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Reviews by Rachael
by Rachael Bellanca
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Cuba Cuba
Summer may have come in like a lamb this year, but the sudden heat waves that have hit high into the 90’s, suggest it’s more like a lion. Weather like this, screams for nothing more than a shaded patio alongside a light dinner and a cool cocktail.
Being out of work, I have nothing but time to indulge in these life-quenching moments. However, due to lack of funds, I’ve found my indulgent dining moments to be nothing more than crashing a friend’s backyard barbeque. I contribute whatever I can salvage from my kitchen freezer, making me the not-so-etiquette-savvy guest. After a good month of this behavior, a friend invited me to Cuba Cuba. I immediately worried that I would spend money I didn’t have there, and hesitated. After a little encouraging, I was sitting on the beautiful patio at Cuba Cuba, pleased with myself that I had obliged. The patio is small and eclectic with soft pastel-colored tables and chairs and twinkling lights hanging whimsically. Situated on the corner of Cherokee and 12th, the ambiance is so captivating, you’d have no idea you’re in the heart of Denver. At Cuba Cuba you really feel as though you are dining somewhere in the Caribbean. The restaurant offers something for everyone. For those individuals on an endless budget ordering three courses is an option. Choose from spectacular sounding entrees like the chimichurri encrusted flat iron steak, or the Cuban-style roasted pork sandwich. I opted for the affordable appetizers, and tried the "Tuna and Sandia Escabache,” ($9) plantain crusted slices of tuna served over watermelon-ginger escabeche. It was perfectly crisp on the outside and tender and rare on the inside. I also had the build-your-own-bite appetizer of “Arepas Y Ropa Vieja.” ($7) It is made of tender shredded beef creole, served in a side dish with sweet crisp corn cakes to accompany, and topped with queso fresco & adobo salsa. I paired my appetizers with a perfectly refreshing coconut mojito. ($8) Full and satisfied, it was an affordable delicious meal, alongside good company and great ambiance. After sipping on more than one coconut mojito, the icing on the cake was the absence of a hangover. Cuba Cuba makes their mojitos with coconut water, which has electrolytes. As you drink, you hydrate. Perfect.
Cuba Cuba
1173 Delaware Street
Denver, CO 80204
Dinner Mon-Sat
303-605-2822
www.cubacubacafe.com
Past reviews
June
April
March
February
January
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Rachael Bellanca
Denver Restaurant Reviewer |
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Born and raised in
Buffalo, NY, Rachael moved to Denver in 2003 shortly after
obtaining a hard-earned Journalism degree from Buffalo State
College. As an avid lover of food and wine she spends most of
her time serving Denver’s finest “foodies” at a classic Cherry
Creek restaurant. Rachael took interest in writing for Gabby in
early 2009. Her previous writing experience focused mainly on
the local Buffalo scene, while also writing reviews for albums
and live shows. Rachael enjoys first and foremost, dining out
and drinking wine, as well as cooking new recipes at home,
writing, reading, live music, karaoke, yoga, snowboarding,
mountain biking, running, hiking and as of late, romping around
on her Honda Ruckus scooter. She resides at her small, cozy
apartment in West Wash Park with her pet cat, Smokey.
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