Open front, patio seating has passersby checking out the scene in this jumping, hot restaurant that gives you a taste of CUBA without leaving the U.S. All the fun starts early and continues into the wee hours.

The Food

The list here is so tempting and well prepared that it would be fun to experience. Order several selections with a large group even to the extent of having a complete meal with them.

. . . Some Love Chef favorites not to be missed!

Cuban Spicy Guava Ribs - Tender St. Louis cut ribs glazed with a spicy guava BBQ sauce. Topped with black bean-jicama relish @ $9.50.

          I could feast on these alone!

Frituras de Congrejo y Malanga - Crisp rustic Cuban malanga and crab fritters served with green and ripe papaya slaw and spicy-smoked tomato sauce @ $9.50.

Tamales Cubano - Traditional Cuban fresh corn tamales filled with fresh seafood picadillo and topped with crisp calamari, avocado and chipotle vinaigrette @ $9.50.

Chicharrones de la Casa - A taste of the hot tropical crisp chicken, salmon, chorizo and steak tossed in a spicy mojo picante, served with a jalapeño pepper. A ripe Scotch Bonnet pepper is offered for the adventurous, upon request @ $9.50.

          Don't get the Scotch Bonnet!!

Fire and Ice - Honduran-style ceviche of sushi grade tuna tossed with coconut milk, fresh lime juice, spicy yellow pepper, and cilantro. Served in a green coconut and topped with shaved hot-pepper ice @ $11.00.

          This is impressive!!

Black Bean Hummus - Cuba meets the Mediterranean! Black beans and sesame tahini pureed with spices and lime juice. Served with tropical chips @ $7.50.

          After tasting this hummus you won't want to go back to your every day Salsa.

. . . And many more delicious, well conceived, small plates/salad. Don't miss the Cuban black bean soup or la ultima bomba. Lump Crab and fixings . . .

Sun Tanned Salmon - Norwegian salmon fillet bronzed with rum, honey, mango, and cracked pepper, served on dried shrimp - scallion paella, with romesco butter, sauteed sweet plantains and broccoli rabe @ $19.00.

          Okay, here's my Italian greens; broccoli rabe/works well.

Vaca Frita - Slices of braised beef brisket seared until crisp and laced with a mojo demi. Served on congris with a Cuban salad of avocado, romaine, olives and red onions @ $19.00.

Lechon Asado - Marinated overnight in citrus juices, garlic and oregano, this traditional roast pork is served with boniato-yam mash, a citrus mojo made with the roasting juices, steamed yucca and sauteed greens @ $20.00.

          For the pork lovers, a MUST!!

Pisto - A melange of sauteed seasonal vegetables, including asparagus, chayote, calabaza and sweet plantains served on a green plantain patacon with yucitas rellenas @ $17.00.

2nd Street Gauco Steak - Grilled spice-rubbed rib eye. Served on crisp yucca con mojo fries and a glaze of rioja wine demi, jalapeno chimichurri and a medley of fire roasted peppers and onions @ $24.00.

          -- A great value.

email: lovechef@thelovechef.com