As usual, I am starting of the morning fresh and exposing my partner to some Cuban inspired vegan delights before we hit the field.
The look on my partners face was priceless once she saw me take a left below the under pass on M.L.K. since in not quite the nicest area and can make any normal human being throw on their crook brows with a quickness. It's kinda like that movie scene in Judgment Night, with Emelio Estevez and Jeremy Piven, as they took a wrong turn into the ghetto...except the dude in House of Pain don't squeeze off no rounds at you.
Pura Vida is the epitome of what "mom and pop" shops signify. The location and building provides an added unique feel as if you are in Cuba (entertaining three idea of what it would feel like if I ever visited Cuba). It almost feels like I may get kidnapped and thrown in jail for saying the wrong thing, not to offend anyone. Again, my partner looked skeptical about the whole situation while I assured it was worth it, as far as vegan dishes go.
Went with the Pura Vida pumpkin butternut yam chipotle chili with a side of 4 empanadas and their famous salsa chips. Our waitress offered some samples of their naturally flavored water which were all delicious and very refreshing. Fortunately, the meal was shared since it was very filling. We both enjoyed the flavorful offerings that made us forget the dish was meatless.
The owner did her round as usual and very friendly. Our waitress is very peppy and some say she can be a little particular, but was very informative when explaining the menu items.
This is one of the foremost vegan joints in town, so if you are looking for that flavor, why not spice it up with a Cuban twist.