On Franklin Avenue in Hartford, well known to Connecticut foodies, the geographic demarcation between Italian food and Latin American food is somewhat blurred. However, terrific examples of both Italian and Latin American food can be found.
Located just across the street from Mozzicato De Pasquale Italian Bakery (more commonly known as Mozzicato’s) is a new personal favorite, Parrilla y Sabores. This restaurant specializes in Colombian food, but also offers a few dishes from Brazil and Peru.
My companion and I began with housemade empanadas, color-coded so the kitchen could keep track of which are which. They were served with the great vinegary hot sauce for which Colombia is famous. Another dish we can recommend from our visit is the spectacular cazuela de mariscos, a steaming hot pot of shrimp, squid, octopus, clams and mussels in coconut milk and heavy cream, served with a side of French fries and a mold of rice. This dish was so good it blew us away.
But my go-to Colombian dish is always the bandeja montañera, which at Parrilla y Sabores includes a generous serving of steak, chicharrón (crisp pork belly), chorizo, fried plantain, a fried egg, avocado, an arepa, rice and beans for just $13. It’s for the man (or woman) who wants—everything. I’ve had this dish all over Connecticut, but so far only Saoco Cocina Latina in West Haven comes close to preparing it as well as Parrilla y Sabores.
We wound up our meal with a nice flan—and immediately began plotting our return.
THE VERDICT: Parrilla y Sabores in Hartford offers terrific Colombian fare in an easygoing setting for an incredibly reasonable price.
FEEDBACK: Tell us about your experiences at either Parrilla y Sabores.
CONTACT INFO: Parrilla y Sabores, 342 Franklin Avenue, Hartford; 860-296-7276