Cuban in B-more?

[CarlS]

We just recently moved here from South Florida and have really been missing a good Lechon Asado. Is there any Cuban food at all in Baltimore? Anything even similar?

[elgringoviejo]

Lechon is not purely a Cuban dish. Several independent restaurants in Wheaton owned by Latin folks offer Lechon. I once had an excellent Lechon back in the 90s at a place on Broadway called Restaurante San Luis. I wonder if checking around the east side might turn up something good on Braodway, Eastern avenue, or nearby side streets.

[MDicecreamguy]

It's not open yet, but when Mari Luna opens their 2nd location in Pikesville ( should open late Spring) they will probably have some Cuban food. The owner used to be the executive chef at Babalu, so he is familiar with Cuban cuisine.

[baltoellen]

If you just want a Cuban sandwich, the unfortunately named Carolina's Tex-Mex on B'dwy has a pretty good one.

[AlyKen]

I asked this question a while ago. I was told that Cuba de Ayer in Burtonsville was pretty good. Unfortunately, I haven't been yet. I end up making Cuban food at home. I miss Florida :-(

[CarlS]

Sounds bleak. Guess we're slow roasting at home.

If I'm ever out that way (Burtonsville), I'll definitely check out Cuba de Ayer and report back.

Thanks for the 'quality comment' about the two aforementioned places. It's painful to be let down on certain dishes, and this is definitely one for me.

Cheers

[bmore_flavor]

If your ever in philly be sure to check out Alma De Cuba, a stephen star restaurant:
http://www.almadecubarestaurant.com/

[tapas gal]

Philly also has Cuba Libre which was pretty good.

[pamd]

Alma de Cuba is not one to try if expecting real cuban food- it is a gourmetish twist on Cuban- people expecting authentic type are disappointed. It is a good restaurant, just Cuban inspired. Cuba Libre is a better try. However, Tierra Columbiana is most authentic.

In Silver Spring, which is much closer to Baltimore, Cubanos does a great job. The have a nice sampler entree.

[Chowtimore]

I can't comment on the quality at either of these places, but Babalu in the Power Plant has Lechon Asado on the menu. I wouldn't recommend the area on Fri or Sat night, though.

http://www.babalugrill.com/

And Little Havana has a Bocadillo de Lechon.

http://www.littlehavanas.com/

[KAZ]

I'll comment on the quality. Both are mediocre at best, particularly compared against Cuban food in South Florida.

[ko1]

Agreed. I miss the poorly named but delicious La Vida Loca that briefly brightened the summer of 2001 in Canton but suddenly closed.