“Corazones, umbre, chunchulo o criadillas” was the answer I got from our waiter when asking for recommendations about our starters. My buddy had a questioning look in his eyes. He hadn’t understood a word of what was said. Half-giggling I started translating for him.. Cow heart, cow udder, chicken intestines or the balls of a bull. “You gotta be freaking kidding me” was his reply – “Let’s go somewhere else!”. It was my friend’s last night in Cali and he had asked for something special. This was absolutely not what he had in mind. Tizones in Cali is an up-scale steakhouse that came recommended by my girlfriend. She said that’s where Cali’s elite go eating, when craving a good steak. The service is really old-school and attentive. Male waiters in suits that tie your napkin around your neck for you.
A bunch of old gentlemen were sharing a bottle of whisky next to us. After sitting down and already sipping my first beer, I wasn’t planning to turn around.
Curious, but also a little intimidated myself about the selection, I calmed my friend down and found a shrimp ceviche on the menu for us instead. It was delicious.
I always ask for recommendations from the staff and for the main course, the suggested plate sounded like sweet music to our ears. Matured Argentinean entrecote with a blue cheese sauce, salad and home-made fries. It was the bomb: Tender, juicy, medium-rare and with a crispy fatty edge. Probably one of the best steaks I’ve ever had in Colombia.
Our dessert was a classic chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream. Hard to screw up and they didn’t disappoint either.
If you won’t take my word for it – check out Tizones on Tripadvisor if you need further verification before splurging.
Tizones • Avenida 6B # 28-57 in Santa Monica – Cali, Colombia
Opening hours: Noon – 3:00pm & 6:00pm – 11:00pm
Reservations: 653 6119 / 653 0181
This is not a cheap place by Colombian standards and expect to spend $50-100.000 pesos (US$20-40) a person and maybe more if ordering fine wine, of which they have a pretty good selection.