Florida Cafe Awards

Florida Cafe Restaurant Review:

Tucked into a Howard Johnson Inn, Florida Café is a rare Cuban restaurant on the Strip. Friendly bilingual waitresses serve bountiful portions in this charming eatery. Presented for breakfast is traditional American fare, as well as Cubano-style eggs with papas rellenas --- stuffed potatoes --- plus sweet plantains and toasted Cuban bread. For lunch and dinner, Cuban appetizers include corn tamales, croquetas and papas rellenas with beef. Among healthier selections are salads such as the ensalada tropical that combines romaine, grilled chicken breast, tropical citrus juices, avocado, cucumber and caramelized onions. The array of sandwiches includes the traditional ham and pork Cubano. Main courses all come with black beans and rice. We like the pollo a la plancha (well-seasoned grilled chicken breast); ropa vieja (shredded beef in a Cuban sauce) and mojo-marinated roast leg of pork are also winners. Save room for the homemade caramel flan or tres leches, light cake soaked in three types of milk. Complementing the fare are natural tropical fruit shakes and a nice selection of beer and wine, a Cuban pineapple soda and more.