As part of my #MiaOnTheGo adventure, I had the privilege of spending the afternoon at Cuba Libre Restaurant, DC and experience Criollo (home-style) cuisine of Cuba! My friend Jed Record came along and he was the best sidekick ever! Jed drove up from Chapel Hill, NC and I am so happy he was there.

Ok, Cuba Libre – what an amazing group of restaurants! Originally established in 2001 in Philadelphia, Cuba Libre has grown to a 4 restaurant powerhouse – the DC location is the baby of the group and is celebrating 5 years in the Penn Quarter neighborhood. What a fabulous & spacious restaurant (which turns into anightclub magically on the weekends) – we camped out in the La Galeria room which was private and quiet even during the busy lunch rush. Click here to learn more about Cuba Libr

As you can see from our Tasting Menu – it got real! We were presented with an amazing array of drinks and dishes including flights of Mojitos and Piscos, made with Cuba Libre White Rum and Macchu Pisco.

For the next 90 minutes, Amnon and his staff brought in wave after wave of amazing food and drinks, all crafted by Chef & Partner Guillermo Pernot, a two time James Beard award winner (Best Chef – Mid Atlantic Region, Best Single Subject Cookbook).  Here are a few choice shots AND the menu! Everything was fresh and amazing! My personal favorites? The Leventa Muerto Seafood Soup and the Ropa Vieja (which was like beef brisket on steroids!)

Big shout of appreciation to my cohost Chef Dennis Littley – I know it was tough to eat cheese and peanut butter crackers while watching this! Payback is coming as there is a Cuba Libre in Orlando too!