Lenny C.
Yelp
All food evolves, and so Cuban food has also evolved and the result is this very nice and new place in Potomac.
But some cultural issues with the food, which apparently has been changed here. I ordered a pork bowl, which came with the most basic of Cuban dishes, and the main staple of Cuban food: white rice and black beans.
There is a long cultural tradition assigned to this dish, and even its Cuban Spanish name (moros y cristianos or "moors and christians") tell you something about the dish (rumored to honor the 100th anniversary in 1592 of Queen Isabella's final victory over the Moors in 1492).
I was horrified when my moros y cristianos were brought to me with the black beans piled atop and next to the white rice in the bowl/plate.
HUGE cultural gaffe! These two parts of this key Cuban dish are always, always, always served in separate dishes and only the eater can mix them, if he/she desires to mix it. An appropriate presentation here (maybe?) Is to serve them on separate parts of the plate.
Yes. I am being food pedantic
When cooked together, a different dish, called "congri" is the result: Different dish, different flavor, different recipe. These were not cooked together, but served together.
Overall, the food was very good, but far from stellar or memorable, although it is probably one of the few decent variants of non Mexican/Central American Latin American food available to Potomackers... I am being a bit harsh I realize, and I do plan to come back regularly, but please note that Cuban black beans have to have cumin!
My wife ordered classic tostones, and they were perfect! I ordered stuffed tostones, somewhat of a "new" offering that I now see regularly in Cuban restaurants, and they were delicious! The stuffing was ropa vieja, and it also could have used some cumin.
The staff - two young men - were amazing! Very friendly and open to help and assist as needed. There is also a mini bar in the place, and now both those guys know the history of the "Cuba Libre"!
I will be back!