Saturday, April 28, 2007

Versailles = laughs + friends + cafecito x tradition / midnight stops



As you can tell, we love going to all of the Cuban restaurant options in town.  Versailles, in the heart of Little Havana, is special for many reasons.  This is the place that is always open (24/7) and when there is anything to protest about Fidel Castro and Cuba the public gathers.  It is a symbol of the Cuban exile community in Miami and will always hold a special place in my heart.

During high school and college on the way home from the South Beach clubs, you made a pit stop here for their media noche, plantain chips, and cafecito.  We even do it often as adults with other friends that grew up with the same tradition. I also like to bring out-of-towners here to kill two birds with one stone:  great Cuban restaurant and experience a little bit of Little Havana.  If you are lucky, you will run into a celebrity as they are always around enjoying the food.  As for food, I found this great link to a fellow blogger's web site that describes the Versailles experience as well.  I recommend the 3 Guys From Miami blog post who have the sole purpose of preserving Cuban culture.



Make an effort to bring your family and enjoy the sites and sounds of all things Cuban.  Drenched in tradition and a symbol of a community yearning to feel connected to the island-nation again, Versailles never disappoints and is always there waiting for you to grab a table. 

Please visit and tell me how it is.

Friday, April 13, 2007

El Tropico in the heart of Doral

El Tropico in the heart of Doral

On the outskirts of Miami, between the Everglades and Miami International Airport (MIA), there is Cuban restaurant...one of the best in this city full of them. In a non-descript strip shopping mall, you have to give it a try.  Friendly staff, service, and the best home-cooked meal around. 

We started off with our favorite appetizer of fried plantain chips dipped in mojo  (garlic infused with oil as a dipping sauce).  We had our usual vaca frita which is shredded beef with loads of fried onions, white rice, black beans, and fried plantains.  We usually split one to make room for dessert.  The kids had the usual chicken nuggets with fries and bistec milanesa (a very thing steak). 

Give it a try!

Some links to specific pages:

Menus:  http://www.eltropico-restaurant.com/#!menus

Gallery of Pictures:  http://www.eltropico-restaurant.com/#!gallery