Cuban Coffee Queen is a Key West coffee shop that is no-frills yet a bit of a tourist hotspot due to its location.
"At Cuban Coffee Queen, our passion lies in offering exceptional coffee experiences, rooted in the rich traditions and flavors of Cuba. We are dedicated to not only providing the highest quality coffee but also sharing our extensive knowledge on coffee roasting, all while upholding our core Christian values. We are committed to establishing a nurturing and supportive environment that celebrates the love for coffee and fosters a sense of community," reads the website.
Cuban coffee - also known as cafecito - is strong and a bit sweet. It's made by combining espresso with a whipped sugar foam. It's not for the faint of heart (me).
Grade: B
Islas Canarias is a Cuban restaurant in Miami that is known for its croquetas and more.
"Islas Canarias Restaurant is a family owned and operated restaurant, established in 1977 by the late Raul and Amelia Garcia and currently ran by their daughter Nancy Andrade along with her children Eileen and Jonathan Andrade. Raul’s family recipes have been preserved throughout the years under the careful watch of his children and grandchildren. The family has served generations of locals and tourists alike with the same quality service and attention to detail as its founders. Using the finest ingredients, Islas Canarias Restaurant aims to prepare quality, traditional plates from the family’s original recipes from Cuba. With a casually elegant atmosphere inspired by the European architecture of 1950s Cuba and the friendly ambiance of personnel that always recognizes a familiar face, every experience is pleasant when complimented by deliciously authentic Cuban & Spanish cuisine."
I ordered a strawberry shake to begin with. It was refreshing, which was so nice in the warm Miami sun. Kaitee went for a Cuban coffee.
Complimentary Cuban bread was served - nice crisp texture gives way to a soft interior.
Croquetas are a popular Cuban appetizer made of ground ham mixed with a creamy bechamel sauce that is shaped into an oval, coated with breadcrumbs, and deep-fried until golden brown. Islas Canarias offers ham, chicken, and fish varieties. I tried the ham and fish ones; what stood out to me is how almost creamy the interior was.
I also tried a Cuban sandwich with potato sticks. The Cuban sandwich has pork, Swiss cheese, mustard and pickles, and it is pressed. this version had potato sticks on top, which gave a little extra saltines and crunch.
Grade: A
Dubbed as the world's most famous Cuban restaurant, Versailles Restaurant in Miami is a bustling hub of Cuban culture that I was thrilled to experience.
"Versailles Restaurant, known as the World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant, has been serving Cuban cuisine and culture to the local and international community for over five decades. Soon after it opened its doors in 1971, Versailles became the gathering place and unofficial town square for Miami’s Cuban exiles. With its uniquely French inspired aesthetic, the iconic establishment is a landmark to the community and remains the unrelenting gauge of the city’s diversifying pulse. The restaurant is a favorite amongst celebrities and politicians to garner support from the hispanic community, and the media for gathering commentary and footage on social and political issues. At the center of this is Versailles’ “La Ventanita,” the walk up coffee window famous for its Cuban “cafecito” and reputation for its local provenance. Gastronomically, the restaurant is acclaimed for preserving the heritage of Cuban cuisine, with the most extensive Cuban menu and arguably the best Cuban food in town for over 50 years. In 1998 the restaurant expanded to include its on-site Versailles Bakery, assuring all pastries, breads and desserts are made from scratch in house and served at its freshest point."
I had to try the iconic
OUR FAMOUS CUBAN SANDWICH Sweet Ham, Roast Pork, Swiss Cheese on a Toasted Cuban Bread with Mustard and Pickles
The sandwich is grilled and pressed, so the cheese melts and the bread crisps up. It has a general savory and slightly bitter flavor from the mustard. It's also such a dense bite packed with meat, cheese & bread. It is a tasty sandwich. For my personal preference, I would love like a chutney for a soft texture & sweetness. But there's a reason it's a classic; it's wonderful.
Grade: A
Columbus is full of incredible restaurants, and its suburbs are as well. In Hilliard, the first restaurant that popped up over and over again was Starliner Diner.
Starliner Diner is known for Cuban food and breakfast - not a combo you see often. But, one that is enticing nonetheless.
"Since beginning its operation in 1995, Starliner Diner has been a local favorite to consumers in the Hilliard community and beyond. With its eclectic menu and kitschy decor, Starliner offers customers an alternative to the cookie cutter, big chain restaurants by providing them with a unique and fun dining experience.
The Cuban inspired menu also includes American and Southwestern influences and features popular dishes such as Creole Macaroni and Huevos Rancheros. This one of a kind restaurant is most often celebrated for its breakfast, and has won several awards including Best Breakfast in Columbus, Best Hangover Breakfast in Columbus, and Best Diner in Columbus as voted on by the readers of Columbus Monthly. Columbus Alive, and 614 Columbus. Be Sure to visit this Hilliard area staple and see what everyone is talking about!"
The building is unassuming outside, but once you enter, it is super colorful and painted from floor to ceiling. It has a celestial, and sunny, motif. The menu had turned to digital, simply by scanning a QR code on our table (genius!). Tons of items caught my attention: cajun jambalaya, adobo pork loin, cuban sandwich, cornbread crusted chicken casserole...
But I went with a plantain appetizer to start, and the Creole Macaroni - Chicken, Cajun sausage, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and corn tossed in a Cajun cream sauce. Served with Cuban bread.
The plantain appetizer combined that sweet and salty that I love so much. I love the fried texture to give some crisp to the mooshy plantain. And the macaroni packed some heat - in a huge package. I loved the different components with the scallions and sausage, but the pasta and sauce itself could've used some more cheese or deeper flavor. Still good overall!
Grade: B
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