Are you looking for authentic Cuban cuisine? This colorful Latin restaurant at 104 Washington St. in Hoboken offers traditional favorites and more.
The atmosphere
The cheerful décor is accentuated by the orange, blue, and light green walls, which showcase the posters from Cuba. The small room holds only five tables along the wall and 14 stools at the counter. Yet this doesn’t discourage the customers who pack the place daily. Latin music plays continually and adds to the festive atmosphere.
Starters
We started with the Stuffed Corn Husk that is filled with steamed pork and polenta, wrapped in a husk and topped with tomato and corn salsa. The meat and corn medley was slightly sweet and moist, while the corn and tomato salsa added a wonderful texture and flavor to this beautifully presented appetizer.
Next, we had the Roasted Piquillo Peppers. The large red pepper was stuffed with octopus salad and was served on a bed of avocado puree. The mild avocado cut the tang of the sweet red pepper and complimented the slightly spicy taste of the salad.
Cuban favorites
Other appetizers include familiar favorites: the Cuban stuffed potato, which is mashed potatoes stuffed with ground beef that is crispy on the outside; empanadas; and ham or chicken croquettes. The chicken soup contains large chunks of chicken, potatoes, carrots and pieces of corn-on-the-cob.
In addition to the standard mixed greens, they have specialty salads which combine unusual ingredients including a spinach salad with mango, avocado, blue cheese, and oranges over roasted beets. All appetizers range from $1.50 to $8. and the entrée size salads are $4 to $10.
Entrees
Head chef and partner Omar Giner was on hand to recommend dishes for dinner. He suggested that we try his latest creation, pistachio crusted halibut served with mussels in coconut sauce and the grilled skirt steak that is one of the more popular dishes.
The halibut is pan-fried and then finished in the oven after covered with the nuts. The fish was tender and delicately flavored by the coconut sauce. The Prince Edward Island mussels were steamed perfectly with white wine. We couldn’t get enough of the coconut sauce that complimented the fish.
Giner said that he updates the menu every season in addition to the daily specials. “I think the biggest compliment I get is when people say, ‘This is how my mom used to cook,'” said Giner. “That’s the biggest compliment.”
The steak
The grilled skirt steak was a large portion that was served with twice fried plantains and the house specialty steak sauce. The meat is cut thick and melts in your mouth. The sauce looks more like a spread; it is thick, dark green and flavored with cilantro and parsley.
Looking at the sauce, which is served on the side, you might hesitate to put it on the meat, but trust me you don’t want to miss this. The spicy condiment adds zest to the tender beef. My companion and I were full halfway through, but we finished every bite!
Other dishes include: pan roasted salmon, sautéed shrimp, chicken, and center cut pork chops, which all come with a complimentary side dish. All the entrees are reasonably priced at $15 to $21.
Dessert
For dessert, we split the coconut cream caramel flan. It was thicker than other flans I’ve had with a creamy smooth consistency. The coconut was light and didn’t overwhelm the caramel taste. It was sensational and big enough to share. We had the delicious Cuban coffee, which is strong espresso with steamed milk.
And more…
The menu is extensive. There are almost a dozen Cuban sandwiches and there are chicken, fish and meat specials daily. There are many side dishes including: fried plantains, French fries, fried cassava, and several kinds of rice and beans.
In addition to the specialty coffee, they also serve soft drinks, juice, and milkshakes. They do not serve liquor, but have a BYOB license and a liquor store is conveniently located a few doors down.
The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Saturday and they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. On Sunday they are only open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for brunch. Brunch alone could take several visits back to try all the unique dishes including: the stuffed French toast and specialty omelets. Major credit cards are accepted and catering is available. For more information please call (201) 659-8197 or visit www.laislarestaurant.com.