Colombians and arroz blanco.

ColombianoGringo (Moderator) says on Nov 9, 2009, 08:31:

The thing about white rice is that it goes well with lots of different food. It's not like you just sit there and eat the rice by itself. You mix it with the meat, beans, lentils or whatever else you happen to be eating. It soaks up sauce and generally makes the meal complete.

I grew up with it all my life and my Colombian wife still makes it practically every day. The best part is the "pega". This is the part of the rice on the edges of the pot that gets toasted. A Colombian family will oftentimes fight over pega. Heck, a pot that makes good pega is a prized possession.

I guess the custom derives partially from the fact that rice is cheap and fills you up. I know a lot of people claim that it is not that good for you, but I have tons of very old relatives that have been eating it their entire lives and it didn't seem to do them any harm.

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis. - Zaphod Beeblebrox, Former President of the Galaxy and inventor of the Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster

0 funny, 1 helpful.

webmanco says on Nov 9, 2009, 08:31:

Colombians would be healthier rice-less. I do usually exchange ther rice for something else.

I can live without it. The saying is always, "papas, arroz y carne"

No hay extremo cierto o verdadero, porque los extremos opacan, enruedan, (lavan cerebros) verdades. Yotas

0 funny, 1 helpful.

Paisa/Calena/Luver says on Nov 9, 2009, 08:41:

Rice is the staple food besides potatoes in Colombia and South America, cheap, a starch and filling.. Do you ask the Asians why they eat so much rice as well?

"PAY ATTENTION! I wonder if that person knows that when we push the FUNNY button, its because we are reading something outrageous, trying to be cynical, derogatory, sarcastic and/or obnoxious!"

0 funny, 1 helpful.

ColombianoGringo (Moderator) says on Nov 9, 2009, 08:44:

I think it is a valid question about a cultural difference. I don't think the OP meant anything bad by it.

BTW Londoner, there is a big difference between good and bad rice.

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis. - Zaphod Beeblebrox, Former President of the Galaxy and inventor of the Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Londoner says on Nov 9, 2009, 08:46:

Never saw a plate of white rice that did,nt need a good dose of aji.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Paisa/Calena/Luver says on Nov 9, 2009, 08:49:

Sushi rice is fantastic by itself, with some Nori and a little soy sauce. So you CAN eat rice without AJI..

"PAY ATTENTION! I wonder if that person knows that when we push the FUNNY button, its because we are reading something outrageous, trying to be cynical, derogatory, sarcastic and/or obnoxious!"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo (Moderator) says on Nov 9, 2009, 08:52:

When it comes to the rice, it is more about the consistency and texture than the flavor. If the rice is too soggy or too dry, it isn't as good. Like I mentioned, most people usually mix the rice with whatever else is on the plate.

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis. - Zaphod Beeblebrox, Former President of the Galaxy and inventor of the Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Papi de Alejo says on Nov 9, 2009, 08:54:

In the West Indies, we also eat a lot of rice; but plain white although available is rare. Too many different kinds of peas, beans, breadfruit, salted codfish, etc to just make it plain.

But as stated above, its used mainly because it's filling. More rice; less of the more expensive meat, chicken or fish.

Live simply... Love generously... Care deeply... Speak kindly...

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Londoner says on Nov 9, 2009, 08:57:

Yes I agree,Colombian G.As for the comparison with Asia,I don,t think you can compare Colombian rice with the rich variety you find in India .

0 funny, 0 helpful.

tropicalshirt says on Nov 9, 2009, 09:10:

Have a sancocho de galinha: potatoes, sweet potatoes, yucca and plantain. No rice!

Then again, I have always had it served with a plate of... rice!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

johnny2009 says on Nov 9, 2009, 09:15:

Doña Chupacuca arroz parbolizado is the dog's bollocks so stop moaning. It is the world's bounciest rice. Love it!

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Londoner says on Nov 9, 2009, 09:21:

Well done Johnny,nothing like a spot of London humour on a cold ,dark November afternoon.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

roccatanski says on Nov 9, 2009, 09:23:

I never really got the whole plain white rice thing either,I asked for butter once for the rice and it was big production and finally they said they have no butter,a restaurant with no butter I thought that was strange.

