GREAT EXPERIENCE!!!
So i am from NYC and moved down to Port Arthur/Beaumont Tax (Military) and i have been craving Authentic Dominican/Puerto Rican Food for quite some time. I stumbled upon this place from a IG video that i viewed. Upon looking at the videos and the quality of the dishes and the perceived authentic flavors and cooking styles, i decided to entertain the 1hr drive to support them and given them a try. Upon walking in, the aesthetics of the place looks rustic, very mild "Old School" look, a whole bunch of vintage decor, it made me feel like i was in the Caribbean in a way. I was greeted by a Spanish woman with all black, might of been central/South American because she didn't understand alot of what I asked for on the menu. I asked for "Emapandas", "Congris", "Tamarindo mojito" and either she didnt know the menu or maybe the terminology of what i was saying was not registering to her. Either way, me and my wife ordered two drinks. I ordered the Tamarindo Mojito and the empanadas.
Drink took a few minutes to come out but the Tamarindo Mojito was phenomenal!! It had authentic pulp from the fruit and was mixed great! Never tried one before but this was great, mojito leaves were not rotten or slimy like some other places Ive been to. Empanadas were good, the beef was seasoned well, but the outside was unique. Not sure if it was corn or flour, but not traditional as what you may try in a typical spot. I think it was a yuca empanada. But it was great either way.
We order the entrees, I got the Pernil with the monfongo and congri and tostones, my wife got the chicken with the moro and the kids got chicken and french fries. Overall the food was above average.
PROS: Food had great flavor, was cooked well within temperatures and wasn't dry nor bland or greasy. Pernil tends to get greasy or bland depending on how its cooked but this one was good. Monfongo was great, moist, good flavor and definitely well prepared with love. Ticket time was a GREAT just under 13 MINUTES from when i ordered (See stop watch). Of course some of their items may be buffet style or made to order, but the flavor didnt suggest it, it had great flavor and good texture NOT DRY at all.
CONS: I asked for skin with the pernil and it didnt come with it. Pernil portion was on the smaller side for the price. Congri had a flavor that was unique, i didn't like it. Maybe its me..., it really helps if the waitress can have a little personality when asking questions about the dishes, it seemed like she didnt known the menu and was brand new there or was didn't know the "Dominican dishes" i was ordering, or both.
Last thoughts: Concept of the restaurant seems to target alot of Hispanic/Latino ethnicities and Nationalities. I met the brother of the owner and he came to inquire of our satisfaction on the drink and dishes brought to our table. Very nice man who is Dominican but lived in PR. I complimented him on making our drinks which was awesome and the service and quality was above average. Overall i was very pleased with the service and food quality and hospitality of the owners and the staff. Thank you for your service and I'll be there again! read more