Have you tried true Cuban cuisine? That may seem like an odd question to ask so far West and North from both Miami and Cuba, but the Cuba Cuba Cafe and Bar near Stapleton transports you south the second that you walk in the door.
Cuba Cuba is located at 1173 Delaware Street here in Denver. In fact, the cafe was initially born here.
History
The owner of Cuba Cuba, Kristy Bigelow, is a first-generation Cuban-American whose parents came to the United States in 1959 when she was twelve years old. Her very large family brought their Cuban customs and knowledge of Cuban cuisine with them when they came to Miami. Kristy was surrounded by the lively and family-centered culture her entire life, learning to cook underneath her mother, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers until she left for college in Denver.
It was in Denver where Kristy met and married her husband, Brian Bigelow. Here they settled and began their family of three children. But, Kristy was homesick. She missed her large Cuban family and the strength of the relationships she had within the Miami community. She missed the dancing, the Cuban cuisine, and the camaraderie.
Kristy looked everywhere for a Cuban sandwich she constantly craved and, though her mother would send her food, it still did not calm the cravings that she had. With the help of her husband, Mrs. Bigelow decided to bring her culture and lifestyle to the diverse, and beautiful, Denver area. They began Cuba Cuba Cafe and Bar almost sixteen years ago. Kristy says that she has always experienced acceptance, love, and support of the Denver community.
Customers have referred to the cafe as an oasis and a vacation home away from home. The restaurant sidewalk is lined with banana palms. You can see large splashes of aqua, a bright blue-green color that stems straight from the waters around Cuba. A wooden, Cuban style bar serves mojitos and empanadas. Much like the fictional bar in Cheers, once you become a regular, everyone knows your name.
Menu
Cuba Cuba’s chef is Carlos Nava and his creations are pure magic, according to the customers. You can eat inside the restaurant or order online and have it delivered, which is always convenient.
Vaca Frita
Vaca Frita, which means “fried cow”, is a dish many of the customers ask for. It contains a flank steak marinated in mojo, a mixture of garlic and citrus flavors, and then seared until crispy. The dish also comes with sauteed onions, white rice, black beans, and maduros, which are sweet plantains fried and delicious.
Ropa Vieja
Cuba’s national dish is called Ropa Vieja, which means “old clothes”. Ropa Vieja is shredded beef slow-cooked with fresh tomatoes, onions, and peppers. The mixture is then poured over white rice, black beans, and tostones. Tostones are savory twice-fried and salted plantains. They sound almost like French fries.
Paella
Paella is another popular dish that consists of wild fish and shrimp with calamari, mussels, chicken, and chorizo, which is a type of pork sausage. The meat combination is then sauteed with tomatoes and sofrito. Sofrito is a base made from chopped green, yellow, and red peppers along with oregano and garlic. The mixture is poured over saffron-infused rice. Delicious!
Find More Cuban Cuisine in Denver
This is just a tiny taste of what Cuba Cuba Cafe and Bar has to offer. Indeed, the menu is extensive, the plates are full, and you will find yourself going back over and over again just to taste it all.
The diverse atmosphere in Denver in so amazing. To find a place where anyone, and everyone, are welcome is a rare treat. Denver Dyllan, a realty service that specializes in the Stapleton area, can answer any questions you may have about Denver. So please, if you are thinking of moving to Denver, or moving within Denver, the Stapleton area is the place to grow. Contact Dyllan Nguyen to discuss your options.