La Cubanita opening set for Dec. 29
Word is that La Cubanita, the new Alberto Lombardi venture that's been taking shape for the past few months in the old Chez Gerard space (4444 McKinney Ave.), is slated to open by the new year. "Probably Dec. 29," is the official guess.
PR guy Bill Armstrong shares one reason why it's taken this long to open: "We've been delayed because thieves stole the electricity meter outside the restaurant, and the way it was ripped out caused the interior wiring to be damaged. It all had to be replaced."
La Cubanita will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner -- and on Fridays and Saturday, it will stay open till 3 a.m. for you night owls out there. There'll be a rum bar with almost 100 choices, and the kitchen will be headed by executive chef Vernon Morales.
On the menu: Cuban and Cuban-inspired dishes, including plaintain, taro and tortilla crisps, a.k.a. mariquitas, with three dips (see photo); calamares tamarindo (crispy marinated calamari in tamarind sauce); papitas rellenas (lightly breaded mashed potato filled with beef picadillo); specialty empanadas; churrasco (marinated beef skirt steak); and of course the traditional Cubano sandwich of pulled pork.
Comments
I'm so excited to have a Cuban restaurant in Dallas!! I love Cuban food whenever we go to Miami... Does anyone know any place else to get some good Cuban food in town (and Cuba Libre does not count :)) ???
Posted by: shelbyg75 | December 19, 2007 4:10 PM
Shelby, try Caribbean at Webb Chapel and Belt Line in Carrollton. Excellent ropa vieja.
Posted by: Donna | December 19, 2007 4:48 PM
I will second Caribbean cafe.... don't go right after eating at Versailles in Miami -- as I once did -- or you will be disappointed. That said, it's easily the best Cuban food around. --from a proud Cuban-American.
Posted by: mrodriguez | January 3, 2008 9:54 AM
Thanks to both of you for the recommendation!! We will be headed over there this weekend :)!!
Posted by: shelbyg75 | January 4, 2008 8:48 AM
Tried Caribbean Cafe this weekend and it was wonderful!!! noticed on their menu that they also have a location on Preston just north of Stonebriar in Frisco...
Posted by: shelbyg75 | January 7, 2008 5:18 PM