"A man is defined by his actions, not his memory" ( Kuato-- total recall)

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Francijoe says on Nov 9, 2009, 09:28:

When I lived in the States with my colombian husband . I would fix rice ervry day just for him...My grandfather would see this everyday and say WHAT ARE WE CHINNESE...lol Here in Colombia my husband eats rice with almost every meal. My DR here in Colombia told me its bad to eat the same thing every day like rice. I get told that I need to cut back on sodes and junk food like buying arepas off the side of the rode. To eat more home cooked food. Then I see rice being pilled on to plates...thats funny to me because I dont eat rice every.. That is to much starch for one day for me.

Hey cant we all get along.....

0 funny, 0 helpful.

tropicalshirt says on Nov 9, 2009, 09:32:

By roccatanski on 2009-11-09 09:23:46:

"I never really got the whole plain white rice thing either,I asked for butter once for the rice and it was big production and finally they said they have no butter,a restaurant with no butter I thought that was strange."

Then you should of asked for butter for your potatoes. That would of worked ;-)

1 funny, 0 helpful.

Londoner says on Nov 9, 2009, 09:47:

If white rice is so healthy,how come most Colombians are fat?

1 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo (Moderator) says on Nov 9, 2009, 09:58:

"most Colombians are fat"

Really? Where?

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis. - Zaphod Beeblebrox, Former President of the Galaxy and inventor of the Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster

0 funny, 0 helpful.

webmanco says on Nov 9, 2009, 10:02:

Rice is not to healthy but much more than french fries, meat and hamburgers, and most colombians are not fat.

No hay extremo cierto o verdadero, porque los extremos opacan, enruedan, (lavan cerebros) verdades. Yotas

0 funny, 0 helpful.

johnny2009 says on Nov 9, 2009, 10:08:

Colombia has an import duty of 80% on rice with grains over 4mm so you cannot get basmati, kalijira, jasmine, black rice, red camargue Della or Wehani. It would cost a fortune. You can however get arborio and paella rice because for DIAN purposes it is short grain. You can also get extra long grain wild rice here because it is not actually rice and DIAN tax it as a variety of grass

0 funny, 0 helpful.

johnny2009 says on Nov 9, 2009, 10:13:

Incidentally if anyone in Bogotá fancies themselves some North American gourmet blend US brown rice with Canadian wild rice then come over here and I will give you a half a pound of it gratis. I have got tonnes of the feckin stuff

0 funny, 0 helpful.

viajero123 says on Nov 9, 2009, 10:20:

My mother loves using wild rice, but I believe the one she gets is American. I'll take your offer Johnny! Maybe after Chispas Bar some day? Although not this weekend.

Rice is taxed so heavily because we have very wealthy, powerful local producers, mainly in Tolima, Huila and Los Llanos. I believe only rice from other Andean countries can be imported duty free, but it is subject to yearly quotas.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

kenziejones says on Nov 9, 2009, 10:21:

First off, there is a vast difference between good rice and bad rice. Sure, it's a simple food prepared in a simple fashion, but it takes finesse to make proper rice! Thanks for the 'pega' insight CG, very nice!

Secondly, rice is not unhealthy. It's a type of carb, so yes it does fill you up, but the point is that it is not saturated in unfriendly fats and cholesterol. It's a food you eat in moderation, not as a full meal by itself.

Like many developing countries (key reference: Asia), rice is a staple food. It is easily cultivated, grown, harvested, stored, prepared, etc. thus making it the perfect and most likely piece to pair with any given plate of food. And as others have pointed out in this thread, it is like tofu or pasta -- it takes up the flavors of the foods/spices around it and thus develops into a kind of many-sided food in and of itself.

Arrozzzzzzz!

(now if I can only learn how to cook it properly myself...)

Tasting the world one hot pepper at a time!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Francijoe says on Nov 9, 2009, 10:33:

Well my docter here in Cali told me that eating rice EVERYDAY was not healthy but what does he know......I love rice but not everyday.....I guess its like us in the states, mash poatos can go with anything. Now I want some mash taters. I only like the rice from my house here in Colombia. Dont care for anyone eles.... Also I dont see fat Colombias but thats a big problem in the USA. ..

Hey cant we all get along.....

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo (Moderator) says on Nov 9, 2009, 10:43:

This thread is making me hungry. To make matters worse, my wife is taking an English class for these next two months so I don't get my home cooked lunch every day like I normally do.

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis. - Zaphod Beeblebrox, Former President of the Galaxy and inventor of the Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Monpirri says on Nov 9, 2009, 10:45:

I love rice. About two days ago I made a really good rice, just enough for two persons. You know one cup of rice and two cups of water, oil and salt. She loved it and now I have another date, thank you rice!

