Taste of Cuba

I just polished off my first lunch from Taste of Cuba. I don't know how authentic it was, but it was fantastic.

I ordered the Bistec Encebollado (grilled steak and onions) with Cuban Rice (looks like black beans & rice to me) and ham croquettes. Everything had so much flavor that I was sorry when it was gone. The ham croquettes were perfect, except the filling was more puréed than I remember—think the texture of Underwood devilled ham—but luckily they didn't taste like that. I was sad that I only got two. I should have ordered the tostones, too, just to see what they tasted like.

The smell of the place was enough to make you want to eat the walls. I will definitely be back. I usually don't seek out places near work over the weekend since I can try them anytime at lunch, but they have a weekend special of Ropa Vieja that I'll bet is delicious, if my first meal was any indicator.

Everything here is under $10; the only things over $5.75 are the four entrées. Let's hope this place survives the curse of this location.

3918 W. Touhy Ave., Lincolnwood
847-674-CUBA
www.tasteofcubacafe.com

Huh. I ate there last summer, shortly after they'd opened.

The ropa vieja came in a condiment cup. Seriously, a little ramekin like a place would use to serve ketchup -- or like if someone were to offer you a free sample of, say, ropa vieja. It was hilarious. The stuff inside was lackluster, to put it mildly.

To round out this feast, was a side of maduros. I think there was a grand total of two pieces, but it's been several months so it's possible that there were actually three. What I do remember quite clearly is that they were vile. Undercooked and underripe.

I don't know, maybe they've hired a cook since.

Had a really nice breakfast here today. An order of croquettes, cafe conleches and cuban sandwiches. Enjoyed the coffee so much got another 2 to go. Staff were very friendly and welcoming and before i left i was already thinking what i could eat when i return. I wish them well and was glad to see at 12:00 on a Sunday over half the tables occupied. It's a great little place well worth a visit.

Stopped in here a few weeks ago when the cold snap really started. Had a cubano and the black beans and rice. Sandwich was great and the BBwR was excellent. Tasty with a bit of green pepper and such. Seemed to have a good lunch crowd coming in as I was leaving. Worth checking out.