Cuba's Cookin'

Description:

• This fun, informal spot, though set in an old cunucu (farm) house, is plenty hip. Original art captures whimsical scenes of Latin street life, while up-tempo music from the Buena Vista Social Club keeps the warm staff smiling. Sip a mint, rum, and sugar-laced mojito, and start with the plantain chips. Earthier than tortilla chips, they're great with the muy picante salsa, a mix of jalapeño, habanero, cilantro, garlic, and olive oil. Your conga cocktail appetizer should arrive just in time to extinguish the fire in your mouth. Served in a half shell, the cool appetizer features chopped lobster, crab, red onions, and carrots in a light vinaigrette. The seafood boat is a winning main course: Lightly grilled shrimp, calamari, conch, and mussels rise from a flavorful ragout of green and red peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Other Cuban specialties include ropa vieja (shredded skirt steak sautéed in tomatoes, onions, and green peppers) and picadillo de res (ground beef with raisins and olives). For dessert, try tres leches pound cake drenched with sweet, milky syrup and topped with whipped cream. Then light up a Cuban cigar with your café con leche.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010