I didn't really know how much I loved Cuban food until I went to Kuba Kuba, a tiny, unassuming restaurant in Richmond.  I was sort of surprised to find that they actually have a decent website, since there are scarcely 15 tables in the whole place, the menu is written on giant chalk boards hung overhead, and the building itself is rather tucked away off the beaten path. The black bean soup (above) is not from the restaurant, but rather is a cheap imitation I made to hold me until my next visit.  I mean, the soup I made was OK, just not Kuba Kuba.  The squeeze of fresh lime did help, though.   

The cornbread I made, however, was not OK.  Was not good at all, actually.  I would have been better of with the old stand-by box of Jiffy Mix. At least I tried.

So this post is not merely a tribute to a wonderful restaurant (the plantains-tostones are like little bites of heaven!) but also to the revival of interesting cooking I hope to make a part of our daily menus.  Things get stagnant so quickly, don't they?  I used to be adventurous in the kitchen, and now I'm resorting to the old can-of-soup casseroles way too often.  I also love how the arrival Spring and Summer helps to firm my resolve even more, it's amazing how the promise of a tomato with actual flavor will inspire one to try a new recipe or find a new cookbook.  I'd love some suggestions for new and exciting recipes, if anyone has a favorite! 

I noticed that I haven't posted many pictures of our house lately.  This is currently our little dining area, (I say currently because our home, space, rooms and furniture are constantly moving and shifting!)  Just look at that giant glass of sweet iced tea!  Mike makes delicious tea, and I think it always tastes a bit sweeter when someone else makes it, you know?

Happy weekend!

Comments

[Tiffany]

I have been keeping up with my Recipe Book (that you inspired me to make!) ~
http://www.tiffanyharvey.com/recipes.html
I add new ones along the way.

[Tobey]

I love cuban food too! My favorite restaurant is the Columbia, established in Tampa in 1905. The same family has owned and operated it all this time and they have published a cookbook of many of the best recipes. It well worth looking up. They put a new recipe up on the website periodically
http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/

And a friend has told me that the Garcia brand of black beans is has the best and most authentic seasonings.

[Alexa]

I'm from Miami, Fl and my dad is Cuban, so i can totally relate to how great Cuban food is. I always sautee green peppers and onions in olive oil before adding the black beans. Arroz con Pollo is also a super simple one (you only need 1 big pot with lid). Start with olive oil, onion, green pepper. Sautee until the onion starts to get clear. Throw in chicken (with skin and on the bone makes the most savory rice, but I've also done it with boneless skinless breasts), rice, saffron, water (the right amount for the rice), some beer (I usually go with something amber). Cover and cook until the rice is almost done (check the chicken too!), add in some peas (frozen work better than canned), and cover until done. Bay leaves are commonly added for flavor, salt & pepper.

[Lisa]

Ok, so we went to a Heritage Festival today and they had amazing cinnamon rolls cooked over a fire. So I came home and searched for a cinnabon recipe and I found one. They are rising right now. I'll let you know how they turn out. I think I may need to find a Cuban restaurant around here. That soup looks yummy.
Lisa

[holly]

ahhhhhh...kuba kuba. it is a local favorite of mine. richmond has great restaurants. next time, don't leave without eating a slice of tres leches cake. it is HEAVENLY!