Week 4 - Cuba/Cubano's

This week’s restaurant is Cubano’s, a Cuban restaurant in Silver Spring. My in laws are Cuban, and over the years I have enjoyed many Cuban meals.

Staying true to Cuban tradition, I go to Cubano’s for lunch when the largest meal of the day is eaten. I started with a mango fruit drink (no more Sprites). The Casals make delicious ham croquettes, so I was eager to try Cubano’s. The Cubano’s version was good, but not as good as the Casals. And that’s how the rest of the meal went. My main course was Boliche Asado Estilo Eloisa, a beef dish with gravy served with black beans, rice, and plantains. The food was pretty good. But my father in law just has a flare for improvising, and his dishes are always seem to have unique flavors. Straight forward Cuban food seemed ordinary. Flan for desert was high point of the meal, one of the best I’ve had.

I also found that the quick pace of service detracted from the experience. A modern restaurant needs to get their lunch time patrons out the door and back to work quickly. Cuban families spend a couple of hours eating and drinking. They take their time and enjoy each others company.