Veterans Of Cuban Restaurant Scene Open Place Of Their Own
Today's Herald profiles brothers Lazaro and Jose Garcia, restaurateurs who have worked with some of the biggest chains (well, if you discount Burger King) in Miami: Pollo Tropical, Sergio's and Latin American. Now they've got their own endeavor, Casavana, in Homestead:
The brothers, who have managed some of South Florida's most successful Cuban restaurant chains, carefully chose the images for the walls of their latest venture, Casavana Cuban Cuisine, in Homestead. Besides subtle accents reminiscent of a Cuban hacienda, the photos are perhaps the only visual vestige of the old-style Cuban cafeterias, where the Garcias cut their teeth in the business.So the Chili's mention made us cringe. We hope the food is several notches above Chili's quality-wise.Gone are the open-air prep stations where, at many Cuban restaurants, sandwich makers can be seen hacking at large hams and slathering mustard on media noches. The kitchen, also usually open, has been quietly tucked away to mute the clanging of dishes and the scent of fried pork and garlic.
The Garcias are banking that the new look, coupled with the same low prices, will appeal to second- and third-generation Cuban Americans who want to feast on traditional ethnic eats in an environment akin to the chain restaurants to which they've grown accustomed.
''If Chili's can do it with tortillas, we can do it with palomillas,'' Jose Garcia said.
The brothers are also re-launching three Sergio's restaurants that they currently manage as Casavana; it seems they had some issues with the owner of the original Sergio's and naming rights. Or something like that. At any rate, be on the lookout for the name change.
Brothers create a new Cuban classic [Miami Herald]
