If You Can't Travel - Eat Authentic Food Locally!

 Last night to celebrate my Mom's birthday I took her out to Cuba Cuba Cafe and Bar in Denver, CO.  I had never tried it, but my good friend Carlyle suggested this wonderful restaurant and I will second her opinion that Cuba Cuba is a place in Denver that is not to be missed!

Unlike so many other restaurants offering ethnic cuisine, Cuba Cuba really  has a way of transporting you to Cuba from the moment you walk through the door of the small house, turned restaurant.  Everything from the music, to the decor, to the delicious food makes you feel as though you could be sipping mojitos in Camaguey or grabbing an authentic Cuban meal after a long day of site-seeing in Havana. 

The creole/Spanish/African fusion of music authentic to Cuba is impossible to miss and if you are so inclined, you could join in on one of the many bongo drums decorating the restaurant (ask permission first...).  The small house has been divided into multiple dining areas, complete with an outdoor patio, and each area is strategically decorated with vibrant colors and decor that instantly makes you dream of a Caribbean getaway.  And then there is the food...

The owner Kristy Socarras Bigelow was born to an "ultra-Cuban" family and decided to open the restaurant after not being able to find any authentic Cuban food in the city.  I am so happy she felt a need to satisfy her craving for her home and culture, and more excited that she decided to bring it to Denver!

The complete menu can be found on the Cuba Cuba website in case you need to tantalize your taste buds even more after hearing about our dinner last night.  I do realize that it seems as though we ate a lot of food...that is an accurate statement, but the portions are reasonable (as well as the price) and it is so good you won't want to stop eating!!


Appetizer (per Carlyle's suggestion):   
Mariquitas Cubana - plantain chips with avocado mash, a garlic oil dip and a mango habanero salsa

Salad:
Tropicana - mango, cucumber, tomato, queso fresco, mint, cilantro, tossed in a chili-lime vinaigrette 


Mom's Entree:
Mahi Pintado En Guarapo -  grilled mahi glazed with a citrus & sugarcane syrup served over plantain    and pork crackling mash



Leah's Entree: 
Vaca Frita - Mojo marinated flank steak, seared crispy, topped with sauteed onions, served with white rice, black beans and maduros (sweet plantains)


Dessert, after all it was a birthday celebration
???? - A french toast made with sugarcane syrup topped with mango sorbet and a chocolate drizzle

YUM YUM YUM!

So what is the lesson learned here?  Traveling can be expensive and sometimes we don't have the time or money to get away for a while, BUT that doesn't mean we can't experience other cultures!  When life calls for a vacation, don't worry about a long flight...just find a local, authentic restaurant that can provide you with one evening of mental transportation to somewhere amazing!  I am not suggesting you go to the closest Mexican establishment, despite how good the margs may be...
Look for something unique like a Cuban, German, Ethiopian, or Indian restaurant where you can try something new!

Food is one of the most rewarding and unique things about traveling anyway, and it is amazing what some music, decor, food and a little imagination can do to transport you to a different place for a quick, yet satisfying getaway!

Bon Appetit and Bon (Mental) Voyage!