Dallas - January 15, 2008

Havana Good Time

La Cubanita Opens

Fidel Castro. Communism. Bad Dirty Dancing remakes.

Just a few of the things you’re not likely to see at La Cubanita, the latest food-and-drink-centric spot to spring from the fertile mind of über-restaurateur Alberto Lombardi.

What you will find is a setting reminiscent of Old Havana — complete with a faux-worn facade, antique furniture, and a handsome mahogany bar (which houses an impressive collection of premium rums) perfect for crafting a refreshing mojito.

The semiopen kitchen turns out tropical fare ranging from the expected pressed Cuban sandwich and yucca fries to Caribbean-kissed grilled shrimp and papaya salad. The festive resto is a lot more accessible than an embargo-busting trip to the island.

No, it’s not totally revolutionary.

But sometimes that’s a good thing.

La Cubanita, 4444 McKinney Avenue, Uptown (214-520-0100 or lacubanitadallas.com).