Today was one more day of rain, then heat and humidity that is ruining the short summer season of Cleveland. I was rather grumpy as I watched a repeat of Rachel Ray spending $40 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Flash! I may not be in San Juan but I can eat like I am. I headed to Caribe and bought lunch for far less than Rachel paid several years ago for hers.
I do not know how many years I have been coming here. It was a bakery that made roast pork sandwiches on Saturdays. Today it is far less bakery and much more Puerto Rican hot food. Roast pork, beef stew, roast chicken, pork chops in creole sauce, rice and beans fill trays on a steam table. Sandwiches are prepared to order and include a Cuban and a two foot long roast pork. Puerto Rican food is not spicy but highly flavorful. It is like Southern soul food on vacation.
I am always confused when I come here. Somehow it all works out and I take my order to a formica table on the other side of the room. This is not a dive for lacking any attempt to provide the diner with ambiance or decor. This is like the lobster pounds in Maine or the grouper shacks in Florida. You take your food to a table and the food is the reason you are here. If you prefer you can do as most do and get your food to go.
The long loaves of soft crusted bread, the tropical frozen ices and the flan are all exceptional. I have had every thing on the menu and eating here makes me glad immigrants retain their cultures.