"I attended elementary school and high school in Allentown but less than a year after graduating from William Allen High School, I was right back in New York City. I felt a calling here in New York and I knew that my destiny was here."

"I took on my first job as a prep cook working at Rockefeller Plaza's outdoor cafe in the summer of 1983. I hated that job. They were very meticulous and it appeared that I couldn't do anything right. I lasted through lunch my first day and then I bailed and never went back."

Subsequent restaurant jobs included stints at Le Palm Restaurant, the Sheraton Russell's Judges' Chambers and the Russian Tea Room. "When I finally left the restaurant business, I was glad to get out. It was the hardest work I had ever done to that point and I vowed I'd never work in another restaurant again." Never say never.

Twenty years later, Ali has achieved quick success running a restaurant that in three years has become the darling of the neighborhood and a favorite among New Yorkers desiring the combination of great food, drinks, service and decor. 

"The future is rich with possibilities. I tell anyone and everyone who will listen that anything is possible. I never would have imagined that I would be opening up a successful restaurant just blocks from where I grew up but look at where I am today. It's been an amazing journey thus far."

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“This is not Colombian!” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that said about our food. Nor could I tell you how many times I’ve heard, “this is the best Colombian food I’ve ever had”. Call it what you will, I call it great food and I’m very proud to offer you all of my favorites: arepas, empanadas, arroz con pollo and bandeja paisa, in addition to mazamorra, obleas and cerveza Aguila!“