Soul de Cuba Cafe

New Haven, CT is known not only for having one of the best Universities in the World but also by its great food options. Most people outside the United States have the notion that Americans eat only hotdogs and hamburgers. They could not be more wrong. Even though one cannot describe in detail what "american cuisine" is (in the sense that the most iconic "american" dishes were brought in during colonial times), the United States offers a bite of every corner of the World, from a more "authentic" approach to all kinds of fusions. 

In New Haven county, for example, one can find Japanese, Thai, Indian, Ethiopian, Spanish, Greek, Portuguese, French, Chinese, or Cuban restaurants. There is also a variety of burger , pizza, or chicken wings places, most of them really good. New Haven is, therefore, a good place for a person that enjoys good food.

Today I will share with you my experience in one of my favorite places in town: Soul de Cuba Cafe. The name says it all. This is a Cuban restaurant which primary goal is to promote and preserve afro-cuban culture through sharing african and cuban food and art. This place has a great story behind it and, although this post is not the right place to share it, I must tell you that it is worth reading. You can read it here.

The space is super small but it feels warm, relaxing... homey! There are lots of old family pictures on the walls and a TV showing cuban sites. The ambiance is always filled with Caribbean music. The staff is supper friendly and efficient and the food... oh heavens... the food is absolutely amazing. Everything I have tried so far was delicious; full of flavor, very well seasoned and cooked. All meat dishes are wonderful, especially their ox tail stew and the picadillo. The sandwiches are, also, very good. 

This last time, my husband and I shared three dishes for late lunch, on a hot Saturday. 

We started with a refreshing mojito and the Tapa Sampler. This appetizer consists of a big board with the restaurant's favorite tapas - jamón serrano, chorizo, salami, manchego cheese, manzanilla olives, roasted peppers and garlic, garbanzo (chickpeas) frito, roasted red pepper hummus with crostini. It is enough for 3 or 4 people but we managed to knock it down! That is how good it was. The great surprise of this assortment is, without a doubt, the fried chickpeas. They are crunchy on the outside but tender on the inside and the crust as a little bit of spice that adds an amazing little "kick". I loved it!

To freshen up things a little bit, we add another appetizer. This time shrimp and scallop ceviche. Very good, too. A perfect balance between freshness, acidity, and sweetness. So beautifully done that I felt I could spend the all day there eating ceviche. 

For last, we ordered the Ensalata del mar (Sea Salad) made of flaky red snapper filet, shrimp, scallops, crispy fried calamares and white anchovies, everything laid on a bed of romaine lettuce tossed in house made spicy mojo ceasar dressing. Delicious, delicious, delicious! However, the red snapper does not fit in the class of delicious. It has to be put on the divine level! Really... I haven't eaten a fish fillet this well cooked for a very long time. It was super flavorful, citrusy, juicy and so perfectly cooked that it melted in the mouth. Heavenly! Unfortunately, the lettuce was not at the same level. They should try to use better lettuce in this salad!

Soul de Cuba is, definitely, one of my favorite places of all. Not only in New Haven but of all places I have eaten in (in its price range, of course!). I don't think I would rule out anything from their menu and that has to mean something, don't you think? The staff is very polite and efficient and, along with the Caribbean ambiance, make you feel at home. This is a place you must not miss if you happen to be in New Haven (or in Honolulu! They are there, as well!). Beautiful place, great staff and amazing food. Would you call this a rewarding meal? I can assure you that it is a very rewarding meal.

Bon Appetit!!