Salsa says Mexican, but taste is all Cuban
By Cloe Cabrera
DINING ON A BUDGET SALSA CAFE
WHAT: Friendly cafeteria serving flavorful Cuban food
WHERE: 4025 W. Waters Ave., Tampa
HOURS: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday
CREDIT CARDS: All major
CALL: (813) 888-6050
R E V I E W
TAMPA - The name may lead you to believe Salsa is a Mexican restaurant, but there's nothing but tasty Cuban food dished out at this eatery.
``That's what we do best,'' boasts Venezuela native Carlos Villalta, who owns the 2 1/2-year-old restaurant with his Cuban-born wife, Rose. ``When people tell us it's the real taste of Cuba, that makes us really happy. It's our goal.''
The specialty at this bright, cheerful cafeteria with musical notes dancing on the walls is the roast pork.
It's served daily, marinated with sour oranges, oregano and other Cuban spices.
Enjoy it piled high with two vegetable sides, including yuca (cassava), moro (rice cooked in black beans), fried plantains and black beans, or collard green soup (available in pint and quart containers). Or, try it on a sandwich.
Media noche (midnight), boliche, shredded beef, palomilla and breaded steak round out the sandwich list. Prices top out at $3.50.
Other traditional Cuban entrees include boliche (stuffed eye of round), picadillo (seasoned ground beef) and ropa vieja (shredded skirt steak).
We tried the tender baked chicken, which came drenched with a spicy gravy.
A green pepper was overstuffed with ground meat.
If you're really hungry, try the palomilla steak. It's immense and served on a hot plate with tomato and lemon and comes with two sides.
The Milanesa steak, breaded with tomato salsa, Parmesan cheese and parsley, is equally massive.
``You have to really be hungry because the steak doesn't fit on the plate,'' Carlos Villalta boasts.
Salsa also offers meatloaf, baked fish, fried and barbecued pork, lasagna, Italian sausage and veal parmigiana.
Four items are offered daily with prices starting at $5.50 for lunch and $6.50 for dinner, which includes two sides, Cuban bread and butter, and a drink.
There are specialty items offered daily, such as paella, Mariscada, lobster, shrimp and other seafood with enchilado sauce and Valenciana, chicken, sausage and ham served with Valencia rice. Allow a few extra minutes for the specialty dishes.
To wash it all down, there's a case with tropical juices and sodas, a limited beer and wine list, and sangria by the pitcher or glass.
Dining on a budget
Salsa Cafe
