Rosa E. Rodriguez | 210SA contributor Fonda Latina Restaurante is easy to miss on San Pedro Avenue, but you won’t want to miss the Venezuelan and Colombian cuisine.

After recognizing the colors of the Colombian flag above the entrance of this restaurant, we decided to check it out and break away from the more mainstream dining experiences that abound in San Antonio. Keep your eye out for the restaurant, though; it’s easy to pass it up while driving down San Pedro Avenue.

WHAT: Fonda Latina Restaurante

WHERE: 6714 San Pedro Ave.; (210) 824-2544

WEB: lafondalatina.es.tl

HOURS: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; closed Monday

TASTE SENSATION: You don’t need to be too savvy about Latin American foods to savor the variety of entrees, house specials, salads, soups, seafood and drinks offered at this eatery. Many of the dishes include potatoes and plantains, which are staples in many South American plates. Bandeja Paisa is perhaps the best choice on the menu if you want to get a well-rounded idea of what you would typically be served at a little fonda along the streets of Bogotá or Cartagena, Colombia. The dish is pretty big. For about $12, you get frijoles colorados (red beans), white rice, fried plantains, an avocado sliced in half, an arepa, which basically is a meat patty, and carne asada. Pick an authentic Colombian beverage like brown sugar lemonade, called agua de panela con limón, a Colombian soft drink or a milkshake made with fruits that grow deep in the tropical highlands, such as guanabana or maracuya, which grows in the coffee-growing regions of Colombia.

TUMS-WORTHY: This food will pack your belly, but it’s well worth the experience. You’ll certainly get a taste of authentic, though decidedly heavy, Colombian cuisine and also delight your taste buds with a sample of Venezuelan food.

THE 210 TAKE: Tired of tacos, enchiladas, burgers, pizza and barbecue? This is a great place to escape from the ordinary. Not everyone has the chance to travel abroad, so if you’ve wondered what Colombian or Venezuelan foods are like, this is the place to check out. Not to mention the staff is friendly and helpful. Chow down at this fonda, and you’ll get a cultural and tasty experience. ¡Buen provecho!

Rosa E. Rodriguez | 210SA contributor