says, "When did this happen?" and we still get people peering in wanting to know "When are you opening?"

All good stuff, huh? Little by little, it's all coming along.

New York Post Comes A'knocking

The New York Post came round today to see the space and to talk of mentioning us in their upcoming "Outdoor Bars" section focusing on our outdoor patio. They want us to hook up the backyard so they can photograph some folks chillin' and enjoying themselves back there. "Hooking up" the backyard means arranging the chairs and tables to look as its meant to look once we're open.

I told them I'd make it happen. Now, the only paper left to visit us is the New York Times. Anyone from the Times out there listening?

Overheard at Bogota Bistro

I introduced myself to Nathan and Imelda, two Park Slope residents who were peering in the window of the restaurant.
"When are you opening?" they asked.
"Well, we're waiting for our gas to be turned on. We're hoping in two weeks."
"From what we can see, the place looks great!"
"Thanks. Did you see the bar area too?"
"What bar area?"
"The bar is over here...what you're looking at is the dining room." I lead them to the store front on the other side of the tenants entrance which is actually the front door leading into the bar.
"Take a look. This is the main door. See the bar? That's Sara, our artist painting the mural. Isn't she great?"
"Oh my God. This place looks nice! The mural is beautiful!"
"Thanks! Want to take a peek at the place?"
"We'd love to!"

The entire time I'm walking them through the restaurant, they are just loving the layout and the color of the place. I show them the backyard also and they are thrilled.

"We've lived here for a while and we know when something opens up if its going to stay or not. You guys are definitely going to be here for a while!" Nathan told me.

TimeOut New York

Time Out New York stopped by yesterday for a pre-opening peek at Bogota, met with our artists who are jazzing up the place (Sara Odam and Ben Rojas) and spoke with us for what seemed like an hour about our endeavor. The writer, "JJ", was a very cool guy.