For our meals, we had a variety of things. One friend got the tostones rellenos which is listed as the appetizer, but she just got it for herself. It was a perfect size for a small meal. Tostones are smashed, twice-fried green plantains that become a crispy vehicle to top with fresh veggies and well-seasoned meat. She really enjoyed how perfect this dish was. Two friends ended up getting the shrimp dish camarones a ajillo, which was really beautiful in presentation as well. It was almost like a soup with the shrimp soaking in the broth. They found it very flavorful and very delicious. One of my Cuban patients actually referenced one of the beef dishes at La Bodeguita because she found it to be very authentic. Now, whenever someone from the respective country tells you that they find the dish authentic, you listen. The dish she was referencing is ropa vieja en lata. It comes to you in a can that they lift up to soak into the peppers and other vegetables.
As a vegetarian, I’ ve tried a few items on the menu. They have two specific dishes for vegetarians. One is very similar to a dish that you’ ve probably seen at Havana Rumba. It contains a spinach and cheese empanada, yucca, beans and rice, and fried plantains. The other option is a vegetarian tamale. If you’ re not inclined for those specific dishes, then they have some really interesting salad options. The crunchy tropical is a salad with mango, jicama, beets, malanga, chayote and a passion fruit vinaigrette which was so, so tasty. This was not something that I could’ ve easily replicated myself at home.
Lastly, you must leave room for dessert. Dessert at this restaurant is not to be missed because this is where the restaurant truly shines. The caffe con leche affogato can scratch the itch for coffee with ice cream. The tres leches cake, a staple of a Latin restaurant, is three milks soaked into a cake. The standout dessert is the habano de chocolate which is a chocolate cigar that comes to your table in a cigar box.
To summarize, plan your day out in NuLu, make a reservation on OpenTable and go experience the Cuban cuisine of La Bodeguita de Mima. You’ ll truly enjoy the food, atmosphere and experience. Report back on what dishes you enjoyed!
Dr. Tailor is a practicing internal medicine physician at Norton Community Medical Associates: Barret.
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