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| - Yep, a fan indeed. I met a friend for lunch at Havana Carolina. As I pulled up, I was a little bit concerned about where I would park, since there is no parking in front of the restaurant. Fortunately, I drove just a tiny bit further and found a free parking garage. It was quite convenient for me.
Upon entering, I found that there were maybe 8 tables, 4 of them 2 tops. NOT a big place. Walls are painted with Caribbean-esque images, and fairly cheerful. There is one unisex restroom stall, but my friend said that it was clean (as was the rest of the restaurant).
I really appreciated that the menu gave some detail about the menu items (what was included, or the English equivalent to the Spanish name). I mean, *I* know what a Papa Relleno is, or Ropa Vieja, but not everyone will. Just a small amount of detail could be enough for someone to try an item that is new to them. I do wish that the server had been better able to answer my friend's request to describe the mojo marinade, however (it's a garlicky citrus marinade, btw).
Drinks are sold in bottles or cans. They do serve Cuban coffee (cafe con leche, as well). My friend ordered the lechon (roast pork) sandwich (5.99), and I ordered the lechon plate (7.99). Her sandwich came on what appeared to be a fairly authentic Cuban bread (crispy on the outside) but did not include any sides. Mine included rice and beans, as well as 3 slices of fried plantain (love these). The pork was STELLAR. SO tender, juicy, and flavorful. My favorite Cuban pork EVER (don't tell my MIL, lol. Hers is good, but this is so craveable!). I was not overly thrilled with the beans. The flavor was fine, but they were extraordinarily thin. The pork was so good, however, that I will overlook the beans 100 times.
They do sell some limited bakery items (guava and cheese pastries, Cuban bread, flan, tres leches cake, etc.) although I did not sample any on this visit. I really wanted to bring a guava pastry for my husband, but they were out. I will most definitely return to Havana Carolina soon, and encourage you to give them a try, as well.
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