Calgary's diversity spans a broad spectrum, not least of all her colourful immigrant population. I was gratefully introduced to the little Columbian eatery called
Picaditas by a Columbian work colleague. Since then I have visited here numerous times to enjoy their fantastic, authentic Latin American food.
Perhaps located a little off your beaten path it's well-worth exploring and immersing yourself in this experience. Although rustic and perhaps lacking in seating capacity, eating here makes you feel you've been transported to a humble little cafe somewhere to a Spanish-speaking quarter in Latin America. The changing range of menu items scribbled on the chalkboard, the selection of foreign sodas in the fridge, and the basic "american burger" menu should not undermine the quality of food served from their postage stamp-sized kitchen. You would be at an advantage if you could converse in some basic Spanish in order to understand what the menu items consist of, however the owner is willingly able to interpret for you should the need arise.
Although my knowledge and understanding of the Latin American palate and cuisine may not qualify me to speak with any authority on the menu or food served at Picadita's, I cannot help but give a strong recommendation to anyone wanting to seek out some flavourful food and an enjoyable experience to visit here. Don't miss ordering a few freshly fried
empanadas as a starter. The
patacone is a deceptively filling meal of twice-fried plantain base topped with lettuce, corn, tomato and shredded chicken or sliced spicy chorizo. For those who want to gorge on some meat, try the
sancocho or the formidable
bandeja paisa, if they're available on the menu. Wash this all down with a choice of a refreshingly fruity Columbain soda from the fridge then leave for home - or return to the office! - feeling like you've just earned a siesta! You won't be sorry you went there. Oh, and take some company to enjoy the experience and even share the food with you!
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| Sancocho, for the meat-lover [DD] |
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| Empanadas as a starter are a "must" [DD[ |
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| Patacone with shredded chicken [DD] |
Overview information about
Picaditas Latin Foods:
- Contact:
- Location:
- 414 Manitou Rd SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4C4
- GPS: 51.011365, -114.076054
- Google Maps
- Access: Family-friendly; disabled access
- How to get there:
- LRT: no direct access
- Bus transit: eastbound Manhattan Road at Blackfoot Trail SE, Bus stop ID# 5997, Bus No. 30; visit Calgary Transit to plan your trip
- Cycle / walk: limited
- Car: free parking is available in front of the Restaurant
- Cost: no cover charge; tipping is advised; prices: $$$$$
- Hours of operation:
- Monday & Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday, Thursday: 11h00 - 14h00
- Friday: 11h00 - 16h00
- Saturday: 11h00 - 20h00
- Sunday: 12h00 - 18h00
- Recommended that you CALL before you visit to ensure they are, in fact open!
- Amenities: public washrooms for patron; outdoor seating in-season, no heating available; indoor seating available but limited; take-out orders are available
- Nearby attractions & activities:
Although my knowledge and understanding of the Latin American palate and cuisine may not qualify me to speak with any authority on the menu or food served at Picadita's, I cannot help but give a strong recommendation to anyone wanting to seek out some flavourful food and an enjoyable experience to visit here. Don't miss ordering a few freshly fried empanadas as a starter. The patacone is a deceptively filling meal of twice-fried plantain base topped with lettuce, corn, tomato and shredded chicken or sliced spicy chorizo. For those who want to gorge on some meat, try the sancocho or the formidable bandeja paisa, if they're available on the menu. Wash this all down with a choice of a refreshingly fruity Columbain soda from the fridge then leave for home - or return to the office! - feeling like you've just earned a siesta! You won't be sorry you went there. Oh, and take some company to enjoy the experience and even share the food with you!
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