Cubana Cafe
Sometimes we are not exactly who we say we are. This ‘front’ can put up for quite a few different reasons such as countering ones insecurity, to win a girl’s heart, and even worse, as a money making scheme. The worst situation I can think of is with Carlos Mencia. This stand-up comedian/actor makes me sick. He plays it off like he’s a poor Latino guy who’s made it big by writing hilarious and creative jokes. The truth is, he’s a German guy named Ned who has stolen most of his jokes, most notably from Louis C.K, George Lopez, and Bill Cosby. It’s a shame.
When a restaurant puts up a front by claiming to be something they are not, they better back it up with some mean and amazing food. With a name like Cubana Cafe, I was expecting some fine Cuban cuisine. Yes, I did get some of that, but not all was Cuban. You’ll see what I mean.
Cubana Cafe offers for appetizers a variety of quesadillas. Yep, the CUBAN restaurant has QUESADILLAS on their menu. As much as I wanted that to bother me, it didn’t. The quesadillas were crispy and delicious. Ours had the simple ingredients of chicken, Monterrey jack cheese, and sauteed onions.
The menu is quite extensive with it’s big plates of pig, turkey, sirloin, chicken, pork and so on. However, the sandwiches descriptions look so mouth watering. I tried the Palomillas Hanger Steak Sandwich which consisted of pounded hanger steak with marinated garlic, lime, and onion with chimichurri sauce.
Unlike any sandwich I’ve ever tasted. All elements are tasty and subtle except for one part. A generous dose of chimichurri powers up an already delicious sandwich. It’s very good.
I was shocked to see a certain side dish on the menu. Cubana Cafe pulled another “Carlos Mencia” and stamped Home Fries on the menu. Certainly not Cuban food. However, mixed in with the Home Fries was chorizo and scallions.
Amazingly it was my favorite part of the meal. As an Irish guy, I love potatoes, but with the added spiciness, this side dish roared. Nice flavor.
Cubana Cafe may have a deceiving Carlos Mencia-ish name, but the food sure is good. And for everyone’s sake, to the best of my knowledge, I don’t believe Mr. Mencia has ever been here.
Cubana Cafe
110 Thompson Street
New York, NY 10012
Prices: Chicken Quesadilla $8.50, Palomillas Hanger Steak Sandwich $9.50, Home Fries $4
Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11:30-12am
Access: R, W Trains To Prince Street; 6 Train To Spring Street; B,D,F,V Trains To Broadway/Lafayette; 1 Train To Houston
This looks really good! I want to be there.
I think Denver has one Cuban restaurant. I probably wouldn’t have known the difference.
It’s a stumble away from my new apt! Have heard of it before but a bit apprehensive because I’m a total veggie and cuban fare seems so meat heavy! Nonetheless, must take the bf to try this!
Whether the menu is 100% authentic or not, I’m still jealous. I can’t even think of a single Cuban restaurant near me!
Oh my I would just love to have a bite of that Cuban sandwich! Too bad I’m way down here, otherwise I’d be eating one right now. Authentic or not, food sounds wonderful. Maybe having a Cuban owner qualifies the name? Or maybe Cubans generally speaking, like Mexican-American food?
Oh my God this place is right up my boyfriend’s alley! He always wants Cuban food or food with a spanish influence… which I never understand because he is Jewish! Hahah! He loves some flair in his life!