By AMANDA FLEMINGER
As one resides in a tourist based city, he may rather local eateries rather than sitting amongst tourists in a restaurant on International Drive However, locals do not want to miss the authentic Latino dishes of Cuba Libre, at Pointe Orlando.
Cuba Libre is an upscale restaurant with prices ranging from $16-$31 for a main entrée. Although $31 may be pricey for a single entrée, one’s taste buds will greatly appreciate the splurge once in awhile. Cuba Libre offers authentic Cuban dishes that cannot be found anywhere else in Orlando.
The wait staff is extremely attentive, constantly checking with tables to ensure customers are enjoying their stay as well as making sure one is never without a drink by his side. Servers also understand one might lack knowledge of the Latino culture and is willing to explain and pronounce the dishes.
If one cannot make up his mind to what he wants to order, or is not used to Cuban foods, ordering the 15 Tastes of Cuba ($39) is recommended. The 15 Tastes of Cuba offers a variety from each section of the dinner menu including six appetizers, three main entrées and two desserts.
Their complementary Pressed Cuban Bread and Mango Butter is a great start to the dinner as it melts on one’s mouth. Don’t mistake this bread for Cuban bread at Publix, it is far from that. The bread is nicely pressed and toasted and the addition of the butter adds a sweet cinnamon taste.
If one is contemplating between an assortment of dishes but does not want the 15 Tastes of Cuba, but rather one large dish, the Churrasco a la Cubana ($26.50) is a delicious choice. This dish offers a tender, juicy steak seasoned with parsley lemon and onion sauce, topped with mashed potatoes and a side of a mushroom salad. The Arroz con Pollo ($20) is another choice one cannot go wrong with. It is the traditional rice and chicken most Latino’s indulge in. The rice is made to perfection, no stickiness here, and tastes as if it came right from the kitchen of one’s home. The dish comes with a side of vegetables as well as a grilled pepper, asparagus and red onion salad.
As one sits and munches on his choice of entrée, he can enjoy traditional Latin music, from classical to modern, to emphasize the theme of the restaurant and the Cuban culture.
To end the night right, an order of Arroz con Leche ($8) will do the job. This authentic Cuban rice pudding is rich and creamy with pieces of rice within it. The sweetness of it wishes one had a never ending supply of this dessert.
The Latino ambiance helps one connect with the culture and ensures one will not be disappointed with his choice of dining. Although one may risk being around the tourists of Orlando, trading this restaurant for another is a shame.
Make sure to eat one of their delicious entrées during their hours: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Visit their website, www.cubalibrerestaurant.com/Orlando, for their detailed menu and business information.