Londoner,
About this comment, "Never saw a plate of white rice that did,nt need a good dose of aji."
Here you will find more about aji:
Ají 101. Ají is pronounced AH-hee.
http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/aj-101-aj-is-pronounced-ah-hee/

Bon Appetit!

"Anyone who still thinks that Colombia is not a gastronomical paradise needs to have their head examined." Darloup

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Francijoe says on Nov 9, 2009, 10:53:

Just got back from eating beans, steak and RICE......lol and it was good.....I get told to eat more rice if I want a big butt. I dont think that will ever help me.......................

Hey cant we all get along.....

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Francijoe says on Nov 9, 2009, 10:55:

Oh yeah I dont use alot of salt, only on veggies. My mother never cooked with salt. She was the one that said salt it to your taste....I wish I could be that way with my hubby...lol

Hey cant we all get along.....

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Monpirri says on Nov 9, 2009, 10:57:

Bit butt recipe: yuca, platano, papa, ñame, arroz, mazamorra, arracacha,arepas....

"Anyone who still thinks that Colombia is not a gastronomical paradise needs to have their head examined." Darloup

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Monpirri says on Nov 9, 2009, 10:59:

Go for it big guy! Just don't forget to add the aji,lol

"Anyone who still thinks that Colombia is not a gastronomical paradise needs to have their head examined." Darloup

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Desi1 (Moderator) says on Nov 9, 2009, 11:01:

Salt is not added to rice in the States?
White rice is very low on natural sodium and if you don't add any salt it does not taste like anything.

A fronte praecipitium a tergo lupi

0 funny, 2 helpful.

ColombianoGringo (Moderator) says on Nov 9, 2009, 11:01:

"one cup of rice and two cups of water, oil and salt."

Dead on. That's how my mom taught me to make it. You just need a tiny pinch of salt. You need to oil to keep it from getting clumpy.

I boil the rice until there is almost no water left. Then you put it on low and cover the pot with a paper towel and put the lid on it. Then you let it cook on low until it is the right consistency. If you leave it just the right amount of time and you have a good pot, you get PEGA!

I know the paper towel bit sounds weird, but it does make a difference. Don't ask me why. That's my mom's technique.

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis. - Zaphod Beeblebrox, Former President of the Galaxy and inventor of the Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Francijoe says on Nov 9, 2009, 11:06:

I dont care for the cocanut rice. I ate some rice here at Comfandi with some butter. I felt like I was at home...Just thought about this one WE EAT ALOT OF GRITS IN THE SOUTH. I guess thats no different then rice,,,,,,,Who doesnt eat grits with fish....Ill never understand that one....lol

Hey cant we all get along.....

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo (Moderator) says on Nov 9, 2009, 11:09:

Hey Monpi,

A little OT, but have you had the patacones with chicharron at Marines Empanadas in Houston? Very good stuff. Much better than their so-so empanadas.

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis. - Zaphod Beeblebrox, Former President of the Galaxy and inventor of the Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Nov 9, 2009, 11:15:

damn colombians are just like Cajun folk.
they gotta have their "rice and gravy" (meat) every day/night.
I know, theflatline understands.

it's like pulling teeth, to get these people to eat healthy (healthier!)
_________

I've got little-to-no-love-lost for colombians with diet- and nutrition-based health problems,... what, with all the exotic and customary FRUITS they have available to partake of on a regular basis.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mononoke28 says on Nov 9, 2009, 11:17:

ColombianoGringo (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 9, 2009, 08:31 (today): flag

I guess the custom derives partially from the fact that rice is cheap and fills you up. I know a lot of people claim that it is not that good for you, but I have tons of very old relatives that have been eating it their entire lives and it didn't seem to do them any harm.
-------------------------------------
I think this is the major reason why most meals come with white rice. AND if you're paisa you get a white arepa on top of it. Talk about a double whammy. But yes, you don't eat the white rice all by itself, you mix it with the beans, or the soup, or even spaghetti. Spaghetti you say?! Oh yes, my friends... even with spaghetti.

Diana

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Nov 9, 2009, 11:20:

"White rice is very low on natural sodium and if you don't add any salt it does not taste like anything."

Desi, I thought you would be one to be a lil more creative than that.
ad a little oil, olive or otherwise,... through in a lil curry, and herbs de provence.
Voila!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

goin_south says on Nov 9, 2009, 11:23:

I really believe Rubito's "Paleolithic Diet" holds some valid points about NOT EATING GRAINS.... due to that they have a 'significant amount' of ENZYME INHIBITORS (that's not good!)

