By: Laurie Wallin
Capital Cooking Contributor
In a city where restaurants close
– and open – on a regular basis, longevity in DC is something to be celebrated.
Cuba Libre did just that on Thursday, October 29, celebrating 5 years in DC with
a terrific party that featured cocktails, passed appetizers and desserts by
Chef-Partner Guillermo Pernot, door prizes and live music by the Joe Falero and
his Cuba Trio Ensemble.
I really enjoyed the Mango Papaya
Caipiroska, a drink made with vodka, mango, papaya, lime, and sugar, as well as
the Pyrat XO Mojito that was featured, made with Pyrat XO Rum, guarapo, lime,
spearmint, and club soda. One of my favorite passed appetizers of the night was
the pumpkin soup shooter; a little sweet, a little spicy – Cuba Libre put the perfect
Cuban touch on a fall classic.
The Cuban Sandwich Spring Rolls
were quite a tasty surprise, with their sour orange marinated pork loin, Genoa
Salami, ham, provolone and Swiss cheese. In addition, I really enjoyed the Orange
Porchetta – fennel and orange flavored pork belly wrapped around a center cut
pork loin and chimichurri sauce. The pork was some of the most tender I’ve had
in a while.
Without a doubt, my favorite –
and in my opinion, the most beautiful – dish was the Paella Marinera, made with
langostinos, lobster, shrimp, monkfish, clams, squid and saffron bomba rice.
Beautifully seasoned and presented!
A party’s not a party without
dessert, and there were plenty for guests to choose from. My favorites were the
Arrez Con Leche (a classic Cuban rice pudding with whipped cream and candied
macademia crunch) and the Cucuruchos with cheesecake mousse, guava compote
sauce and in chocolate cornets.
Joe Falero and his Cuba Trio
Ensemble kept the party going all evening.
Happy 5th anniversary
in DC, Cuba Libre! Cheers to many more!
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