Tag Archives: Cuban

BABALU BAKERY & RESTAURANT… “A Montana Avenue Locals’ Favorite!”

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We stopped for lunch at a corner restaurant in Santa Monica called Babalu. Our first impression was a good one. The establishment’s exterior motif displayed a Caribbean appeal with a Cuban flair. Bamboo and wooden blinds enhance the island feel, while inside the ambiance is continued. If you close your eyes for a moment once seated, you might almost believe that you aren’t on the mainland anymore…but on a tropical island with the wind blowing past you and bongo drums on hand to match the rhythm of the island atmosphere around you…

Bamboo ceilings, ceiling fans, tropical hues and an upbeat and eclectic decor inside the restaurant keep the carefree feeling flowing, while a friendly and courteous waitstaff attends to your requests.

On our last visit to Babalu, we weren’t quite sure what to select from their extensive array of available options. It all sounded so delicious. The interior was relaxing, the seats were comfortable, and the cuisine being served around us to other patrons appeared colorful and smelled amazing.

After perusing the menu for longer than we probably should have, we decided on a couple of entrees for lunch…

Turkey Burger

My husband selected the Turkey Burger, which was a blend of lightly spiced ground white turkey and bell pepper topped with fresh slices of avocado, grilled zucchini and fried leeks on a sesame Kaiser roll and slaw on the side. A choice of fries or a salad accompanied that, and it was all for just $11. This was a tender, expertly prepared and juicy turkey burger. One of the best we’ve tasted in a while. The sesame Kaiser roll used as a bun was soft and tasty and the slaw was crunchy and sweet with crisp, hot fries alongside.

Babalu Tacos With Roasted Vegetables

I chose the Babalu Tacos to enjoy. This dish comes with two soft shell flour tortillas stuffed with fresh avocado, Pico De Gallo, cheddar and jalapeno jack cheeses and crunchy lettuce and Napa cabbage. Black beans and a sensational pineapple-coconut rice is served on the side. I decided on the roasted vegetables to accompany my tacos for $11, however, you can instead add tender sliced chicken for $12, fish (Mahi Mahi) for $14 or grilled shrimp for $15.

Both choices were savory, enjoyable and we both agreed that we would order them again and recommend them to others. A terrific spot along charming Montana Avenue among an array of shops and eateries. Sometimes it can get confusing knowing where to go. Most times, it’s a good idea to eat where the locals do. Babalu falls into that category, because this is certainly a locals favorite!

Oh, and don’t forget that Babalu was selected as one of AOL’s ‘Top Ten of the City’s Best Desserts’! So don’t be shy to try a slice of one of the sumptuous sweet temptations before you leave. Or just order an entire creation to take home or give as a much-appreciated gift!

  • ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Fun Caribbean and Cuban feel with an island ambiance!
  • FOOD / DRINK: Fresh vegetables, ambrosial cuisine options and refreshing presentations.
  • LOCATION: Babalu is located at 1002 Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, CA 90403.
  • HOURS: Open for breakfast from 8 AM – 11:30 AM Saturdays and Sundays, brunch from 11:30 AM – 5 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, lunch from 11 AM – 5 M Monday through Fridays then for dinner 5 PM – 10 PM on Sundays through Thursdays and again from 5 PM – 11 PM for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays, there are many options of times during the day in which you can enjoy Babalu’s fine offerings. (Closing hours sometimes vary, so just call ahead is you’re planning a late bite!)
  • SERVICE / STAFF: We encountered friendly efficient service and witnessed the same being offered to customers around us.
  • PRICE / VALUE: $11 for each of our entrees at lunch? For the quality of the food provided and the casual, yet Caribbean ambiance, we were not at all disappointed.
  • CORKAGE FEE:$15 per 750ml bottle.
  • PARKING: Metered street parking is available along Montana Avenue as well as nearby side streets.
  • TOTAL BILL: Our final bill came in just over $30 for a couple of drinks, the Turkey burger and the Babalu Tacos with roasted vegetables.

Babalu on Urbanspoon

Babalu Restaurant Reviews

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

VERSAILLES CUBAN RESTAURANT… “Authentic Cuban Cuisine in the Heart of Miami!”

