Cabana Nuevo Latino...One of Delray Beach's Best

Tonight was a beautiful night in So. Florida, so a couple of my lady friends and I decided to head down to ‘The Avenue’ in Delray Beach, walk around and watch them light the ridiculously tall, but magnificent Christmas Tree, (which one can walk inside by the way) and maybe grab a bite to eat.

I was thinking about a nice burger or maybe a steak and we even talked about grabbing some sushi.  Well, we walked, we talked, and we came upon Cabana Nuevo Latino, which is next door to the museum and the Christmas Tree.  It looked good, was packed, and the aromas emanating from within drew us like a moth to a candle.

Once inside and seated, the ambiance just surrounded and embraced us like an old friend.  I’ve never been to Brazil, but except for all the ‘gringos’ in the place, I imagine that it isn’t a whole lot different.  

We looked over the menu and decided upon several appetizers.  The Mariquitas, which are “Thinly sliced plantains cooked until crispy, served with garlic mojo and avocado salsa,” which was a to die for Guacamole.  We also ordered the Calarmar Frito, which are about the most outrageous fried Calamari I’ve had in a long time, and the Chipotle Pepper Sauce they serve with them would complement any dish.  The next time I visit I’m going for the Churrasco Skirt Steak, and I will order a dish of that sauce; I will find something to dip in it, if only my fingers.

Next came the Bocadillos which allowed us to sample the Jerk Chicken Wings, Shrimp and Carrot Fritters, and Beef Empanadas.  Of those, the Wings and Carrot Fritters had my taste bud choir singing, clapping their hands, tap dancing, and I swear they added a little rock and roll to the beat.  Yup, you guessed it, I liked them.  I’m not really an empanada kind of guy usually, but they were some of the best I’ve had.  Our last appetizer was the Ceviche Mixto,
which is a chilled seafood combo consisting of “Fresh shrimp, octopus, scallops and calamari marinated in aji amarillo, hot rocoto peppers, garlic, lime juice and cilantro, served with assorted viandas and maiz tostado,” served in an over-sized cocktail glass.  The combination was a seafood lover’s delight, and I was tempted to drink the remaining and very delicious brine. 

I like a cold beer with such a meal, and I opted for the Dos Equis, because I am ‘the most interesting food critic in the world.’  Okay, that was cheesy, but I couldn’t resist it.  My ladies each had some delicious drinks, one of which I could not pronounce, and certainly cannot remember how to spell; however, suffice it to say, it was probably the best tasting Margarita I’ve ever tried.

And then, as if we all weren’t completely stuffed, we ordered a sumptuous fried plantain, sliced banana, and Ice Cream dessert that was smothered in a rich chocolate sauce.  Simply put, it was a perfect ending to a wonderful meal and experience.

In a nutshell, the Cabana Nuevo Latino at 105 E. Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach is an absolute must visit spot when in town.  The Patriots Press gives them all five of our stars for service, ambiance, quality and value, and we look forward to our next visit.  We were fortunate enough to be able to just walk in, however my guess is reservations are a good idea.  

Their phone number is 561-274-9090 and you can check out their website at www.cabanarestaurant.com.