Now if you have not had a chance to join in on a Yelp International Supper Club (ISC) you must! Not only is it a great way to meet other fellow foodie Yelpers but you get to share and try a variety of foods within the month's selected cuisine.
Mimita's took me back to my culinary explorations of Little Havana in Miami/South Beach. Many of the traditional favorites are on the menu. I was planning on making a meal out of the apps, which are also traditional post club fare at 6am-ish when wandering home from a night out in SoBe house music still buzzing in your ears.... Yucca frita, papa rellena, croquetas de jamon, empanadas...*back to reality*....when the ISC decided to share all the apps I went ahead and ordered an entre with arroz amarillo ( yellow rice). The pork was tender, seasoned well (more cumin than I am used to but the grilled onions were wonderful). The yellow rice texture was perfect all be it a bit bland alone but when taken with a bite of pork and onions it accompanied the dish well. I also like to pour over the dipping sauces provided with the apps to enhance the flavor of the rice too.
For my drink I had to keep it traditional (common to Cuba and Puerto Rico) I had Malta. A malt flavored soda (lightly sweet with a flavor like molasses or dark Karo syrup). It reminded me of summer cookouts, hot humid afternoon/evenings with a refreshing Malta. *sigh*
I am a sucker for papa rellena so I ordered some To-Go for lunch the next day. I do wish they had more seasoning and green olives in the meat filling but they were still just what I needed. The croquetas were so tasty, I have always prefered Cuban croquetas to the Spanish croquetas anyday (even though they are pretty similar, croquetas Cubanos tienen mas sabor).
There are already plans to get a few of my friends out to try it with me. [Maybe I will make it a UYE and invite you to join us. The more the merrier!]