I had a co-worker here in Savannah years back who called out to me across our newsroom, “Hey Jesse, you speak Mexican, right? Can you please come talk to this man?”
Excuse me?
I didn’t make a fuss at all. There was a viewer on the phone and I needed to address his needs first and foremost. Once the phone call was over, I said “Hey, FYI, we speak Spanish, not Mexican.”
“Oh, whatever. It’s the same thing, right?”
That comment was made in jest. It really was, and I took it as such. However it wasn’t lost on me that if I had pressed the issue, the most information I could have gotten out of that co-worker about Spanish or Hispanic culture would have been her favorite margarita on May the 5th. Ignorance is bliss, is it not?
My commentary in the episode about not being Mexican was delivered with that in mind. That wasn’t the last time someone from South Georgia said something a little less than ‘informed” in my book. There are clueless people in every culture. I certainly get that, but we’d been discussing how to approach Spanish food on Eat It and Like It for quite some time. And no, there was never any intent to walk into a Mexican restaurant. Not because we don’t love it at times, but we are trying to walk outside the lines here.
And I happen to like Cuban and Puerto Rican food more. So there.
Some of the most fun I’ve had putting together an episode. No question. I hope you enjoyed it. There is a lot of great food out there. Knowing what to order is half the battle. Knowing what to pair it with is, in my opinion the other. Enough of all of that. Here are the spots we visited in order of appearance:
Hola! Cuban Cafe – Fernandina Beach, Florida: I’m on an email list from Amelia Island. Always keep tabs on what’s going on out there. Last Summer I got one and saw there was a Cuban cafe on the island. “Hmmmmm”, I thought. Why do I get the feeling that is someone who moved up from Miami and has a little shop? Few months later, we checked it out and boom. Real deal. Sandwiches, pastries, and coffees. They are all top notch. Chris and Marisol’s story is wonderful. So is everything about this spot. Absolutely love it and downtown Fernandina Beach. A great getaway.
D&M Hispanic Restaurant – Hinesville, Georgia: There is no hyperlink to their website because they don’t have one. This place is totally no frills, but the food is greatl. The Morels are a wonderful Dominican family from South Florida. Moved up to Georgia in 2005 and never looked back. Suffice it to say I found out about it from a downtown Savannah chef who told me about it when he found out I was Cuban. Great family. Good food. Diverse menu. Give ’em a Google. Keep in mind they are closed BOTH Saturdays and Sundays.
Rancho Alegre – Savannah, Georgia: Rancho is Savannah’s headquarters for Cuban food. Juan Rodriguez is a wonderful host and runs a great restaurant. His attention to detail is impressive. His is a Cuban restaurant with some influences from his native South America, as well as his wife’s native Spain. That can get you some great combinations. As far as the Cuban dishes go? Some are exceptional. Keep in mind, it’s not cheap. But it is very popular.
My recipe for Jesse’s Grilled Chicken you can find here.
Los veo en la tele.
Jesse
