Asia de Cuba

We went to Asia de Cuba for an early lunch as the place tends to get busy at peak times. Wednesday early lunch almost guarantees superb service as the place is somewhat empty. It’s a most wonderful place to eat when someone else is paying.

Asian fusion restaurants tend to provide portions to share, and me and my dinning companion shared the Palomillo of Lamb and the Cuban Spiced Chicken.

We both agreed the lamb was the superior dish, though I was indeed torn between it and the chicken which had a much more subtle flavour. Certainly in retrospect the meal was about the lamb - It made a real impact and in a most positive way. Brushed with Mojito and pan seared with sofrito peppers and chinese eggplant the dish is almost perfect - taking you away from the normal fare you would expect to eat at lunch. As delicately as the lamb had been brushed with Mojito we both brushed aside the watercress part of the salad to the edge of the plate.

The Cuban Spiced Chicken had the highlight of Coconut Rice in Banana Leaf which I also put along side the lamb. The chicken itself was in a Tamarind Sauce and with 4 or so spoonfuls of an avocado fruit salad. It was truly delightful but lacked the (unique) punch of the lamb. Whilst no one could complain and most would compliment its flavour it had the poor fortune of having to compete with a truly wonderful lamb dish.

The wine, a Lacua Reserve Chilian Sauvignon Blanc, was delightful to drink.