Mimita’s Cuban Café Brings Traditional Dishes and Original Plates to the Table

By admin May 6, 2014 19:38

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By: Jessica Danielle Ramirez

Spanish and African inspiration is what customers will find when dining at Mimita’s Cuban Café.

Named “the best Cuban food” around town, the café combines traditional recipes from past generations and Cuban dishes with a twist.

From the mural on the wall that highlights the Cuban culture down to the bite of a Croqueta, the dining experience is unique. Those who may be unfamiliar with the food will have a taste of the culture, and those who grew up with the beloved cuisine will be able to enjoy the comfort of it.

“We try to make the dishes that are most familiar to Cuban cuisine,” said owner Barbara Dominguez, “what I have on my menu is what everybody would eat on a regular basis.”

Dominguez knew she wanted to replicate a relaxing atmosphere where customers would feel as though they were at home.

“Similar to being in Florida, people want to play dominoes and chat,” she said.

This is why Dominguez had the idea of creating a restaurant where customers could experience the authentic food and socialize with one another.

Similar to Mexican food, many dishes come with a side of beans.

“We serve a variety a beans, from garbanzo to red or black beans,” she said.

Pollo deshebrado is one dish customers will not find anywhere else. It is not a typical Cuban dish, but a dish invented by Dominguez herself. This special dish includes shredded

chicken sautéed with garlic, onion and bell peppers. The original plate is not spicy, but it is familiar to many.

“I made it to accommodate the Americans or somebody that is venturing into a different culture,” she said.

At the café, customers are guaranteed an authentic cup of Cuban coffee. The coffee is more like a strong and very sweet espresso. For those who are not coffee drinkers, the exotic fruit smoothies are an experience in it of themselves.

“The mamey is a traditional Cuban drink. It is very creamy and sweet,” Dominguez explained.

Along with the drinks, the dessert menu is hard to miss. The bunuelos cubanos are a must-try. Served in threes, the circular delights are not too sweet, but the texture is doughy and made of yuca topped with anis syrup and powdered sugar.

As Mimita’s Cuban café continues to bring the Havana flavors to the East Valley, customers can expect original and traditional meals along with the cherished Cuban songs playing in the eatery.

Mimita’s Cuban Café