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TropiCuba

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Mike D

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TropiCuba

by Mike D » Wed Mar 18, 2015 8:46 pm

I had some concerns about trying this place. The late but not lamented Cubana combined "meh" food with abysmal service. I never considered trying Riviera Maya, Cubana's short-lived successor.

But based on the posts that the new owner made on this forum I decided to give them a try this evening. And I'm glad that I did.

The service was attentive and knowledgeable. I don't know much about Cuban food, so I asked my server (Orlando Grimany-Nuno, one of the owners) for his recommendations. I am a vegetarian about 99% of the time, but he said that his favorite dish was a pork dish, Masas de Cerdo Frita, so I gave it a try. It is a generous portion of pork morsels, seasoned and fried. The pork was cooked perfectly and the seasonings did not overpower the meat. At Orlando's suggestion I chose Congris (black beans and rice) and Tostones (fried green plantains) for my sides. The beans and rice (a large portion) were fine, and the plantains were the best I've ever had.

The entree with the two sides and a small side salad was priced at a very reasonable $11.49. The most expensive entrees are $16.99.

The room is nice and bright, with original Cuban-themed artwork on the walls. And I really enjoyed the music.

I do not believe that they have their liquor license yet.

There were five tables at 7:00 on a Wednesday and at least two of them took leftovers home - I take that as a sign that those diners also liked the food. Not to pick on Cubana too much, but I knew that they were in trouble when I observed that they had only one or two tables on a Friday night when all the other Avenue spots were slammed.

I'll be back - this is a nice addition to the Avenue.
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Mark R.

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Re: TropiCuba

by Mark R. » Wed Mar 18, 2015 10:41 pm

Mike, where the heck is this place? You made reference to the Avenue but we have a lot of them around town. It's frustrating to read a review like this and then not know where the heck the place is located.
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Gary Guss

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Re: TropiCuba

by Gary Guss » Wed Mar 18, 2015 10:53 pm

It's up from the street that the old sears building is on
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JustinHammond

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Re: TropiCuba

by JustinHammond » Wed Mar 18, 2015 10:55 pm

"The idea is to eat well and not die from it-for the simple reason that that would be the end of your eating." - Jim Harrison

https://www.facebook.com/Louisville-Eat ... 129849554/
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Mike D

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Re: TropiCuba

by Mike D » Thu Mar 19, 2015 8:12 am

Sorry for my usage of "Avenue" - I'm as guilty of provincialism as anyone, I guess.

TropiCuba is on Frankfort Avenue in Clifton, very near Caffe Classico and Grape Leaf.
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Orlando Grimany

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Re: TropiCuba

by Orlando Grimany » Thu Mar 19, 2015 8:51 am

Mike! I wish you had told me that you were a vegetarian! lol We have some veggie options on the menu. In fact we have a veggie Cuban sandwich that the chef developed (it's off-menu right now, but will soon be on it).

Thank you for your visit, it was great talking to you. And thank you so much for this review you've written! Glad you enjoyed my recommendation :-D Hope my dad's there next time you come in so you two can talk and catch up.

Take care!
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Mike D

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Re: TropiCuba

by Mike D » Thu Mar 19, 2015 9:36 am

Orlando Grimany wrote:Mike! I wish you had told me that you were a vegetarian!


Orlando, like I said - I'm a vegetarian most of the time but fall off the wagon every now and then for the right opportunity.

When I visit a new place, especially one that serves a cuisine with which I'm not real familiar, I will often ask for a recommendation. You told me that the pork dish was the best dish on the menu -- and if there is a better choice than what I had it must be real good!

That said I will try the veggie Cuban next time.
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Re: TropiCuba

by Mike D » Mon Apr 06, 2015 6:42 pm

After my first visit a couple weeks ago I had every intention of returning soon. I finally made it back this evening. This time I tried the Pargo Frito. It's a whole red snapper, marinated in lemon juice, salt and pepper, then deep fried. I squeezed a little lime on it and picked those bones clean! It came with two side items. I chose congris and tostones. They were also very good. My server was knowledgeable and attentive. They're on Frankfort Avenue just east of the intersection with Clifton.
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Robin Garr

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Re: TropiCuba

by Robin Garr » Mon Apr 06, 2015 7:43 pm

Mike D wrote:They're on Frankfort Avenue just east of the intersection with Clifton.

On the same block, more or less, with Comfy Cow, Clifton's Pizza and Caffe Classico?
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Orlando Grimany

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Re: TropiCuba

by Orlando Grimany » Tue Apr 07, 2015 2:55 pm

Robin Garr wrote:
Mike D wrote:They're on Frankfort Avenue just east of the intersection with Clifton.

On the same block, more or less, with Comfy Cow, Clifton's Pizza and Caffe Classico?


That's right, Robin! Directly across the street from our neighbor, the Grape Leaf.

Good seeing you again, Mike! Glad you enjoyed your Pargo Frito :-)
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John Lisherness

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Re: TropiCuba

by John Lisherness » Fri Apr 10, 2015 8:22 am

Trivia: In the building that was the original location of Lynn's Paradise Cafe.
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Re: TropiCuba

by Robin Garr » Fri Apr 10, 2015 8:46 am

John Lisherness wrote:Trivia: In the building that was the original location of Lynn's Paradise Cafe.

True! And there were long lines even then! Another early tenant was a Jamaican place that made real ginger beer out of fresh ginger, which was awesome. And Little Bit of Seoul, and Danielle's. I wish TropiCuba the best, and I hope they can break the curse, but no restaurant ever stays in there long. :(
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Re: TropiCuba

by Mike D » Fri Apr 10, 2015 8:56 am

Robin Garr wrote:
John Lisherness wrote:Trivia: In the building that was the original location of Lynn's Paradise Cafe.

True! And there were long lines even then! Another early tenant was a Jamaican place that made real ginger beer out of fresh ginger, which was awesome. And Little Bit of Seoul, and Danielle's. I wish TropiCuba the best, and I hope they can break the curse, but no restaurant ever stays in there long. :(


Robin, I also wish them the best. I made my second visit of the week (and my third overall) on Wednesday evening. They had six or seven tables at 7:30. It was a good vibe - people lingered over dinner and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. I saw a couple to-go boxes (the portions there are large) which I always view as a good sign.

They do not yet have a liquor license which I'm sure is an issue for some potential patrons.

I have really enjoyed everything I've had there so far, and have found the service both knowledgeable and attentive.
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Orlando Grimany

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Re: TropiCuba

by Orlando Grimany » Fri Apr 10, 2015 10:09 am

Robin Garr wrote:I wish TropiCuba the best, and I hope they can break the curse, but no restaurant ever stays in there long. :(


Well you know what they say, Robin: umpteenth time's the charm! lol
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Re: TropiCuba

by Robin Garr » Fri Apr 10, 2015 10:16 am

Orlando Grimany wrote:Well you know what they say, Robin: umpteenth time's the charm! lol

:lol: :lol: :lol:
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And best wishes to you guys, Orlando!
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