Spring Break
Authentic Cuban cuisine at Alma
By: April Sica
Issue date: 7/13/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Originally published: 7/12/07 at 11:58 PM EST
Last update: 7/12/07 at 11:57 PM EST
Originally published: 7/12/07 at 11:58 PM EST
Last update: 7/12/07 at 11:57 PM EST
This Week: Alma de Cuba
1623 Walnut Street
(215) 988-1799
It's pretty hard to find a restaurant that can match up to the quality of a home-cooked Cuban dinner. Alma de Cuba has captured the authentic tradition of Cuban cuisine and made it their own. It only takes one bite to feel like I'm a young girl, back in Abuela's kitchen.
The Havana style restaurant has perfectly blended the true essence of Cuba with a modern twist. The dining area is divided into three floors, each one creatively decorated. The walls tastefully depict various Cuban images to give the restaurant an authentic appeal. Dining is very enjoyable in the comfortable seating with its dimmed lighting and dramatic charm.
Alma's outstanding service is noticeable right as you walk through the door. The cheerful hostess seated us immediately on the first floor. Though you can occasionally get away with immediate seating on a Saturday night, I'd recommend making reservations beforehand as it can be very busy, especially on weekends. Soon after being seated, our waiter greeted us with a list of the chef's creative specials for the evening.
We started our dinner off by ordering the chef's appetizer special of Lobster and Crab Churros. This wonderful combination of sweet and savory flavors was served with a Garlic Dulce de Leche sauce. There is nothing more satisfying than a brilliant combination of sweet and salty elements to create a unified taste. After the appetizer is served, the waiter brings Alma's signature bread to the table. Two unique rolls, made with Yucca flour, are served with a Chimichurri sauce, an Argentinean pesto. This bread is like no other I have ever had. Even in the bread, the chef maintains the Cuban authenticity by using ingredients very common to the Cuban dinner table. For my entrée, I ordered Vaca Frita, which means fried cow. This traditional Cuban skirt steak was cooked perfectly and served with white rice, black beans, and avocado, all of which are very often found cooking in a Cuban kitchen. With a side of fried sweet plantains, my dinner was complete. This meal reminds me of the dinners I had growing up at home with my Cuban family. Though improvised with new flavors and intentional plating styles, the food maintained its genuine Cuban flair. The dessert menu contains many traditional selections such as Flan and Tres Leche cake. Our waiter recommended the restaurant's signature dessert, the Chocolate Cigar. This award winning chocolate almond cake is made to look like an authentic Cuban cigar even with Alma's own label. The cake is served with a scoop of Dulce de Leche ice cream and an edible sugar matchbook which is lit when served at your table. My Cuban dinner was absolutely flawless throughout.
1623 Walnut Street
(215) 988-1799
It's pretty hard to find a restaurant that can match up to the quality of a home-cooked Cuban dinner. Alma de Cuba has captured the authentic tradition of Cuban cuisine and made it their own. It only takes one bite to feel like I'm a young girl, back in Abuela's kitchen.
The Havana style restaurant has perfectly blended the true essence of Cuba with a modern twist. The dining area is divided into three floors, each one creatively decorated. The walls tastefully depict various Cuban images to give the restaurant an authentic appeal. Dining is very enjoyable in the comfortable seating with its dimmed lighting and dramatic charm.
Alma's outstanding service is noticeable right as you walk through the door. The cheerful hostess seated us immediately on the first floor. Though you can occasionally get away with immediate seating on a Saturday night, I'd recommend making reservations beforehand as it can be very busy, especially on weekends. Soon after being seated, our waiter greeted us with a list of the chef's creative specials for the evening.
We started our dinner off by ordering the chef's appetizer special of Lobster and Crab Churros. This wonderful combination of sweet and savory flavors was served with a Garlic Dulce de Leche sauce. There is nothing more satisfying than a brilliant combination of sweet and salty elements to create a unified taste. After the appetizer is served, the waiter brings Alma's signature bread to the table. Two unique rolls, made with Yucca flour, are served with a Chimichurri sauce, an Argentinean pesto. This bread is like no other I have ever had. Even in the bread, the chef maintains the Cuban authenticity by using ingredients very common to the Cuban dinner table. For my entrée, I ordered Vaca Frita, which means fried cow. This traditional Cuban skirt steak was cooked perfectly and served with white rice, black beans, and avocado, all of which are very often found cooking in a Cuban kitchen. With a side of fried sweet plantains, my dinner was complete. This meal reminds me of the dinners I had growing up at home with my Cuban family. Though improvised with new flavors and intentional plating styles, the food maintained its genuine Cuban flair. The dessert menu contains many traditional selections such as Flan and Tres Leche cake. Our waiter recommended the restaurant's signature dessert, the Chocolate Cigar. This award winning chocolate almond cake is made to look like an authentic Cuban cigar even with Alma's own label. The cake is served with a scoop of Dulce de Leche ice cream and an edible sugar matchbook which is lit when served at your table. My Cuban dinner was absolutely flawless throughout.
Belkis
posted 7/13/07 @ 12:42 PM EST
Great Review! I have dined at Alma. I certainly agree!!! Mama-Belle