Paladar: Cuban Sando, I think I love you
Wednesday, July 8, 2009As featured in Bay Area Bites, July 8, 2009.
Sandwich Cubano
Rich, roasted, shredded Niman pork, boiled ham, melty Swiss, an even layer of sweet and tangy pickles, whole grain mustard, creamy mayo, and a buttery, crusty, fresh roll, hot pressed, melding it all together.
Ah.MA.zing.
No, seriously. If I could marry a sandwich, this would be it.
Each bite of the Cubano gives you everything one could ever wish for in a sandwich. Meatiness. Meltiness. Crunch. Chew. An explosion of flavors in perfect harmony. Mee-ow.
It’s no wonder that this bright little Cuban café is always packed at lunchtime.
Paladar Café Cubano, San Francisco FiDi
Lunchtime at Paladar
The Latin music keeps things lively — as does the addictive Café con Leche, and the Mexican Coca-Cola made with real cane sugar, all 39 grams/serving of it.
Mexican Coca-Cola
The regulars are stoked to be back — on my first visit, I actually overheard a dapper gentleman in a panama hat and seersucker exclaim to no one in particular, “Man! This place rocks!” as he salsa’d out the door.
And then there is the food — warm, inviting, and satisfying.
Picadillo, Paladar Café Cubano
Other than wanting to marry the Cuban Sandwich, you may also find yourself wanting to have babies with the Picadillo Cubano estilo Elena.
Niman ground beef, browned and seasoned with sautéed onions, garlic, tomatoes, peppers, green olives, raisins, and herbs, the result is an intensely aromatic Cuban version of an Italian ragu. The Picadillo is served with fluffy white rice and fried sweet plantains.
The sandwiches and mains are also served with a side of mixed greens. Nice touch. Sometimes it is drizzled with a heavenly coconut milk dressing, other times with a garlic aioli.
In Cuba, paladares are small family-run restaurants that serve home-cooking. While the space at Paladar Café Cubano may be small, the flavors are big. Big, bold, and comforting. This is food that makes you smile.
Paladar Café Cubano
329 Kearny St
(between Bush St & Pine St)
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 398-4899
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LOL
I want to go to there (again and again and again…).
hahah i knoww… soo good. let’s go again soon.
I love a good Cuban sandwich and didn’t know there was a good one so close by! That Picadillo looks amazing too! I can’t wait to go now!
you will become addicted!
That looks like one mighty good Cuban sammie. The Picadillo looks the best!
yet another place to go and eat in san francisco.
the list keeps getting longer, i love this city!
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I love a great Cuban sandwich and this one sounds like it is just that. For my next trip to the City. Thanks!
You’re speaking my language here, a sandwich cubano is one of my favorites.
That sandwich looks so good! I have never had Cuban food before and this post makes me want to try it. Maybe after I try this sandwich I’ll want to marry it too!
oh girrrlll you are in for a treat.
I never had Cuban Sandwitch! It looks really good! I would like to taste Mexican Coca Cola too!!
That sandwich looks very very good. Never had a Cuban sandwich, I’m going to have to do some research and see if one can be found locally.