Eating Cheaper 1: Mambo Cafe

The other night, went to check out Mambo Cafe, in part spurred by the huge Rewards Network (formerly I-Dine) discount (40 percent) now being offered, and in part spurred by a yen for Cuban. As luck would have it, the restaurant was closed; instead an election night party was being held. We arrived ten minutes before the free buffet was to begin.

So we took a seat at the bar, since we have a hard time turning down free food. I ordered a mojito (my first), which was delicious-there was crushed mint in every sip.

The buffet included two kinds of croquettes (potato-ham, and something delicious we couldn't quite identify), chicharron de pollo (fried chicken), rice, thin fried plantains, and beef empanadas.

Everything was good and tasted fresh, especially the croquettes and the rice. You wished you could go on eating that mashed-potato mixture forever. And the rice was particularly savory, with little bits of meat (pork, I think) interspersed. As I spooned garlic dip (full of visible chopped garlic) onto my plate, the older guy next in line remarked, "That stuff'll give you heartburn." Regardless, the garlic dip is what most ensures that I'll be back. I want to eat some yucca smothered in it.

Mambo Cafe
3336-42 N Milwaukee
Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 481-2050

Hey Debo, I actually know where this is but for the general benefit could you post an address?

How do you feel it compared on the Cuban-food-authenticity scale? I have been vaguely curious about this place but also a bit deterred by the sort of Dave and Buster's-ish look from the outside which didn't exactly promise authentic and/or good food.

I've never been in this place, since they always seem to be setting up for some kind of party or have thumping salsa blasting. Sort of a latter day Tania's, if you remember that decent Cuban restaurant-turned-terrible nite club.

Anyway, sounds good. But croquetas aren't made with potato, not usually. Instead, cracker meal or breadcrumbs are mixed to a thick and sticky consistency with bechamel.

Here's a typical recipe. It's Dominican, but the Cuban recipe is the same.

The filling is usually deviled ham, ground chicken, or a combination of the two.

Papas rellenas are the mashed-potato equivalent. Ususally spherical (not croquette-shaped) and filled with picadillo. Not so different from an arancino, really. Then there's yuca (one "c") rellena, too.


http://www.dominicancooking.com/recipes ... quetas.htm

Mike G, thanks for reminding me about including the address. Thanks also, JeffB, for the clarification about croquetas v. papas rellenos.

I am no expert on Cuban food; I just like it. We recently moved here from Columbus, OH, where you can't get any Cuban food unless you cook it. So my experience eating Cuban food is purely from traveling (and some cooking) and I can't really speak to authenticity, but I thought this food tasted good enough to try the place again. (And see how they do with stuff that isn't deep-fried.)

Would love to know what places you feel are authentic and good. I came across a list of Cuban places either here or Chowhound (or maybe both), but it was nonjudgemental.

My favorite Cuban place is small & family-run (usually a good sign in ethnic restaurants) - Ambassador Cafe (3605 N. Ashland). Also it's BYOB, which is a big plus in my book.

For a slightly more upscale/trendy Cuban place, I also like Cafe LaGuardia (2111 W. Armitage) but for the life of me I can't figure out why they'd name a Cuban Restaurant after a dead Italian New York City mayor.

The proprietor's name is LaGuardia.

FWIW, here's a long string on Cuban, begining with my old list of restaurants around town (including all of the above).

Cuban

Thanks Jeff - quick question - what do you think of Cafe Bolero on Western? Last time I tried to go there the wait was very long, so we ended up across the street at the way-underappreciated Think Cafe.

JeffB wrote:The proprietor's name is LaGuardia.

I have a slightly funny story regarding the owner.

Two weeks ago we popped in after a long day of shopping and wandering the loop to have a couple of cocktails. It was a Saturday night - all the tables were filled as was the bar. It was my first time in the establishment.

My friend that I was with explained that the owner was tending to seating and taking reservations as his mother handled hostess duties. The owner went out of his way to pull me aside and make it clear that he'd have us seated at the bar post-haste, rubbing my back in an entirely familiar manner while he spoke.

When it came time to leave he turned to me shouting "There's the guy!" as I waited near his station for my friend to emerge from the restrooms. He seemed very concerned as he quizzed me to make certain that I was completely pleased with our drinks. To make it just a touch more surreal he gave me a firm bear hug before we left, smiling broadly.

So, I'm left wondering if I look just like someone he knows much better, or if he's really taking the idea of making the guests feel welcome to an entirely new level. Either way I'll definitely return, the dishes I saw looked spectacular and the idea of personal service (or being mistaken for a local celebrity) doesn't frighten me at all.