Lighten up, on the rice!
and, most especially on the white stuff.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

webmanco says on Nov 9, 2009, 11:24:

Rice and ají just does not go together.

Give me rice olive oil and garlic, same with pasta.

No hay extremo cierto o verdadero, porque los extremos opacan, enruedan, (lavan cerebros) verdades. Yotas

0 funny, 0 helpful.

theflatline says on Nov 9, 2009, 11:24:

Eating to much rice can cause severe problems, because it is not to chemically different from sugar. That is why when many asians and flilipinos hit the states, who are thin, get medical exams and they are all diabetics at an early age without having known it.

Fortunately, in Colombia, you have a pretty wide variety of diet, other than just rice.

Desi,(gregyohn must be speaking for his family, because most people add salt)

Some people add salt while cooking it in the states, others add a tablespoon of butter(which has salt) during the process. Many people choose to cook instant rice, which already has the salt added. Many people drop a bouillion cube as well.

However, in the states when you get rice, it is not on the side. There is usually gravy or a sauce on it, so even if you cooked without the salt, you would have no idea because the flavor would come from the gravy.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Paisa/Calena/Luver says on Nov 9, 2009, 11:25:

You can find very good arroz chino in Colombia.. Extra large portions as well.. can feed 4..

"PAY ATTENTION! I wonder if that person knows that when we push the FUNNY button, its because we are reading something outrageous, trying to be cynical, derogatory, sarcastic and/or obnoxious!"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

thepieman says on Nov 9, 2009, 11:29:

I have always loved rice and was happy to have it with most meals, although it was always served plain boiled at my novias its great at soaking up the juices.. Sometimes it was a carb overload though when it was served along with potato, arepas and platano

0 funny, 0 helpful.

kat1 (Moderator) says on Nov 9, 2009, 11:38:

My family have rice every day, they add salt and garlic.


Londoner you remind me my son, he was the same, he said " mum what is with our family in Colombia and their obsesion with white rice, I am getting bored of it!

♥

0 funny, 0 helpful.

kenziejones says on Nov 9, 2009, 11:45:

TFL, "Eating to much rice can cause severe problems, because it is not to chemically different from sugar."

How is rice chemically different from sugar?

Tasting the world one hot pepper at a time!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mononoke28 says on Nov 9, 2009, 11:49:

My grandma had white rice for lunch and dinner every day of her life until she passed away at the age of 95. My great-aunt is 89 and she's had the same diet. Same goes for the rest of my family. We don't eat it as much in the US because we grew up here so our diet is a bit different but I really don't have an issue with it at all. I even eat it all by itself with just ketchup and the pièce de résistance ... mayonnaise. :oD

Diana

0 funny, 0 helpful.

babygirl says on Nov 9, 2009, 12:15:

johnny2009 says on Nov 9, 2009, 10:13 (today): flag
Incidentally if anyone in Bogotá fancies themselves some North American gourmet blend US brown rice with Canadian wild rice then come over here and I will give you a half a pound of it gratis. I have got tonnes of the feckin stuff
****
I'll be right over, sounds great although I'd prefer Basmati.

Desi: Everyone I know (Canada) adds salt to their rice, pasta etc... and oil. I usually don't, but that's just my preference, but that's not the norm. I just use a bit of olive oil and whatever spices and veg to give it flavour. I try to eat brown rice as much as possible (as opposed to white), I believe it's a lot healthier and I like the nutty flavour.

I found the rice in Colombia different. I attempted to make rice there.. LOL what a mess!! I have a certain way to make it and it's always perfect (learned from an Arab). Well it didn't work with the rice I had. A little bit of crunchy, and little bit sticky all mixed together. I gave up and didn't make rice again until I got back to Canada.

Canadian Girls Kick Ass!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Lisa Zee says on Nov 9, 2009, 12:34:

Arroz negro! or brown rice in English. That is healthier. white rice has no vitamins or nutrients, it is washed out. So they say ;)

The truth will set you free.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

babygirl says on Nov 9, 2009, 12:42:

Learners: thank god it's not just me.
LZ: Ya all the nutrients get stripped away. Don't get me wrong I still love it and it's a cheap filling meal, but if you're healthy minded then why not? I think it tastes pretty good.

Canadian Girls Kick Ass!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

johnny2009 says on Nov 9, 2009, 13:12:

GregYohn says on Nov 9, 2009, 11:35 (today): flag

My wife lost about 3 kilos her final week of her pregnancy by avoiding added salt and sugar.

¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?

GY you plonker, that 3kg was her baby

3 funny, 0 helpful.

johnny2009 says on Nov 9, 2009, 13:13:

Lisa Zee says on Nov 9, 2009, 12:34 (today): flag

Arroz negro! or brown rice in English. That is healthier. white rice has no vitamins or nutrients, it is washed out. So they say ;)

¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?¿?

Arroz parbolizado, my favourite bouncy rice is parbolizado in its husk, during this process of parbolización, all the vitamins and minerals jump from the husk into the grain.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

babygirl says on Nov 9, 2009, 13:14:

Learners: HAHAHA me too! I was bragging how I made bad ass arroz con pollo, blah blah blah and I had invited people over for dinner. SO embarrassing.

Canadian Girls Kick Ass!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Londoner says on Nov 9, 2009, 13:26:

What a wealth of rice information we have on PBH.A couple of comments:I dose the white rice with aji because it,s generally to hand in most restaurants:Many of you have suggested imaginative recipes for rice,how come Colombians don,t use them?Lastly,in this land of delicious food,white rice tastes like cardboard to me.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

babygirl says on Nov 9, 2009, 13:54:

johnny: "GY you plonker, that 3kg was her baby
****
Plonker?? hahaha.

Ok serious question for Johnny, what the heck is bouncy rice?

Canadian Girls Kick Ass!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

babygirl says on Nov 9, 2009, 13:56:

Londoner says on Nov 9, 2009, 13:26 (today): flag
What a wealth of rice information we have on PBH.A couple of comments:I dose the white rice with aji because it,s generally to hand in most restaurants:Many of you have suggested imaginative recipes for rice,how come Colombians don,t use them?Lastly,in this land of delicious food,white rice tastes like cardboard to me.
****
Can't say why they don't spice it up a bit, guess it's just their thing BUT, throw some oil & vinegar if you're in a restaurant that has it on your rice, gives it a bit of zip, or I carry chili flakes in my purse when I travel or a little bottle of Frank's Red Hot. ;)

Canadian Girls Kick Ass!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Lisa Zee says on Nov 9, 2009, 14:00:

Arroz parbolizado? I have to go back soon and learn all this new names, Colombia is changing too fast for me.

The truth will set you free.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

johnny2009 says on Nov 9, 2009, 14:00:

Bouncy rice BG, rice that cooks al dente like pasta rather than being soggy or uncooked, rice that meanders gaily and has a spring in its step, rice that acts as a shock absorber for the teeth, rice that gives something back to the process of chewing, like a good quality mattress, rice that don't give up without a fight, rice that looks you square in the eye and tells you "I have been eaten by fatter bastards than you, may the best man win" rice with balls. Rice that is quite simply feckin bouncy.

2 funny, 0 helpful.

Lisa Zee says on Nov 9, 2009, 14:02:

jajajajajajaja johny!

The truth will set you free.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Lisa Zee says on Nov 9, 2009, 14:03:

When I go to Medellin you are welcome to come........ and cook! LOL ;)

The truth will set you free.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo (Moderator) says on Nov 9, 2009, 14:18:

That's some serious poetic waxing over some rice there Johnny. That must be good stuff.

Colombian rice usually doesn't get too much more exciting than throwing some noodles in the mix. Some people will put in some slightly crispy, thin noodles. It add some texture to the rice and is pretty good.

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis. - Zaphod Beeblebrox, Former President of the Galaxy and inventor of the Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Paisa/Calena/Luver says on Nov 9, 2009, 14:22:

68 posts on Colombians and rice? Jeez pretty slow around here.. jajajajajja lol

"PAY ATTENTION! I wonder if that person knows that when we push the FUNNY button, its because we are reading something outrageous, trying to be cynical, derogatory, sarcastic and/or obnoxious!"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo (Moderator) says on Nov 9, 2009, 14:23:

Hey man. Rice is apparently some controversial stuff.

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis. - Zaphod Beeblebrox, Former President of the Galaxy and inventor of the Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster

0 funny, 0 helpful.

viajero123 says on Nov 9, 2009, 14:35:

Great post johnny! It makes it seem like you actually did find you vocation in this life in food.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

teeo9111 says on Nov 9, 2009, 15:03:

Last year I spent two months living at my novia's house in Manizales and they served white rice with every single,solitary meal for those two months. When I had to stay there again this past summer when my novia was waiting to give birth to my daughter I brought a bottle of hot sauce with me from the states,at first they thought I was crazy globbing it on my rice but once her mother and father tried it they put it on their rice every day. I love rice and I like my novia's mothers cooking it's just too damn plain for my taste buds.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Monpirri says on Nov 9, 2009, 15:46:

ColombianoGringo, that's the way my mom taught me too! The paper towel technique sounds interesing but is new to me, I'll try it sometime to see the difference. Overall, we have the very same basic procedure for cooking white rice.

