Do you enjoy flavoursome Latin food, good vibes and a central setting? This was my takeaway from my feast at Cuba Libre.
The Fraser Tower location is ideal for the ‘after work’ drink. Personally not shy about the neighbourhood where I ran my own place for 5 years, I recall watching that building go up fast and then enjoying the green peace the space had thoughtfully considered in its construction.
This inner garden haven is part of what makes this site of Cubra Libre a great destination. Of course, you can choose to dine inside but the well covered seating area sits inside an often overlooked little green sanctuary which creates a hard to get ambience in this part of town.
However, let's get to it, Chef Alex has brought his Cuban roots to the dishes and can give you a great insight into the flavours of this wonderful cuisine. With Jamaican & Costa Rican roots myself, I’m very familiar with this cuisine and my all time favourite plantain. If you’re not familiar with this type of banana it's a staple in South & Central American cuisine and it's one of those flavours that makes everything taste awesome.
So, ok when I received pulled pork (also available in beef or vegetarian) topped on this sweet & salty bites in the Ropa Vieja Bites $15++ I knew he was on to a special menu.
But with his fusion ideas, he knew not to stop there! He only goes and does Beef Rendang Croquetas $15++, Colombian Empanadas $14++ Corn puff pastry filled with shredded slow-cooked beef - (think curry puffs) and Chicken Wings $14++ to ensure the local palate is well looked after, but with a Cuban spin. Although this food may appear very meaty, the nature of these bites can be made vegetarian or gluten-free very easy.
I had to have the nachos when I saw it had one of Chef Alex's amazing homemade sauces doused over so I swapped the wheat based chips to corn and I enjoyed the most indulgent guilt-free nachos I’ve had in a long time. Nachos Bites $13++ come with a choice of beef / pork / chicken / vegetarian.
This location, menu planning including portion size and quality of food is extremely well priced but as we know how these type of ‘quick drinks’ work, it can quickly add up so for $35++, guests can enjoy a 2 hour free flow of Cava, Prosecco, Wines, Beers and House Pour Spirits. If you just want to enjoy a couple of glasses of quality drinks sans headache then lined with this yummy food you have the perfect pairing.
INFORMATION
a. 182 Cecil St, #01-06/07 Frasers Tower, Singapore 069547
s. www.facebook.com/cubalibre.sg/
Open 10.30am to 10pm Mon - Fri 12.00pm to 3pm Sat Brunch
