By Irene Merenda

5575 A1A South #112, St Augustine, 904-295-3662

Some dear friends suggested we try this restaurant, as they had been there before and highly recommended it!  As it turns out, just as we suspected, our friends are not only dear, but also very smart!  If you like to try different ethnic foods, Paladar Cuban Eatery is definitely one for your list.  The restaurant opened earlier this year. It is small with only about 10 tables, located in a small strip mall south on A1A just past RedFrog & McToads. (To be reviewed at a later date perhaps) 

One orders and pays at a counter. Food (sandwiches wrapped in paper) and drinks are brought to your table by a server, calling out your name to locate you.  Obviously, not “elegant,” but the decor has a colorful Cuban feel and there are some beautiful murals of Cuban landscapes on the walls.

Our friends ordered bottled cerveza (beer) and red sangria which was filled with fruit and served in a medium sized carafe. 

Our lunch began with a shared sampler of empanadas with choice of fillings:  We tried meat, chicken and chopped shrimp and all were mildly spiced and delicious.  The dough was crisp and flaky.   Another option was spinach.  We also tried the croquettas (small rectangles of fried dough filled with ham  or chicken.)  These were very good, but a little bland for my taste.

Both gentleman in our party ordered “El Cubano” ($13.75), a traditional cuban sandwich with roasted ham, mojo marinated pork, swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on pressed cuban bread.  Both were happy with their choice and said they would order the same again.

Another friend ordered the Lechon Bowl  ($15) which included shredded pork, plantains, and black beans over rice.  It was a large portion of wonderful smells and delightful tastes.

Elena Ruth ($13.75) was my choice.  This is a cuban turkey sandwich, very different than any other turkey sandwich I’ve ever had.  And I have had many!  This one was roasted turkey, cream cheese and strawberry jam on a pressed brioche bun.  The jam with turkey reminded me a little of Thanksgiving turkey with cranberry sauce, but the sweet flavor of strawberry mixed with the cream cheese, was unique and delicious!

The breads at Paladar are as good as the filling they put in them.  They even make their own wonderfully garlicky, cheesy croutons for their Caesar salad.

We were all tempted to choose from their amazing and beautiful assortment of pastries (pastelitos, Basque cheesecake, arroz con leche to name a few), but we simply had no room.  I will go back on another day and share a sandwich, hoping that will POSSIBLY leave me some room for dessert.

Paladar is open Tuesday through Sundays for breakfast and lunch. (8:30-3:00)  They are closed on Mondays. 

5 spoonbills out of 5 for this adorable, new restaurant with interesting choices.