El Cubano at Calgary Farmers' Market

[Bagel Guy]

"El Cubano", a Cuban restaurant, has replaced Don Antonio's at the Calgary Farmers' Market (CFM). I walked by last Saturday and saw this rather sad display of sandwiches in the front cooler, and a sign that said "cash only". Although the Market was very, very busy, virtually no one was at the El Cubano counter.

Has anyone tried this place yet? One of the Mexican employees close by told me the food was pretty good. But it seemed so empty ....

[slingshotz]

I decided last week to pony up and try their food which was pretty good. Had the roast pork leg with beans, rice and cassava. Pork was a little dry but the rice and cassava were very good. They had a freshly made meat soup that the owner brought out for people to see that looked and smelled really good but I was too full to try it. It's on my list of things to try next time.

Don't let the bad signage/display turn you off, they have a lot of potential to be discovered for good home cooking food.

[John Manzo]

The signage has really improved- unfortunately I had a really bad Cubano (sandwich) there the other week- DRY bread and prepared on a home kitchen panini press so the bread was crumbly, the rest of the sandwich was not even warm and the cheese was stone cold- it was awful.

Other items have been decent but this sandwich is a sine qua non for any "Cuban" quick spot (IMHO) and it was terrible.

[maplesugar]

DH had that soup this weekend and he loved it. I'd like to say I tried it too but unfortunately he had finished it off before I made it back from Blush Lane.

JM: Sorry to hear the Cubano was dry...that had to be rather unpleasant. Did you let the owner know?

[alley]

Haven't tried the Cubano: one would think given the name of the place it should have been something of a signature dish, so that's disappointing to hear...
I did try the chicken/rice dish last weekend. Tasty, not enough chicken, good rice, and the beans were great again.
Was still hungry so I had one of those schnitzel sandwiches at Margarita's - thanks for the recommendation on this thread, I agree they are one of the hilights of the market.

[maplesugar]

I was there Sunday and they were handing out samples of Ropa Vieja and I'd like to say I got a sample but DD wolfed it down before I got a chance. The girl is only 6 but she knows what she likes :)

I think the display in the cooler is their attempt at doing something with the cooler space...although as it stands now the shriveled sandwiches are a turn off. I'd like to see them put some sauces, dips or salads or anything fresh for eye appeal.

[alley]

Tried the Ropa Vieja last Saturday (shredded beef with tomato sauce, black beans, rice, some kind of root vegetable) very tasty, authentic. Agree the place doesn't look like much but I thought the food was tasty and the owner was friendly. This is the kind of place that we need more of in Calgary: hole-in-the-wall, family-owned, distinctive, cheap, and, well, a bit amateurish. I picked up his card for for catering might try it for an office party, see how it goes.

On another note: I don't understand what drives the huge number of people to hang out at the "Simple Simon's Pies" stand to get a free piece of "meat" pie (tasty tho they might be, there is precious little meat in their pies) or, worse, a taste of whatever the heck their "take it home and warm it up"meals are supposed to be (I admit to trying a couple of them, was not impressed). I appreciate that Simple Simon's seem to be doing well (otherwise they couldn't be giving away so much food for free), but what is that gets everybody so excited about a free spoon full of pastry and sauce?

[sweeterpea]

Yeah, I don't get it either. I've never been a fan of Simple Simon's but Mr. S gets possessed by some strange kind of Pavlovian response and runs over to the free samples like a rabid dog. I think because it's free?

The hand made pies near the middle of the market -- the name escapes me now -- I think it's called Jack Horner's? are far more superior.

[maplesugar]

I agree, Jack Horner's (I'm pretty sure that's the name...) is MUCH better than Simple Simon's...although neither are "heartsmart" hehe. JH is next to Rustic Bakery and Buttercream. The gentleman behind the counter is quite a nice guy, so much so I feel bad when I hit Rustic Bakery and skip his booth. :)

[Merry113]

It was pretty sad looking when I went by too. I decided to put off trying it and had the schnitzel on a bun per John Manzo's reccomendation instead. I may never eat anything else at the market ever again. The schnitzel is that good. :)

[John Manzo]

Oh, My. God. That schnitzel is AMAZING. If they have those perfect pan-fried potatoes get them on the side.

[yen]

Completely off topic, but I'd also like to stump for the borscht, the cabbage rolls, and more importantly, the blintzes at Margarita's. That is some good, good food, and very friendly service.

[maplesugar]

OT too (but vaguely related to the thread since it's about CFM hehe) +1 for the borcht and blintzes, the kids love their mac 'n cheese too :)

Margarita's sells borscht frozen (albeit in a styrofoam container) which is a fave in our house - particularly when I don't want to spend the time and energy making it myself.

[John Manzo]

I had the chicken w/ rice and beans and plaintain (or is it taro?)- flavours were very good- fantastic black beans in fact, rich in flavour and very Cuban. Not a bad deal either.

Signage is horrible- they have to do some marketing up front. Put some FOOD in those cases, not just dried-up "models."