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We are having the same problem here in Charlotte. There are a few "Cuban" restaurants popping up, but if the cook is Mexican, I can tell the difference. They don't use the right spices, and last time I check, Cuban food was not spicy hot. Needless to say, I rather stick to my own carne con papas and my partner's vaca frita.
I'll have to give some of these places a closer look. It's been a long time since I was able to find some decent PR food. Nothing like some nice local rellenos de papas, empanadillas de carne, and alcapurria... just like grandma used to make haha.
Oakwood is definitely the real thing. Strange location but it's a small family run restaurant. Mom and Dad man the kitchen, daughters handle the tables. They have a good selection of Argentine wines (sometimes a real gem) without the usual rip-off mark-up.
Went to tropical picken chicken in Wake Forest yesterday.It's excellent.Owner is Cuban,wife is Dominican,and the food is authentic.Had 1/4 chicken with sweet plantains and yellow rice/peas.Casual,plastic fork and knife type of place.Spotless clean.Highly recommended.Next I will try the cuban sandwich,with some black beans/rice on the side.Can't wait.
Havana Grill is owned by a Cuban family from Miami. I haven't been there in a while, and I'm jonesing for a croqueta preparada. I went there for lunch shortly after they opened and was happy with the items I ordered. I am not Cuban, but I'm from Miami, so my standards are pretty high.
Oakwood Cafe is also good. The menu has a variety of cultural options.
I'll have to check out Carribbean!
I'd really like to find a good Jamaican place, too. Definitely miss that from home, too.
If you are looking for authentic Cuban food in the Triangle, you are going to be dissapointed. My wife is Cuban. I've eaten some great home-cooked Cuban food, eaten at wonderful restaurants in Miami, and not quite as good ones in NJ. There are no restaurants in this area that come anywhere close to mediocre ones found in places with a largish Cuban population.
That doesn't mean you can't find good food which claims to be Cuban, but strikes me as more of a Latin-fusion kind of meal. For good Cuban food, though, I think you will need to get your fix at home or when you travel.
You all are making me hungry. I miss good Latin food. I'll have to try out some of these places mentioned here just for a bit of a fix. I make a pretty good rice and beans and tostones, though!
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