Bogota Latin Bistro Celebrates Grand Opening
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and other local dignitaries marked the grand opening of Bogota Latin Bistro on September 29 in Park Slope, Brooklyn, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration of Latin American food, music, and culture.
Brooklyn, NY (PRWEB) October 18, 2005
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Councilmember Leticia James and other local dignitaries marked the grand opening of Bogota Latin Bistro on September 29 in Park Slope, Brooklyn, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration of Latin American food, music, and culture.
“We’ve dreamed of this restaurant for several years and are gratified for the support and encouragement we’ve received from Borough President Markowitz, the Brooklyn Business Library, Workshop in Business Opportunities (WIBO), and for the enthusiastic reception we’ve received from our customers since we opened in July,” said co-owner George Constantinou, who is half Costa Rican and was formerly general manager of Night of the Cookers in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.
Mr. Constantinou and co-owner Farid Ali were first introduced to Brooklyn nearly two years ago when their concept for a Latin-themed restaurant earned them the top prize in the first Brooklyn Public Library’s Business Library PowerUP! Your Business Starts Here Business Plan Competition. Six months later the entrepreneurs developed a following when they started a blog on their Web site www. BogotaBistro. com chronicling their progress as aspiring restaurateurs in the months leading up to the opening of the restaurant.
“We serve Latin food in a fun, friendly, stylish environment,” said Mr. Ali, who was born in Colombia and raised in Park Slope and Pennsylvania. “Our menu is made up of recipes inspired by our travels throughout Latin America, George’s mother’s favorite dishes, and cooking classes we’ve taken at the Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan.”
With the mood set by Latin American music that ranges from tropical to pop, Bogota Latin Bistro serves specialties from many Latin American countries including its top selling dish, Bogota’s Arroz con Pollo, based on a family recipe created by Mr. Constantinou’s mother; Bandeja Paisa; Colombian-style Chicken; Potato Empanadas; Xango, a deep-friend cheesecake taquito with vanilla ice cream; Coconut Mojitos; and Latin American beers and soft drinks.
The sleek interior of Bogota Latin Bistro was designed by architect Kate Webb and features seating for 70 in a 1,600 square foot space that is highlighted by “Libertad y Orden,” a brightly colored mural behind the bar, which was created by Brooklyn artist Sara Jean Odam. Seating for 30 is available in a 500 square foot patio that showcases “Musica, Movimiento Y Cultura,” a mural created by artists Ben Rojas, Miguel Perez, and Danny Pizaro that is a colorful celebration of the Latino culture.
The restaurant, located at 141 5th Avenue, between St. John’s and Lincoln Place, is one of the latest additions to Brooklyn’s Fifth Avenue, which has earned a reputation as one of New York City’s hippest restaurant rows.
Hours for Bogota Latin Bistro are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday: 5 p. m. to 11 p. m., and Friday and Saturday 5 p. m. to 1 a. m. Take out is available by calling 718-230-3805. The restaurant also frequently showcases the work of local artists. For more information or for a schedule of upcoming events, see www. BogotaBistro. com.
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