Cuban Cuisine in the Treasure Valley: WHERE IS IT?!
Know what I never hear about? The Cuban food scene in Boise and in Idaho in general. I feel like every day I hear about Mexican food and taco spots. And of course the Basque food scene is poppin'. But I've been dying to have some traditional Cuban dishes like black beans & rice, fried yucca, and sweet plantains. And I also don't want to make them myself. I just don't have the flair for cooking the way my mother does. So where even is the Cuban food in this town?
CasaBlanca Cuban Grill calls itself the best Cuban food in Boise. Looking at their menu I know at the very least they are serving up the comfort food I grew up loving. Ever had a papa rellena? It's a mashed potato ball stuffed with seasoned ground beef, breaded and fried to perfection. How about arroz amarillo? That's yellow saffron rice with sweet ripe plantains. That's just the tip of the iceberg. But are they the only Cuban restaurant in town?
Apparently? Google and Yelp searches only yields results for Casablanca Cuban Grill as a full Cuban restaurant. But I did come across as Adelfa's Comida Cubana, which according to their website pops up at the Boise Farmers Market every Saturday from 9am-1pm. Other than that there are just places that happen to have some Cuban inspired dishes and most commonly a Cuban sandwich option. Looks like the Treasure Valley is sleeping on Cuban cuisine. Hopefully that changes sooner than later.
13 Products No Self Respecting Idahoan Would Buy the Generic Brand Of
21 New Treasure Valley Restaurants That Have Opened Since the Pandemic Began