Back At It

Finally, back to food blog and this time I am here to stay. This may not be the best read, but nonetheless, I need to get my word out there....

Today, I stopped by the new Cuban restaurant in Tallahassee called Habana's Boardwalk which is located on Mahan near the intersection of Mahan and Capital Circle. First off, let me start by saying one thing. Do not have high expectations for this place. First off, the decor of this place is bare, and I mean bare. Walking into the restaurant felt like walking into a closed door meeting. I honestly thought I may have walked into the wrong door. There was no hostess to seat you nor was there a sign saying to seat yourself. After eagerly and nervously scoping out the room for what felt like hours waiting for someone to tell me I was in the right place, I was finally yelled to from a waiter who was clear across the room. I was simply told to sit wherever I wanted to. No big deal there, I kind of like places like that, but he didn't have to be so rude about it. No big deal though, I can get over that. I understand it's 12:00 in the afternoon and the lunch crowd is in full bloom. I finally make my way outside to the nice tables they have and I was ready to enjoy what I thought was going to be a good, at least decent authentic cuban meal. So I wait....and I wait...I take my phone and begin to tinker trying to do something to take my mind off of the boredom that is fast approaching. Finally someone walks out with menu's and silverware. But wait, that is not for me, that is for the next party to be seated behind me. Now wait a minute....they were seated, and I was shouted at to seat myself? Strange.

Ok, back to the waiting, still waiting. Now a new waiter comes out with drinks for the party who was seated behind me, few moments later out comes there food. Me on the other hand...I am still waiting.

I finally managed to get someones attention and he asked me if I was waiting on something.... I was stunned and stated I would love to have something to drink and a menu. So enough with the waiting, I finally get a menu and give my drink order, but something strange happened. When I was handed my menu, I was immediately asked what I wanted to eat. Now out of pure frustration, I told the waiter very boldly that I would like to READ the menu first.

Enough of the poor service rant, let's move on to the food. Now remember, I was anticipating an authentic cuban meal. I mean come on, this is Tallahassee, home of some great Cuban restaurants and I was quite excited to see a new one in the mix. Then I received my food. Nothing special, just a cuban and an order of beans and rice. Upon first look, it looked good. Now let's eat!

Really no complaint about the food, but it was nothing special. More less some ham, pork, cheese, mustard, and pickle thrown on what looked like a cuban roll from Publix with some bland rice and beans. Very disappointed I must say. Being in the mood for a cuban and passing up Gordo's and Black Bean cafe for this place was a mistake.

So all in all I wasn't very pleased with this new Cuban place. First off, their Cuban sandwich wasn't anything to write home about and the menu selection was quite poor. No Arroz Con Pollo!? How can that be? That's like going to KFC without chicken. Putting the bad service aside, and the poor attempt to make the restaurant look appealing, I would have to admit the food still wouldn't be worth raving about. Honestly, wouldn't even be worth going back.

Now that Cuban Sandwich's are the topic of conversation, I need to give a big shout out to what could be one if not the BEST cuban in town. McCormick's Deli on the West Side of town near the Home Depot on Cap Circle NW. This little deli has a huge assortment of sandwich's and salads. Unlike places such as our poorly ran local Subways, this place piles on the meat. But the hidden gem in this place is the Cuban. It's is fantastic. Not only that, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, McCormick's serves up one of the best BBQ menu's around. With the choice of pulled pork, beef brisket, and the biggest and meatiest ribs I have ever seen! You get a great lunch plate with 2 sides and a drink for under $8! Take note, the beef brisket is to die for, trust me.

Fortunately for everyone, this blog is back. Unfortunately for Haban's, I will not be going back nor will I be telling anyone about this place. Only thing to tell about this place is not so great cuban food and lousy service. I do apologize for the lack of pictures, but I wasn't planning stopping in there today. Until next time, well I have nothing clever to add to that.

Where has time gone?

March 12, was the last update of this once promising blog. To my much delight, I am here to say this blog is making a comeback and all the original plans will come through. Since the last post, there have been numerous new places that I am anxious to review as well as share some new recipes. Check back often for new updates and pictures.

--Update coming Tomorrow!