From Havana To You

February 21st, 2008 · 1 Comment

**This place has closed.**

There’s been a lot of rave for this one since it opened less than a year ago. A mom-and-pop joint from a Cuban-Florida transplant, the wife cooks, the husband hosts, while their cute little girl entertains. She is so cute you can’t say no when she offers you her jelly beans. It’s literally like going to your parents’ place for dinner — homecooked meals, family atmosphere.

I came in for lunch ravenous. So I started off with a Chicken Empanada. I love empanadas. I grew up eating all kinds of empanadas from all over the world — baked, fried, beefy, meaty, flaky, crunchy. Here in Atlanta (and beyond), I’ve tried them all: Asian, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Cuban, Mexican, name it, I’ve tried it. So I was ecstatic to see empanadas on the menu.

Their version of fried pie is absolutely delicious. The thin crust has just the right amount of flakiness. It was filled with lots of seasoned chicken. No fillers. Just tender chicken meat sauteed in spices. Best of all, it wasn’t greasy at all. It’s a perfect snack or appetizer.

The extensive menu boasts of the usual Cuban sandwiches as well as a wide selection of appetizers, sides, salads, and entrees. I was in the mood for pork so I ordered the Grilled Porkchop plate. I knew it wasn’t going to be the usual ordinary grilled porkchops and I was right. What came before me was the best Cuban meal I’ve had outside of Miami. The thin, flattened porkchop was grilled to perfection, drizzled with the most amazing sweetish-salty sauce, then topped with sauteed sliced onions. It was tender and flavorful. My huge plate came with a small side salad, fried sweet plantains, rice, and a cup of black beans. The sweet plantains had just enough ripeness, not at all mushy, and naturally sweet. It makes for a great dessert, actually. While I was never a beans person (ok, I admit, I ~~hate~~ don’t like all kinds of beans), I demolished the cup of beans up to the last drop. Believe me, it was that good. I was even surprised at myself for having finished it. For finishing everything on my plate!

The trek up 400 in Forsyth county is worth the trip. The food and service will not disappoint you. In fact, you’d be coming back. Again and again.

Insider tip:
Portions are huge. Save room for dessert. The flan is delicious!

Entrees range from $8.95 to $15.95 while sandwiches average $6. Empanadas are $1.50 each.

The scoop:
From Havana To you
6300 Highway 9 • Alpharetta, GA 30004
Phone: (770) 475-7344