(Credit: MikeAnthony Moffa)
The
Down Low: Copacabana Cuban Latin just became my favorite
Cuban restaurant in the Orlando
area. In fact, it's one of my favorite restaurants period. It's a bit hidden
next to an Albertsons in Apopka (across 436 from Wekiva Riverwalk), but it's a
gem I'm hoping many people soon discover.The Digs: I
just happen to notice Copacabana during a quick grocery-store pit stop on my
way home from Sweetwater and Wekiva; it's directly to the right of Albertsons,
but the grocery store obscures the restaurant's front from 436. There's some
tables out front under cover, and plenty of room to spread out inside in diner-style tables and chairs (nothing flashy), across from the glass displays that
showcase most of the fantastic food. It's really all about the food, which
Copacabana doles out in generous portions for just a few dollars.
The Delivery: My
guest and I were greeted by the gracious, super-friendly owner (originally from
Miami) who
rightly told us the best thing to do is let him point out foods. He made us
feel extremely at home, as he described the ingredients in the items he
recommended, and described the easy ins and outs of picking side items. Newcomers to Cuban and
Latin food will have no problems at all finding something to relish. Cuban food
aficionados will be in heaven. Sandwiches are made to order and lunch and
dinner prices are the same. All the mainstays are behind glass, fresh, and
ready to go in a second, from pollo asado (roasted chicken) to ropa vieja
(shredded beef). I only had time for takeout during my visit late one night,
but I stocked up enough selections for dinner and lunch the next
afternoon.
The Dish: All
main dishes come with two side items. I ordered pollo asado ($4.50), a succulent, perfectly cooked and seasoned
chicken breast with scrumptious mouth-watering yellow rice, and an ample
serving of the best yucca I've ever tasted. I said yes to adding the
addictive lime garlic mojo sauce, and boy was that a good choice.
That stuff is fantastic. If you select yellow rice as your side, you can also
get black beans (another good choice) added for no additional charge. My
guest couldn't resist the arroz imperial
($5.25), a popular, layered favorite, consisting of yellow rice, cheese, and
shredded seasoned chicken, made with lots of labor, and making for a fine
comfort food. Arroz imperial is the one entree that comes with a single side, and she selected the mainstay maduros, sweet plantains that put to shame
the frozen variety served at many Cuban restaurants in town. Usually I find these
too sweet, but Copacabana's were subtle and delightful.The
Cuban sandwich ($4.00) I ordered for
lunch the next day was a work of art. From the tasty fresh bread to the fresh
meats and mustard, I couldn't resist eating the entire sandwich in one go. four dollars later, I was more than full.The
food was so good, I knew the desserts were going to be special, and they didn't
disappoint. The slice of flan
($1.50) was perfectly sweet, the large tres
leches ($3.00) milk cake a rich fantasy, and the rice pudding ($1.50) spot on and excellent.It's
rare that I'm so impressed with every part of a meal. The Damage: The
meals at Copacabana are delicious feasts, for very low prices. Open at 7 a.m.,
they also serve breakfast each morning for $3.70 or $4.25. Five different
coffee choices (four of them Cuban) are only 65 cents to $1.40.
The Deduction: Whether
you love Cuban food or you're a first-timer, you're probably going to find
something to love at Copacabana. It's worth the short trip to find out. They
also do event catering for prices that can't be beat. The owner said business
has been slow, and I think part of it is that it's blocked by Albertsons. I'm
hoping word of mouth keeps the place going. Please spread the word if your
taste buds come away as impressed as mine or pass this article on to somebody
who lives closer.
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