Don Ramon's Restaurant

Price: Affordable
Atmosphere: 4 out of 5
Quality of Service: 3 out of 5
Food Overall: 4 out of 5

Cuban food: It’s my people’s contribution to the American public since way back when. Well, that and Ricky Ricardo. But Cuban cuisine, although loaded with some complex dishes, follows a basic recipe of a few staple ingredients.

Italians have tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and basil. You can make a perfect authentic sauce out of those 4 things. Cuban food is pretty much the same way: You can create most Latin inspired meals with the base of: Garlic, onions, cumin and limes.

Enter Don Ramon’s, an eatery located in West Palm Beach that is hidden in a clean and updated plaza. However, walk in the restaurant and it feels like you’ve entered one of those small cabanas you happen to see in the movies, when the actor is vacationing in Cuba or another Spanish location.

It’s got about 20 tables, if that, and it’s quaint and old-world feeling. The prices follow suit, especially considering what you get for your dollar. The missus and I stopped in after a show, and were greeted by a basket of hot Cuban bread, garlic-buttered and dusted with parsley flakes. At that moment I had a feeling this would be an authentic experience.

We ordered the plantain chips with mojo to start with: Thinly sliced, fried crispy and served with a real mojo, comprised of like 20 cloves of garlic, vinegar and olive oil. It was heavenly. Their special for the evening was a ‘Cuban Combo’ ($17.99), and we both decided that we’d give it a shot.

The food arrives, and I have to be honest…anywhere else in Boca, this would cost twice the price. There was a mound of steamed white rice, with a side bowl of salty black beans that had this amazing creaminess to them.

Next to that was about 4-5 fat, sweetened plantains fried up to order. These things literally hit your tongue and were content to simply dissolve; no chewing necessary. And then the main dish: The Cuban Combo.

This thing had a 6 oz. flank steak, 6 oz. Chicken breast, and about 8-10 oz. of shredded pork and onions. The steak was seasoned very mildly, and I appreciated it. Why? Because the char-grill flavor really had a chance to shine here, and it was one of the best pieces of meat I’ve ever had.

The chicken breast was pounded super thin, with grilled onions over the top. It was marinated in the sour orange that is common with Cuban food, and it was cooked to perfection; juicy and tender.

The shredded pork was a knock out: Soaked in that famous mojo concoction, and simmered with the sautéed onions and parsley. Just moist, tasty porkiness that had you coming back for more until it disappeared from your plate.

A Cuban coffee and tres leches to complete the meal and it was a home run for me. I highly recommend making the trek out here if you’re in the mood for just excellent Spanish eats. Attentive staff, inviting atmosphere and, well…

…Da(m)n Good Food.

Don Ramon's Restaurant
300 Clematis St.
West Palm Beach, Fl. 33401
(561) 832-5418
http://www.donramonwpb.com/