We wanted light bite and had decided to enjoy the perfect summer evening weather and walk to the Tea Lounge on Union. Across from the Food Coop, we've been wanting to pop into the spacious cafe for a snack and a beverage for a while now. Our first night actually making it in, and the whole place smelled so strongly of mildew that we didn't even get to look at the chalkboard menu before turning around and heading out. I've heard this is a place to try, but I'm sorry. If there's enough mold to smell it in the doorway, it's just not healthy to eat there. I hope it's just a temporary problem that they are already addressing, because it would be scary to think that the management was just used to it or something.
We continued our walk up 5th avenue and then over to 7th, and decided to give Cubana Cafe a try. They have another location on Carroll Gardens. Super casual and very comfy with upbeat music, this was a good choice for a Monday night.
Even though we skipped that section of the menu, they serve breakfast all day, so don't rule this place out if you're in the mood for egg-based sustenance in the middle of the night.
We were immediately served plantain chips topped with a medium tomato salsa and a puréed cilantro and lime sauce, along with a wine-bottle of chilled water. Refreshing and a considerate way to start us out.
My lovely companion was still looking for a small bite, and ordered the chicken quesadilla with avocado and tomato. Tender white chicken was folded into two small flour tortillas and stuffed with fresh green avocado, tomatoes and spicy sauce. Cold chickpea salad was served on the side, and the whole thing was exactly right.
I tried one of my favorite classic dishes, Ropa Vieja. The "old rags" of beef were stewed until tender with LOTS of garlic, along with peppers and green olives. Yellow rice and dark red beans accompanied it, and both were great vehicles for the delicious broth. This dish is probably two pounds of food, altogether, so be prepared to be stuffed or have leftovers.
The lighting is extremely dim in this little cafe, so I didn't take any photos this time, (I don't like having the flash go off on my iphone and hadn't brought the real camera,) but their flash-running website has pictures so go over and take a look if you're not on an Apple portable device.
-SdJ
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