We visited Cubana, Caribbean Cuban Cuisine, Saturday night. The new restaurant is located at 2206 Frankfort Avenue, on opposite corner from Caffe Classico, and across the street from The Grape Leaf. The interior is very nicely done, loved the color scheme. There is a TV in the smallish bar area in the back, but two large TV's in the restaurant serving area. A topic already covered in another tread, but still do not understand why this type/scale of restaurant would need TV's in the dining area, especially in late January turned to a Major League Baseball channel, let alone ESPN (NOTE: no sound turned on any of the TV's).
We arrived at 7:00, yea, another thread topic about Louisville diners habits and it was not full at all. We had called for reservations for two and they accepted them, but were obviously not needed. By 7:30 going on 8:00, the place was crowded, never completely full, but hopping.
There were two guitarists/singers roaming the dining area. Never intrusive, acoustical guitars and beautiful Cuban songs. Several times through the evening they earned applause from throughout the restaurant.
The food was very good, service friendly but frazzled. Our waitress apologized several times about the slow service, admitting that they were very busy that night. We'll give them a pass on the service, with drinks in hand, and the music, the waits weren't too bad. We also took into account that they have only been open for, what, less than four weeks. She was pleasant, great smile, eager to do the right things. A full 20% tip was later included.
We had a light meal. Shared both the Tostones con Pollo appetizer and the Cubana Caliente sandwich. Both came out warm at best and cold before we finished them. The Cubana Caliente is described as a hot Cuban sandwich, roasted pork, Spanish chorizo, serano ham, Provolone cheese, ham, mustard, pickles and aioli. Both items tasted great, especially the sandwich, with a small mis-step, both would have been even better if they were hot from the kitchen. A result of the frazzled service, maybe sitting under the warming lamps of the kitchen too long before served?
Side note: We are not from the restaurant business, so not sure if this is a factor, but when I went to the restroom as we were leaving, you can see into the very small kitchen. I mean really small. An assumption from a non-restaurant industry person, but based on layout of Havana Rumba's dining area and bar, their kitchen has got to be WAY bigger. Efficiencies and appliances give Havana Rumba's kitchen staff an advantage?
And now for that inevitable comparison, Havana Rumba. First of all, pricing. If Havana Rumba's web site is up-to-date, Cubana is more expensive. About 50 cents more per item on appetizers, $1.00 plus on sandwiches and entrees. Food quality? Havana Rumba, even without the food temperature issues, is hard to beat. Taking nothing away from Cuban (or Cocos Lokos for that matter), they did a nice job, but Havana Rumba is hard to beat.
Don't misunderstand, overall a great experience, from the music, to the atmosphere to the owner (?) visiting several tables and making sure everything was okay. I admit we did not bring up the cool dishes, probably should have, but at the time, the overall experience was so very positive; and we think the food preparation will only get better as they settle into their routines. Everything about the place was topnotch except that one issue.
Would we go back? Yes, but understand that we live in Jeffersontown and to go to Cubana means driving past two Havana Rumba's plus Cocos Lokos. Hard for us to do that. For Frankfort Avenue area, Cubana is a great addition. Try it, you will enjoy.
B/F had the roast pork with congris (black bean rice) and Yuca (boiled). The pork was excellent. Seemed to be roasted, then sliced thin and grilled a bit. The yuca was not as good as HR being a bit under cooked. I love yuca! I had the seafood casserole with white rice and sweet plantains. We got a side of black beans too! The seafood casserole was wonderful with tiny scallops, shrimp, white fish and squid in a creamy cilantro infused tomato sauce! The plantains were perfectly cooked! The black beans have awesome flavor! the flan was quite good, but a little on the firm side. The presentation was bit over done and I don't like those pre mixed bottled "sauces" in raspberry, lime, etc that restaurants are so inclined to drizzle all over otherwise good desserts but still tasty! With 1 drink, 1 app, 2 entrees and 1 dessert our tab was right at $50 before tip! Not bad at all and we will definitely go back!