My spouse and offspring are extremely picky eaters. I, on the other hand, love to try new cuisines and will eat just about anything put in front of me. (This trait does have its down side. I’m now required by law to stop at the truck scales on the highway.) But as a treat, each Father’s Day (or my birthday, since they’re within a couple of weeks of each other) I get to pick whatever “whacky” restaurant I desire. One year it was German. The next it was Japanese. The deal is they will go along without complaint.
This year, not only were there no complaints, but my darling Mrs chose the restaurant! We have been meaning to try Don Pepe’s Restaurante Cubano for about 9 years. So, that was the Father’s Day restaurante of choice.
It was fabulous.
Don Pepe’s is in one of those side strip malls next to a (now abandoned) K-Mart. It’s very unassuming on the outside. There are no windows through which to sneak a peak. So, we didn’t know what we were in for. But stepping through their old-style wooden door was like walking into a beautiful Carribean evening. It was decorated as a night-time plaza, with Latin music and laughter. They have different entertainment each night, and tonight we were treated to a pair of fantastic Flamenco dancers.
The staff was incredibly friendly. Our waiter was one of those magical guys that you never see, but are never waiting on to show up. Drinks and salads seemed to appear on the table from out of nowhere. The place just felt like you could hang out there forever.
And the food… I had a combo plate that had a little of everything: Boliche, lechon Classico, pollo mojo rico, congri, a Cuban tamale and maduros. Venita had the arroz con pollo. Then, for dessert, she had “Sunset in Havana” (biscocho de tres leches covered with hot home-made chocolate sauce, whipping cream, and toasted almonds), and I got cheese flan (which I’d never heard of, but was so incredibly good).
Mmmmm… Cuuuuuuba…
Happy Father’s Day, Lestah!
MMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmm… sounds yummy. Happy Father’s Day!
Ooooooohhh…that sounds so YUMMIE!
Happy belated Father’s Day! 🙂
mmmm. I’m not quite sure what the various main dishes are (except the “Chicken with rice” one 😉 ), but the desserts sound like heaven.
Happy Belated Father’s Day to ya. 🙂
Hey dad, I missed saying this yesterday so, happy fathers day to a dad who goes above and beyond. You have really been a huge help in the troll dept these past few weeks. Thank you so much for listening, emailing and letting me vent.
Love ya *mwah*
Cuban food is the shiznit. I never had it before I moved to NY then someone I work with made me try it and I just cant get enough of it now!!!
.:sniff:. The other kat is taking my daddy. Oh well, I still get to hug him! BWHAHAHAHAHAHA! In j00r face!
When I was in Cuba the following food was quite memorable: pork or ham sandwiches for breakfast every day; pigeon (okay, they called it squab) for dinner multiple times; and my best meal, the one I wish they had served more than once, lobster in a spicy tomato sauce.
I’ve been unable to eat a ham sandwich ever since being there.