Cubanidad 1885
Ham and Cheese Empanada
Ropa Vieja and Plantain Empanada
Spinach and Cheese Empanada
Beef and Olive Empanada
Minced Ham and Bechamel Croquette
Chicken Croquette
Cod Fish Croquette
The 305 Miami Cuban Sandwich – Smoked Ham, Roasted Pork, Swiss Cheese, Pickle, Homemade Mustard Sauce, Cuban Bread
Sweet Plantain Maduros
Sweet Potato Mash Puré de Boniato, Chicharrones
Fried Yuca, Mojo
Sweet Coconut Pastelito
Guava and Cheese Pastelito
Tres Leches Cake
Homemade Flan
Dulce de Leche Cortada Receta Cubana
Turrón de Maní
Cabezotes de Capuchino
Now inhabiting the block south of Spring Mountain Road on Fort Apache since just before Memorial Day 2019, it was based on the strength of a two previous catering gigs that #supportlocal lunch was ordered from Cubanidad 1885, e-mails answered in a timely manner by Mark Snyder making catering for twenty-five simple while the portions that arrived were plentiful.
Dubbed “the Ybor Original,” locations in Tampa Bay as well as Miami highly regarded for the Cuisine of Chef Dennis Martinez Miranda, it was by one of the Restaurant’s own staff that several trays were delivered at a cost of $30, in this case utilizing EZCater at the request of an out-of-state speaker.
Packing everything in temperature-controlled containers, a fifteen minute drive to the office finding everything but Desserts and Sauces piping hot, it was with items unpacked that staff explored flavors novel yet familiar, several Hispanics quick to praise Empanadas packed with a variety of Filings such as Beef with Olives or Minced Ham and Cheese.
A locally-owned import, Chef Miranda’s Cuban upbringing and professional training in Venezuela followed by Miami yielding products with big flavors as well as proper technique, it is great fortune for fans of Brandade, Baccala or even “Fish Sticks” that Cubanidad’s Coquettes match the quality of those seen throughout southern Florida, the Plantain “Maduros” balancing sweet with sour while “Puré de Boniato” picked up taste and texture from a topping of Chicharrones.
Opting against roast Meats this time, but happy to tuck-into Pork or Chicken Croquettes, it was alongside Yuca Fries that Cubanidad 1885’s “305 Miami Cuban Sandwich” compared favorably to Medianoche from last time while Pastelitos in two flavors eat light, flakey and better than those at any local Panaderia thanks to Butter-laminated Pastry nearly bursting with sweetened Coconut or Guava Jam and Cream Cheese.
Not about to skip Dessert, housemade Flan darkened by nearly-burnt Sugar stunning at such a low cost, Tres Leches lacked the Frosting from April but still fared well, though it is not quite as delicious and unique as chilled Dulce de Leche Cortada, syrup-sweet Cuban Capuchinos or Peanut Turrón on par with some of the best in Spain.
N/A: Making it blog policy to not ‘rate’ places based on catering alone, Cubanidad puts on a very impressive display in terms of customer service and preparedness while the product served far outperforms the modest price point.
RECOMMENDED: Cod Fish Croquette, Minced Ham and Bechamel Croquette, Sweet Potato Mash Puré, Maduros, Ham and Cheese Empanada, Ropa Vieja and Plantain Empanada, The 305 Miami Cuban Sandwich, Flan, Guava and Cheese Pastelitio, Turrón de Maní, Cabezotes de Capuchino.
AVOID: Catering Order again came without serving utensils, a small detail but something to keep in mind.
TIP: Online Ordering available through all the usual suspects, but calling or e-mailing directly saves the Restaurant a lot of money and comes with free delivery within 5 miles for orders over $25.
WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.
www.cubanidad1885.com

