LA FONDA COLOMBIANA Authentic Colombian Cuisine in Orange

Authentic Colombian Cuisine in Orange

WRITTEN BY: SHAILEEN KELLY LANDSBERG

Savory appetizers, hearty meals, and delicious sides, as well as a fully stocked bar are the specialty of La Fonda Colombiana, a newer restaurant specializing in Colombian cuisine here in Orange. Conveniently located at 200 Boston Post Road, its customers enjoy the ambiance and food.

Opened in July of 2021 by owner Oscar Palencia, La Fonda Colombiana brings authentic Colombian food to the Town of Orange. Palencia, who was born in El Salvador, came to the United States when he was 18 years old, looking for the American Dream. Restaurant manager Alejandra Gutierrez shared that Palencia “brought with him a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit and has success in different businesses in this wonderful land of opportunity.”

FLAVORS OF MANY REGIONS

The inspiration behind La Fonda Colombiana was to bring the cuisine of the Colombian coffee region, as well as a blend of flavors from the Colombian Caribbean and its surroundings to the tables of its customers. Palencia chose the Town of Orange for the restaurant since it is a beautiful area, and he loves the location on the historic Boston Post Road.

Photo: Paula Severino Photo: Paula Severino

The main dining area, complete with booths and tables, surrounded by walls adorned with murals of Colombia. High top seating is available in the bar area.

La Fonda Colombiana’s Executive Chef Asdrubal, who was previously a chef at Bistro, Cilantro in Stamford, as well as Stamford Yacht Club, has extensive experience preparing the meals of his homeland of Colombia. His specialty is fusing flavors of different regions into mouth-watering dishes to delight his customers.

POPULAR DISHES

The Colombian coffee region, according to National Geographic magazine, is comprised of “seventeen towns in and around the departments of Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío and Valle del Cauca.” Differing altitudes and fertile soil lend themselves to a variety of coffees and crops, and the region is known for thin arepas made with white corn, as well as a well-known dish, Bandeja Paisa, also served at La Fonda Colombiana. This dish, which the restaurant describes as “Colombian sausage, fried pork belly, rice, pinto beans, sweet plantains, avocado, and grilled steak,” is considered by many to be the unofficial national dish of Colombia.

Photo: Paula Severino

Bartender and waiter, Irvin Rodriguez, preparing a Michelada, a popular drink with beer, tequila, hot sauce, Clamato, agave, and lime in a brown sugar rimmed glass.

Seafood is included in the array of dishes from the Colombian Caribbean region, and the area incorporates other coastal flavors such as coconut. Some specialties have a popular Karaoke night each Friday, and a dance party with a DJ each Saturday evening. They also have paint along events, theme days, and are planning a special day to offer discounts to local college students.

Mouth-watering dishes and fun entertainment are the main focus of the restaurant, but they also sell specialty coffee. It is “original Colombian coffee straight out of the Coffee Triangle,” according to marketing director Jose Atencia. He added “By buying our coffee it helps support single mothers who work on the coffee plantations.”

For authentic Colombian food in a comfortable welcoming atmosphere, La Fonda Colombiana is a perfect destination.

from this region use fish, shrimp and lobster, and La Fonda Colombiana offers dishes such as Moharra Frita (fried tilapia, rice, fried plantain, and salad), Salmon Asado (salmon salad, rice, and fried yuca), and a weekend special of Cazuela de Mariscos, (Colombian style seafood, jumbo shrimp, clams, calamari, fish, and cilantro).

Some of the delicious side dishes available at La Fonda Colombiana are rice, maduros (fried sweet plantain), tostones (fried green plantains), chicharron (fried pork belly), boiled potato and French fries. There is a selection of delicious appetizers such as beef and chicken empanadas, Chorizo Paisa (Colombian sausage with small corn cake), chicken wings, and Papa Criolla (small yellow potato with special sauce).

ENTERTAINMENT

La Fonda Colombiana also offers entertainment. There are two large screen televisions for those wanting to catch a game or a program, they Hours: Monday to Thursday 12 pm-9 pm, Friday and Saturday 12 pm-2 am, and Sunday 12 pm-9 pm. Call 203-2984150, lafondacolombianact.com, or on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 