Ethnic food seems daunting to those without experience. Trying new types of food requires a daring attitude, however, that chance can pay off.

Tico?s Place, located at Perrin and Sommerville, offers both Mexican and Columbian-style dishes to North Fresno. I recently ventured there and discovered how authentic Columbian food tastes.

If owner Caesar Espinosa intended to provide a laid-back atmosphere, I believe he accomplished his goal. The restaurant replaces two of their walls with windows and features a variety of authentic decor. A gaucho, a South American cowboy, welcomes guests into the casual, seat-yourself eatery.

I ordered the Columbian Mountain Platter, which came highly recommended by the chef. It came with charbroiled sirloin steak, white rice, Columbian-style beans, sausage, corn pancakes, fried egg, sweet plantains, avocado and a chicharr