Jordan W.
Yelp
I discovered this restaurant during Black Restaurant Week and I am so glad that I did! While el Nuevo Fruitlandia has an unassuming appearance, the looks and flavors of each dish are quite the opposite -- bold and beautiful.
We started with the veggie mofongo and yuca frito. The garlic, onions, and peppers gave the mofongo a predominantly savory flavor but it had a lovely sweet undertone from the plantains. The flavors were rich and comforting. The fried plantains offered a subtle crunch while the interior was soft and chewy. Absolutely delicious. The yucca frito was a bit dry, but the flavors were right. The citrusy dipping sauce had a great flavor, but was very liquidy and took away from the crunch of the fried exterior. If I were to do it again, I'd pass on the yucca frito.
The Ropa Vieja exemplified Caribbean flavors. It was not spicy, but was incredibly well spiced. The dish was almost stew-like and sat upon a brothy, tomato-y, pool. The braised, shredded, steak was succulent and tender. The meal was very meat heavy -- not a bad thing, just something to know before ordering.
Oh my gosh the flan. Absolute perfection. The caramelized top was spot on and the texture was unbeatable. It was one of the best pieces of flan I've ever had.