El Atico Market and Café

Carolina Leon’s El Atico is the latest star in the galaxy of Boca Raton’s fine Latin American restaurants. The flavors of Columbia and Venezuela are the main attraction of this charming restaurant which features classic dishes from both countries. Bandeja Paisa ($12.99) is the national dish of Columbia and is a formidable combo of meat, veggies, fried egg and corn bread. Venezuela’s national dish is Pabellon($10.99), a feast of meat, rice, beans and plantains. Both entrees are a phenomenal value.

Sancocho is another classic Columbian masterpiece, listed on the menu as Sanchoco de Gallina ($11.99), and sold only on Saturday. Another specialty, Mondongo ($10.99), is prepared only on Sunday. Both are served with salad. Call in advance to be assured of the availability of either of these favorites on the specified weekend days.

The one sheet, two sided menu has a remarkable range of signature delicacies that make each visit worthwhile.

Breakfast selections are available all day. The Desayuno Criollo and the Huevos y Arepa con Queso (two egg creations) sound quite delicious, but having had our daily quota of eggs, we decided to savor these treats on a future visit, What is fascinating about the menu in general is the imaginative way contrasting flavors and texture are combined The Empanada Venezolana ($1.95) arrives super crisp and packed with a choice of either uplifting beef or chicken filling. For an even greater bargain, order the Empanada Columbiana for only $1.20.

Although salads are often paired with soup, the Chicken Salad is a magnificent stand alone offering that combines a bounty of fresh greens, tomato, cucumber and onions that form the base for perfectly grilled cuts of seasoned chicken filet. We enlivened each bite with a dynamic lemon infused olive oil dressing.

For a truly thrilling specialty, the Morcilla con Arepa Pequena ($3.99) futures an adroitly seasoned Columbian sausage paired with a freshly prepared arepa, the traditional Columbian corn bread. Although the sausage link was quite substantial, I could have easily gone for a second round.

There are numerous other menu possibilities such as the Pita Bread Sandwich which brings together an exciting combination of chicken, tomato, spinach, mozzarella, pico de gallo and touches of tzatziki, that famous Greek dressing that transform any pita sandwich into a mouthwatering gourmet experience.

To the right of the kitchen, our server, Isabella, prepared a variety of fresh juices and smoothies as well as a fine selection of gourmet coffee beverages. My frothy Cappuccino ($2/$3) was amazingly delicious. Service at all times was truly professional.

Although the immaculate restaurant and beverage bar were our main attraction, we were impressed with the quality of the market’s produce, groceries and selection of beverages. El Atico is a truly an exquisite restaurant and a shoppers’ paradise.