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| - Of the 3 Cuban restaurants I've been to recently (Varadero, Cuba Cafe, Havana Grill), this one gets my top rating. The place looks and feels like "Cuban food for the working class", but it beats the other places hands down! For one, all of the dishes we had (including our kids) were extremely hearty, rich, and flavorful. None of this "health-conscious", lightened down for today's slim American type food here.
Even the black beans were thick and pasty (but smooth). The Papas Rellenas appetizer filled up my 9 year old happily, though we also ordered her a full platter as well. We also got a rich, full-bodied chicken soup, a little like the tortilla soups you sometimes find at Mexican restaurants, but definitely unique in flavor. My 6-year old decided to help me finish it before I had a choice. Ropa Vieja and the Masas de Puerco were fabulous and filling, with the meats perfectly marinated and tender.
For me, the only disappointment was the Tres Leches cake we had for dessert. They don't make it onsite, and it had a little too 'mainstream' texture - a bit too blantantly moist, a bit too much icing, and not enough of that hidden 'cream' that surprises you with the real deal. It just wasn't right (go to the Cuba Cafe for the perfect Tres Leches!).
But...other than the cake...this is my favorite of the 3 Cuban restaurants in town that I've tried. If you want beautifully presented Cuban food, go to the Havana Grill. If you want a quaint, but up-to-date chic atmosphere (and the best Tres leches cake), go to the Cuba Cafe. But for the best overall Cuban home cooking, Varadero is the place...and make sure you come hungry and be careful NOT to over-order (not that leftovers won't taste great the next day!).
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