Settled in just a few short steps away from the Statehouse, downtown Indianapolis’ TaTa Cuban Café is a hidden cultural gem for the Circle City. Coming up on its two-year anniversary, TaTa’s is committed to not only providing authentic Cuban cuisine but also educate its customers on the Cuban culture.
You might be wandering where the name comes from. This is where the story really gets good. Owner and chef Alfredo Gonzales-Bonne was born and raised in Cuba. He named the restaurant after his mother and dedicates his work everyday to her. (In Cuba, “TaTa” is similar to a child calling his mother Nana in the States.)
Alfredo saw how hard his mother worked in the kitchen and puts the same dedication and pride into his restaurant. And it shows in the quality of the food. The authentic Cuban restaurant also features pictures on the wall that Alfredo took on his most recent trip his home country.
Alfredo generously started us off with an appetizer of Cubanito, which is toasted bread, while he briefed the TasteCasting team on the restaurant’s history. We then jumped into the El Guaso and Arroz Amarillo Cienfuego.
El Guaso is a classic Cuban sandwich with pork, ham, pickles, onions and mustard, all warmed to pefection. The Arroz Amarillo Cienfuego is his most popular entrée. Grilled chicken breasts, cooked in a Mojo marinade, are accompanied by yellow rice and delicious plantains.
Alfredo said that the plantains are the perfect accompaniment to most Cuban meals, providing a crispy sweet touch to the meal.
And not to be forgotten is one of the many vegetarian options Alfredo prepares – the Quinbombo vegetariano. It is grilled okra mixed with vegetables flavored with tropical spices. And don’t worry, it comes with the plantains, too.
And next came the desserts. Alfredo presented us with Flan de Leche and Arroz con Leche. Needless to say, there wasn’t any left when the group was done. And to cap it all off, Alfredo had one of his wait staff prepare an authentic Cuban mojito. Potent.
As mentioned earlier, TaTa Cuban Café will be having its second anniversary in a few weeks and the restaurant will be offering specials all week. To keep in touch with the restaurant on their specials, you can follow them on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.
So if you need an escape from the normal downtown routine and are looking for a new unique spot, check out TaTa Cuban Café. They are open for lunch (menu) and dinner.
-Chuck Gose, Indianapolis TasteCasting Team
I am in love with the sweet plantains! And the mango cocktail was fantastic – I will definitely be going back to Tata Cuban Cafe soon to meet with Alfredo!
Could not have said it better myself! Everything was so flavorful! Alfredo is so passionate about the Cuban culture and his food, that you can’t help but become swept up in his enthusiasm. He is making his TaTa proud, for sure.
After reading that review I’m absolutely going to have to make it a point to head down there soon.
Just had a FANTASTIC lunch there today! Wonderful sandwitches and killer Mojitos – Jessica, we’re with you on the plantains, too! Can’t wait to go back for dinner.