El Peñol

Bold flavors are present at El Peñol in East Boston. Columbian dishes with plenty of meat and fish options. Generous portions. Mostly full on a Saturday evening at prime dinner time.

First time? Start with an array of platos tipicos (typical plates). The bandeja paisa (mountain dish) is just that. Enough food to satisfy a long day of trekking. Very tender carne asada (beef steak) and crispy chicharron (fried pork belly). A runny fried egg with creamy kidney beans and moist white rice. Sweet plantains and a corn biscuit (arepa) to finish. You will be full and note they have a mini portion of this dish.

Lomo salteado (sauced pork) is the star. Creamy peppery sauce blended as a stir fry with sliced pork, peppers and onions. Plenty of meat, enough for leftovers. Also served with white rice, beans, and thin savory tostones (fried plantains) - perfect to dunk in the beans.