Classic Cuban Sirloin

Mango Caipirinha
at Habana Room

This particular day my friend and I had a craving for Latin food. In my mind, what better Latin cuisine than Cuban delicacies. We went to a Cuban restaurant I recently discovered, to enjoy their Latin cuisine. The ambiance was very lovely with a small band playing Cuban music. After we were taken to our seat, I began my meal with a  delicious cocktail called, "Mango Caipirinha" (pictured to the right). The taste was a perfect blend of a Cuban mojito with a mango flavor. It was served in a goblet with a slice of lime for garnish. What I tasted was a perfect combination of mint leaves and lime juice. I loved the hint of sugarcane rum and the almond extract for flavoring. This  cocktail was definitely like liquid heaven in my mouth. The best cocktail I've ever had (I don't say that often), a prelude to a wonderful tasting adventure.

Chicken and Beef Empanada (above)

For starters, we decided on Chicken and Beef Empanadas, . We have all had our fair share of Jamaican patties, pastelitos or turnovers, but these empanadas are in a category of their own. They were absolutely divine; everything you'd expect from good homemade empanadas, with an even ratio of meat to crust. The filling was perfectly seasoned with just enough spices to bring out the flavors that we carnivores love. And yes, did we
                                                          love.

Encebollado "Cuban style Sirloin Steak"
at Habana Room

(Cuban Sirloin, caramelized onions, & chimichurri sauce)

For my entree, I decided on a Cuban classic called, "Encebollado", a Cuban style Sirloin Steak, with caramelized onions, and topped with a little chimichurri. The meal is served with two sides - I decided on white rice with black beans and sweet plantains. The first mouthful was pleasantly delightful. The sirloin had a nice balance of spices and acidity; the chimichurri was a beautiful touch. I loved the slight crunch the caramelized onions still had and "boy, was there a lot of flavor!". The rice was cooked to perfection and the black beans had a hint of basil, which was a tasty compliment to the meal. I must say that I really enjoyed this dish. I can't wait to try their other signature dishes!!
In the words of the Terminator, "I'll be back".

Why I love this blog?

This blog was created equal, but I cannot say the same for the food that we eat. I created this blog because I often talk about what I eat and get real excited about it. After a long thought for a suitable name, there you have it, "Food for Your Palate". Due to my love for food and eating all things yummy, I have learned to enjoy what I eat. Not just for the sake of sustaining my mere existence but also for the pleasure of my palate - that often forgotten crevice at the roof of our mouths. This blog is dear to me, I absolutely enjoy writing and why not about food. I want to share my experiences with you and I encourage you to share your food escapades with me. Feel free to post links or even make suggestions for places for me to eat. I am eager to hear how much you have learned to appreciate food, flavors that you identify, and any other little impact that reading this blog has had on you. I look forward to reading how you explored your palate. So, I say, "Get out there and taste!!".