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Accompanying my husband on a business trip he took to Miami FL, I mentioned that I was very interested in experiencing authentic Cuban food. I had never experienced truly authentic Cuban food before. Having been to Miami in the past, he suggested we stop in at Versailles. The restaurant has been dishing up fine Cuban cuisine for nearly forty years. And they do not plan to be slowing down anytime soon. Positioned in the center of Miami’s Cuban community, and having become a symbol of accomplishment and integrity, this iconic family-owned establishment offers so much more than just a great cup of Cuban coffee. It was also fun to watch my husband order and converse with our waiter in Spanish! I love it when he does that, and seemingly, so did our waiter!

What better way to start our lunch at this popular Cuban establishment than with a couple of classic Mojitos? They were perfectly cold, minty and incredibly refreshing. In fact, we ordered two more to be brought out to us with our meals. This location seats up to 400 guests, which would explain their more than ample parking areas surrounding the eatery. Our waiter told us the restaurant and its three parking lots take up an entire block in Little Havanah! We were definitely in the right place for Cuban cuisine.

Refreshing Mojitos

As we perused the menu for a minute, fresh bread from the in-house bakery arrived at our table. You may say, “Well…it’s just bread!” But it wasn’t at all ‘just bread’. It was beautiful to observe, artistic in design and nearly melted in our mouths when eaten. Slathered with a garlic olive oil after being removed from the oven, these crisp slices of perfectly bakes dough were really incredible and worth savoring slowly.

Versailles Bread Brushed With Garlic Olive Oil

I felt a bit perplexed at the multitude of items available on the menu. My husband noticed this and suggested two items. The first, a Cuban Sampler plate called, quite simply, The Classic. This dish was presented proudly by our waiter and included such fare as white rice and black beans, Picadillo (spiced ground beef), roast pork, sweet plantains, ham croquettes, yucca and a tamale. Definitely a hearty lunch. But very tasty.

The Classic

The second dish suggested was the Chicken Versailles. Grilled marinated chicken with a Cuban Mojo, Moros rice, sweet plantains and ham croquettes. The grilled chicken was tender and cooked to perfection. The Moros rice in the photo below is sort of a Cuban version of rice and beans. Found throughout the Carribbean and Brazil, it is compiled of onions, garlic, bell peppers, oregano and other flavorsome ingredients. The darkened color comes from the rice and the black beans being cooked together. It is also commonly called “congri” in Miami.

Chicken Versailles

To top off our enjoyable meal, my husband sipped on a cup of Cuban coffee. Our waiter laughingly called it “jet fuel”, and I discovered why after taking a sip of the powerful brew myself. It was a bit too strong for my taste, but then again, it is a type of espresso. I did, however, appreciate it’s potency. Cuban coffee originated in Cuba after espresso machines were first imported there from Italy. Drinking this type of coffee is known widely as a cultural and social activity within Cuba, South Florida and the Florida Keys. It’s a strong, yet memorable cup of joe!

Versailles Cuban Coffee

Noted as the “World’s Most Famous Cuban Restaurant”, the establishment also offers fresh-baked items at a walk-up service window outside that’s terrifically convenient for a quick cup of Cuban coffee and a few pastries from the in-house bakery. On your next trip to Miami, stop by Versailles. Even if you don’t have time for lunch, grab a cup of joe and some scrumptious bakery items such as their empanadas, pastries, their popular Tres Leches, or just a little something sweet to take on the plane ride home with you!

  • ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Towering floor-to-ceiling mirrors, classic feel inside, green and white checkered tiled flooring, dark green borders and panel highlights throughout the restaurant, varied seating areas, and LOTS of customers at all hours of the day.
  • FOOD / DRINK: Quality Cuban cuisine that is flavorsome and authentic.
  • LOCATION: Versailles is located at 3555 Southwest 8th Street in Miami FL 33135-4196.
  • HOURS: Open Monday through Thursday from 8 AM – 2 AM, Fridays from 8 AM – 3:30 AM, Saturdays from 8 AM – 4:30 AM, and on Sundays from 9 Am – 2 AM.
  • SERVICE / STAFF: Professional and punctual, helpful and entertaining.
  • PRICE / VALUE: Reasonably priced for what you will get at Versailles of Miami.
  • CORKAGE FEE: No outside bottles allowed at Versailles.
  • PARKING: There is more than ample parking with three separate lots, making the entire property the size of an entire neighborhood block!
  • TOTAL BILL: Four Mojitos, one Cuban Sampler (The Classic), the Chicken Versailles and a cup of Cuban coffee came in under $40, which was extremely reasonable in our opinion considering the quality and portion size of the food ordered.

Versailles on Urbanspoon Versailles Restaurant on Restaurantica

Versailles Restaurant Restaurant Reviews

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.