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Key West is famously only 90 miles from Cuba, and the two islands share more than just geographical proximity. Cuban exiles have found a safe haven in Key West since the late 1800s when they first fought for independence from Spain. The San Carlos Institute on Duval Street, founded in 1871 and visited by beloved poet and revolutionary Jose Martí, still stands today as a cultural center and reminder of Key West’s relationship with the Cuban diaspora.
Of course, one of the best ways to get to the heart of a culture is through its cuisine. And this is especially easy (and enjoyable) with rich and flavorful Cuban food whose influence is felt in the most subtle ways throughout Key West. Whether it’s a café con leche with Cuban cheese toast for breakfast or a mojito at happy hour, Cuban food is engrained in the daily culture of island life.
At El Meson de Pepe, Chef Pepe Diaz has been honoring the unique Cuban-Conch heritage through his food since 1985. To understand the roots, flavors and heritage of this delicious cuisine, read on for an explanation of some of the most popular ingredients and dishes on our menu.
Rice, Beans & Plantains
Like the origins of most native cuisine, ingredients are often determined by what’s abundant and available. In Cuba, rice and beans offer sustenance and comfort as a side dish to almost every meal. It’s typically prepared as black beans and white rice in hearty portions. Some dishes require other ingredients, like arroz con pollo or rice with chicken. Plantains are another Cuban staple. Similar in texture and taste to a banana, they can be prepared fried and salty, called tostones, or stewed and sweet. A popular starter is tostones rellenos, which are fried plantains stuffed with anything from garlic shrimp to spicy beef.
Mojo Criollo
Cuban cuisine also represents the melding pot of the island’s Spanish to African influences. This is no more apparent than in its sauces and spices. Mojo criollo is a popular sauce prepared with anything from chicken to pork, typically made with garlic, oil and sour orange juice.
