After decades of traveling throughout the Caribbean, I have had the pleasure of satisfying my appetite with the flare of Caribbean cuisine. Most notable are the dishes that have poured out of the island of Cuba. The archipelago is brimming with a culinary culture influenced by the Spanish, French, and Latin Americas. Over this last weekend, a warm, humid breeze blew into North Texas from the Gulf of Mexico, awakening my desire to savor a tropical cuisine. No longer to be delayed, I found myself on the phone with Dynamic Travel. “I’m sorry sir, but the state department will not authorize American citizens travel visas to Cuba” was the response from the agent. How am I to satisfy this craving of the mind for a true tropical experience this side of Miami? I then remembered a recent recommendation of a Cuban café in Dallas christened “La Cubanita”. Though happy to have received the recommendation, past explorations to quench not only my pallet, but to satisfy a longing for a true Caribbean dining experience on American soil have been futile. Only to find establishments with décors of fishnets, sea life suspended from the ceiling, and drinks served in coconut shells. Doling out overpriced meals that are nothing more than an order from Chili’s served with garnishings of oranges and pineapples. I decided to throw caution into the humid wind and head east to find La Cubanita. I am happy to testify that an “island-jet” is no longer required to find the true atmosphere, flavor, and generosity of Cuba at an affordable price.
La Cubanita is located in the swanky neighborhood of the Highland Park district of Dallas. A cache of trendy cafes and specialty boutiques are within a short stroll from the restaurant. Our most recent President’s purchase of a home in this area provides evidence of a perceived security. One might even catch a glimpse of George and Laura walking along the manicured streets. The sights and sounds of the neighborhood do not assist in jarring my mind to a Caribbean feel. So I quickly trek to the café.
Standing before La Cubanita, I found myself disappointed with the lack of tropical flora and fauna I would expect outside a Caribbean restaurant. Upon entering La Cubanita, I was promptly greeted and escorted to a small table. The inside décor gave me the impression that La Cubanita had been decorated by someone with firsthand knowledge of the island. Islanders throughout the world are all too familiar with the burdens and challenges in acquiring fine décor. To add insult to injury, Cuba is a socialist country which only multiplies the challenge. La Cubanita has captured the actuality of an island establishment’s attempts of providing a dining experience with limited resources. In evidence of their organized distribution of non-matching tableware and furnishings of yesteryear. White-washed planked walls with trimmings of faded blue, pink and yellow are adorned with advertisements and photographs from the era of Hemmingway’s Cuba. Instead of a mark of disorganization, I believe the boxes of imported goods stacked along the walls were too a part of the décor. Even the sounds of La Cubanita were true to form with a Soca-beat contending with the broadcasting of Spring Training baseball on the bar’s television. With baseball being the national past-time of Cuba it’s hard not to imagine this element being accidental.
The accuracy in La Cubanita’s flavor mirrored that of the authentic Cuban flare. The menu consisted of a large variety of both food and beverage choices. Having the menus printed in Spanish supported the sensation that I had mystically been transported somewhere south of Florida’s coastline. Each selection correctly representing the Caribbean pallet could be found throughout the menu. Every entre was garnished with far away fresh fruits like plantain and mango as well as vegetables like fried yucca and cassava. The freshness of the ingredients didn’t end with the food, yet flowed into the beverages as well. The mojitos were a delight to consume with the smell of fresh, muddled mint leaves and a sweet stalk of sugar cane. The food and drink joined together in unity to successfully conquer my craving for Cuban cuisine.
The promptness and upbeat disposition of La Cubanita’s staff was unmistakable. An impression that each member held a vested interest in the café was perceived. They were genuinely hospitable to both the patrons and each other with each performing a separate yet equal element within the dining experience. The entire staff was very attentive but not overbearing. Each was willing to provide opinions of beverage and meal choices based on personal preferences as well as the opinions of faithful regulars.
I would have assumed all this flavor and experience to soon be soured by the concept of “island price gouging”. Once more I was pleasantly surprised with the affordable prices at La Cubanita. You can choose from eight different appetizers for around seven dollars each or a table can order “El Combinacion de La Cubanita” for thirteen dollars consisting of all eight appetizers. Entrées of seafood, chicken, and steaks priced from nine to seventeen dollars per plate. For an additional two dollars, a house salad or an incredible black bean soup can be added to your order. Upon looking around the restaurant, all the plates appeared to have ample quantity. La Cubanita also offers brunch specials with bottomless rum punches and mimosas, as well as happy hour specials offering two dollar mojitos, margaritas, and rum punches. I consider these prices to being fair with ample quantity and quality.
I am happy to testify that an “island-jet” is no longer required to find the true atmosphere, flavor, and generosity of Cuba at an affordable price. La Cubanita was at capacity with families, friends, lovers, and business suits. Conversations could be overheard of a Cuba free of Castro’s dictatorship. Until then, North Texans can get an authentic sample of the socialist archipelago’s flavor. La Cubanita’s lack in the proximity of the Caribbean Sea was prevailed over by a successful replication of a quaint Cuban restaurant. The smiles and hospitality mirrored that of the beautiful people of the Caribbean region. All of this experience within a reasonable price will have me with my family returning and recommending La Cubanita to our friends and family.
