Cubanos with Chipotle Mayo

What happens when you are in charge of making the pernil (roasted pork shoulder) for your family's New Year's Eve party and you have massive leftovers the following day?  You make Cuban sandwiches, duh!  The addition of chipotle mayo was inspired by one of my favorite spots in NYC, Cafe Habana.

Step 1:  Blend 2 chipotles in adobo with a 1/2 cup of mayo

Step 2: Assemble your Cubano: Chipotle mayo on both sides of the bread, a generous helping of roasted pork, a few slices of ham, Swiss cheese, and last, but not least the pickle.

Step 3: Press on a panini press or in my case a good old George Foreman grill until cheese is melted.

Chris and I enjoyed these while watching the Twilight Zone marathon.  The perfect hangover cure.

Food Porn of The Week: Pan Con Todo

I had heard about Pan Con Todo through word of mouth, but had never had the pleasure of going up until last week.  Well, they have found two new regular customers!  The food was delicious, the ambiance was fantastic, and the prices couldn't be beat.  After speaking to the owner, Daniel Marrero we found out that he was an art major and it truly shows in the decor of the restaurant.  There are original pictures of Cuba throughout the space and the salsa music playing in the background makes you feel like you are in Havana.  Pan con Todo definitely stands out in comparison to other local Cuban restaurants in the area.          

{Excuse my dorkiness, but the fresh watermelon juice was that good!}

I ordered the Pan con Ropa Vieja {sandwich with shredded beef in sauce and Cuban fries}. My husband ordered Pan con Bistec Empanizado {sandwich with breaded steak and Cuban fries}. Both sandwiches were served with plantain chips.  I especially enjoyed the fresh watermelon juice. So refreshing! Can't wait to go again!

Food Porn of the Week: La Gran Via's Croqueta Preparada

{ This picture was taken with my iPhone and does not do this delicious sandwich justice.}

This my friends, is a Croqueta Preparada aka a Croquette Sandwich. It consists of ham, Swiss cheese, a croquette (croqueta), and pickles. I can't really describe it other way than, so freaking good.

Food Porn of the Week: Dinner at The Latin American

I wasn't in the mood to cook dinner today so, my hubby and I decided to go to one of our favorite local restaurants, The Latin American. The Latin American is a Cuban restaurant located in Union City, NJ. The food is incredible and the portions are insane for the price. He had his usual, the Bistec Empanizado {breaded steak}. I had the Bistec en Cazuela {steak casserole} special (only $6.95!!!). It's total comfort food that always hits the spot.
Bistec Empanizado con Habichuelas Coloradas y Arroz Blanco
{Breaded Steak w/Red Beans and White Rice}Bistec en Cazuela con Arroz Blanco y Habichelas Coloradas
{Steak Casserole w/White Rice and Red Beans}