La Caridad

La Caridad Restaurant Review:

La Caridad has thrived from 1971 to present, with Orestes Garcia as the owner since the late '80s. The Cuban diner’s design is minimal, with four tables, a dark wood counter offering prime views of the open kitchen, mirrored walls and a small shrine to the Virgin Mary. The menu is handwritten in Spanish on a board above the counter, touting daily specials like picadillo and pierna de puerco --- crisp-skinned pig leg. Pressed medianoche and Cuban sandwiches are similarly solid, both containing roast pork, ham, cheese and pickles. At lunchtime, Garcia fills a display case with savory ham croquetas and empanadas. There are also hearty meat dishes like ropa vieja (beef stew) and pollo asado (roast chicken) served with rice and black beans. Fresh fruit shakes are a specialty, made with papaya, mamey or banana, as well as fresh-squeezed orange juice and strong Cuban espresso drinks. Flan is the best bet for dessert.