The
Cuban, Chalk Farm Road, London NW1
Niki
Ververelli & Christina
Karamatsoukas are visiting American students from Drexel University, Philadelphia.
While in London they have been taking a course in culinary arts and wine
appreciation. Here's what they thought of The Cuban in Chalk Farm.
Walking into this restaurant is quite
an experience. It is a massive location,
with high ceilings, fun paintings, great music, and an all over relaxed atmosphere. A
good friend of mine joined me for this meal and we were unsure of what to expect,
but we knew from the look of things that it would be interesting!
We sat down and took a quick look at the drinks menu. I was very impressed
by the originality of the drinks that were offered and could see myself
going back to The Cuban for drinks only. I ordered a Margarita while
my dining companion
ordered a Bellini, which was a blend of peaches and champagne. After sampling
both, we knew we had found quite a treasure here.
To start, we ordered a plate of the nachos. They came out quickly, and
still warm. We each tasted a zesty mix of flavors including spicy salsa,
creamy guacamole,
sour cream, and melted cheese. A perfect complement to our drinks and conversation!
The service was fantastic throughout the entire meal; our waiter was
very attentive and understanding. Our mains came out next and we were very excited to try
them. I ordered the Cuban chicken salad, which was strips of chicken which
had been grilled with spiced Cuban Rum, on top of a bed of mixed salad leaves,
plum tomatoes & finished off with garlic dough balls & Caesar dressing.
I asked them to hold off on the goat’s cheese, and even so, the blend was perfect.
I found that the Caesar dressing complemented the Cuban spices very well, and
as they mixed together, the dressing tasted better and better as I finished
my course.
My friend ordered the chargrilled chicken with garlic-mashed potatoes.
We both also shared a plate of the shrimp with honey, lime, and rum glaze.
They were
phenomenal. The glaze was thick and tasty enough to make you want to lick
your fingers after peeling the shrimp.
We also each ordered another drink. I ordered a traditional Mojito, while
my dining companion decided to try the Red Tower, which is made up with
strawberries, vodka, and cranberry juice. Both very good, but the Mojito
was much more my
choice of flavor and it was perfectly blended - I can see why it is a house
specialty.
I will go back to the Cuban in a heartbeat, it was a great restaurant,
with quick service and a spicy atmosphere with the drinks, the food,
the salsa music;
a great time indeed!
Drinks £2 – £12; Appetizers £4 – £9; Mains £10 – £28; Desserts £5 – £10
Niki
Ververelli, May 2006
The
Cuban, Chalk Farm Road,
Camden NW1 8AH
|
