This edition of Excited about Eating takes us to southwest Charlotte and to A Piece of Havana. Growing up in Tampa, I have had the opportunity to eat at some authentic Cuban restaurants, but since moving to North Carolina, it has been difficult finding  Cuban food. For the most part, they fall short of my expectations.

Located in an out-building of a shopping center. Plenty of parking. 🙂

Dora here. With so few Spanish restaurants in the Charlotte area, we were surprised to find the place empty. This is what it looked like on a Sunday around 11:30, but during our meal, people started rolling in. We just tend to be earlybirds. 🙂

Empty on a Sunday at 11:30. We tend to be earlybirds. 🙂

For an appetizer, we chose the Caribbean Calamari, breaded, deep fried and served with a dipping sauce. The calamari was plentiful, good, fried crispy, (maybe too crispy) and worked well with the dipping sauce. Dora here. Dry and brittle for me, but hubby cleaned the plate, so…

Calamari

For my meal, I chose one of my favorite Cuban specialties, Fried Pork chunks slow cooked in Mojo sauce then deep fried and topped with sautéed onions. The pork chunks were great, fried perfectly and mixed well with the Mojo sauce and sautéed onions although more mojo sauce would have been great. The plantains (banana family) were firm, just as I remembered them, and the fried yuca was cut into larger pieces than I prefer.

Dora here. After living in Tampa for so long and loving Spanish food, I admit being a little disappointed upon first glimpse of the Palomilla Steak (Bistec de Palomilla). Pounded super thin and unbreaded, I could’ve done without the chimichurri sauce. I don’t believe it added anything and actually detracted from the presentation. What do you think? 

Palomilla Steak – I could’ve done without the Chimichurri sauce

Still Dora. Service was quick and the place was spotless. If we make it back (it’s a long drive), I will order something different to avoid comparing A Piece of Havana with all our favorite haunts in Florida. The meal ended on a high note. 🙂

Cafe con Leche (Cuban coffee with milk)

What drink would you relax with after your meal?

 We would rate this restaurant 3.5 forks out of 5 for a family restaurant serving very good food.