Kasalta
Café Con Leche
Baccala Croquetta
Mallorca – Ham, Swiss Cheese
Almond Pudding
Quesito
Guava Cheese Danish
Key Lime Pie
Tres Leches Cake
Famous long before Barack Obama’s visit, during his only Presidential trip to the Island, Kasalta continues to do big business amidst pandemic precautions, social distancing and Plexiglas dividers doing little to dissuade locals and tourists traveling out to Ocean Park from 6:00am until 10:00pm daily.
Located at 1966 Calle McLeary, a largely residential stretch of road seemingly miles from Spring Breakers and Pineapple Pina Coladas, it is after a brief wait that guests are granted entrance and a choice of two lines, the furthest for ordering Soups, Sandwiches and Entrees while another allows expedited ordering of Pastries from a bevy of glass cases.
Known for Puerto Rican favorites, with Spanish and Cuban influence also evident, diners are encouraged to peruse options before queuing, the number of choices easily surpassing one-hundred and many of the baked or fried goods unlabeled.
Fair priced and fast paced, orders from each line followed by a brief wait as Food is prepared fresh, do not skip on some of Puerto Rico’s best Coffee, piping hot with Milk pairing well with a beautifully caramelized Quesito and the world-famous Mallorca that comes loaded with good Ham and melted Swiss on housemade Sweet Bread.
Next taking a look at fried Foods, Alcapurrias tempting but losing out to creamy Cod Fritters, suffice it to say that Almond Pudding is one of Kasalta’s under-discussed gems while the individual Key Lime Pie deserves praise for balancing sweet and tart with toasted Coconut added for texture.
As casual as it is crowded, young families and octogenarians sharing a space that is bustling but relaxed, fans of Guava will find no less than six options featuring fresh made puree, though much as one may want to overindulge it is more important to save room for a slice of Tres Leches Cake that is wet but not sopping and sweet without tasting overly sugary.
www.kasalta.com