There was a brief wait for a table during the dinner rush on Wednesday night in the small, no frills dining room. Well, to be totally honest, I was a few minutes late meeting my dinner buddy... so I think it was brief (still working on the whole punctuality thing). Once seated, I immediately knew I was going to order a Cuban cuisine staple, the Cuban sandwich. I really haven't experienced authentic Cuban recipes before, so I figured I should start with the basics. My friend ordered another well-known Cuban dish and one of the specials for the evening, Ropa Vieja. Our server took our order shortly after we decided and it was not too long before we received our food.
I absolutely loved my sandwich. One thing you need to know to fully appreciate my favorable review is that I am not a huge pork fan. I have never enjoyed the taste of ham and I went for the better part of my high school career not eating any pig products. I'd say it's because I was respecting my half-Jewish heritage, but really it was biology class. I have since worked pork back into my diet, but have never really gotten fully on-board with the "everything's better with bacon" philosophy. That being said, Kuba Kuba Cuban sandwich=delicious. The main ingredient was roast pork, accented with ham, swiss cheese, pickle, and mustard. All of the components combined in the pressed Kuban bread to make one cohesive, savory, satisfying flavor. The sandwich was served with tostones (fried plantains) and brightened on the plate with a garnish of diced peppers and red onion. Not one to miss out on anything, I tried a fork full of my friend's Ropa Vieja. Again, a wonderfully savory dish. Certainly a must-order for anyone who likes pulled beef as much as I do.
I've talked about my love of Top Chef on the blog before, but the channel on loop at my house most of the day and night is the Food Network. I can't tell you how many times I've been in the kitchen and know how to do something I've never done before or react to fix something I've never encountered because I've seen it on FN. I couldn't tell you what show it was or when I saw it, but the information somehow emerges when I need it. One of the more recent shows to hit Food Network is Best Thing I Ever Ate. After we decided to make the move to Richmond, there was an episode of Best Thing where Duff Goldman (Ace of Cakes) highlighted Kuba Kuba's Tres Leche Cake. Again, not what I would typically order. But, if Duff came all the way to Richmond to have it, I'll try it. Boy am I glad I did! The cake was moist, but not soaked and the marshmallow-like frosting was to die for. It was a perfect way to end the meal and certainly not something I would have thought to try on my own.
An avid fan of both the Cuban sandwich and paella, I can't wait to bring my husband to Kuba Kuba... and I will definitely save room for dessert!
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