No, I have not tried the patacones with chicharron yet at Marines Empanadas in Houston. I however must say that the empanadas that my mon used to make are super delicious!!
Just this past weekend I sent an email to my niece in Cali for the empanada recipe since they learned to make them the very same way mom used to make them. It's all about the guiso, the ingredients and the love.

Tell me where's the address of the place in Houston?

"Anyone who still thinks that Colombia is not a gastronomical paradise needs to have their head examined." Darloup

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Paisa/Calena/Luver says on Nov 9, 2009, 15:52:

Remember people Rice is NOT the main meal(unless you're in the joint) but something to soak up the guiso from your frijoles or pollo. So sure by itself might be a little plain but mixed together with all of the juices.. You cant beat it.

"PAY ATTENTION! I wonder if that person knows that when we push the FUNNY button, its because we are reading something outrageous, trying to be cynical, derogatory, sarcastic and/or obnoxious!"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo (Moderator) says on Nov 9, 2009, 15:55:

Monpirri,

It is at 3227 Hillcroft. The number is (713) 789-2950. They have one variety of Colombian empanadas(so-so) and a wide variety of Argentinian empanadas. They also have various Colombian plates. I like the mashed patacon and a side of chicharron. They also have some good breads, pastries and other sweets. I love Colombian style merengues and they have some good ones. They also have some good juices and the typical Colombian soft drinks.

For pan de yucas and other baked goods, I still prefer Pan Rico, but this place is good and more conveniently located.

I'm so hip, I have difficulty seeing over my pelvis. - Zaphod Beeblebrox, Former President of the Galaxy and inventor of the Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Monpirri says on Nov 9, 2009, 16:09:

Thanks I will stop by soon and try the mashed patacon and chicharron combo. Empanadas from Cali, Argentina and Chile are super good!! The pastries and breads I prefer to fly to Jersey to Panederia La Sultana on 907 Main Street, Paterson, NJ They have the perfect recipes for the pandebonos, pandeyucas, buñuelos, etc.

"Anyone who still thinks that Colombia is not a gastronomical paradise needs to have their head examined." Darloup

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Londoner says on Nov 9, 2009, 18:24:

I,ve a German friend with a restaurant in my barrio.Guy is a great cook.It,s his third or fourth restaurant venture in Colombia.He started off serving a variety of European dishes,but as his clientele is mainly Colombian,he ended up serving white rice every lunch time,just like everyone else.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

MitchAlvarez says on Nov 9, 2009, 23:57:

white rice is the best! con frijolitos, chorizito, patcones, tomatico, carne molida,.... uy ya me dio hambre brb

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Francijoe says on Nov 10, 2009, 11:51:

ok I had to come back and comment on this....Today hubby went to the DR. The Dr told him he was fat..He is 83 kilos..Whne he told me this I said its time to cut back on the strach. I looked it up and rice has 15% of Carbohydrate and to my surprise yacu has 17% of Carbohydrate. time for the low carb diet............

Hey cant we all get along.....

0 funny, 0 helpful.

coolcoil says on Nov 10, 2009, 15:35:

From a health point of view, one of the saving graces with the rice is the beans that almost always come along with it. The highly complex carbs and fiber keep the rice starch from rapidly converting to sugar as it goes through your digestive system, so it does not spike your blood sugar.

FWIW - I used to be 130 lb. heavier, and I can tell you that eating plain rice is not what got me there!

I do love the rice for soaking up all of the good juice on the plate and for mixing with the frijoles.

For me, the rice (and beans) on each plate can be lifesavers. My dear wife is a wonderful cook in almost all ways, but when she cooks beef, I start to wonder if I would be better off eating my belt!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Londoner says on Nov 10, 2009, 16:28:

theflatline makes an interesting comment about the possible link between white rice and diabetes.Curiously diabetes is quite common in Valle de Cauca,where I live.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

webmanco says on Nov 11, 2009, 19:48:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aVWYmTy7hU

No hay extremo cierto o verdadero, porque los extremos opacan, enruedan, (lavan cerebros) verdades. Yotas

0 funny, 0 helpful.