Fine Repast traveled to Philadelphia for some fine dining and we found it at Alma de Cuba. Above is pictured a Mojito like you won’t find anywhere in Columbus. This Mojito is called El Jefe which means the boss. And this was definitely the Boss, made with 10 Cane rum, muddled mint, sugar, lime juice and bitters. A couple of these almost knocked me out for the count. Strong, punchy, flavorful, and that’s real sugar cane garnishing the drink. Muy bien hecho!

Empanada de Verde

We sampled numerous appetizers including the Empanada de Verde. This dish reminded a lot of vegetable samosas you’ll find at Indian restaurants. I’ll write more about the other appetizers we enjoyed soon so stay tuned.

Pictured above are the Royal Palm Dates (Almond-stuffed dates wrapped in bacon with cabrales blue cheese) and Kobe Beef Meatballs (Callampas mushroom sauce with piquillo vinaigrette). The Royal Palm Dates were succulent, flavorful and even juicy. Decadent might be the best way to describe them.

Chicken Curry Arepas

My main dish was the Chicken Curry Arepas. This was quite different from the Arepas that a Venezuelan friend of mine had described as a traditional Venezuelan Christmas dish, but it was still excellent. Alma de Cuba describes it as Pulled chicken, curry and sherry-soaked raisins served with a corn arepa and cucumber salad. Of the dishes we sampled the Vaca Frita was most intriguing. Stay tuned for more on Alma de Cuba soon.

[where: 1623 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103]

(215) 988-1799

[tags]alma de cuba, restaurant, fine dining, Philadelphia[/tags]