A Cuban Food Delight

A Cuban Food Delight

Hey Young Couples,

When you’re a young couple (or an older one) and you’re on a budget it can be difficult to go and do and make memories. Even after thirty years of marriage we’re still watching our pennies too, so my husband and I take “field trips”. That’s a throwback reference from my umpteen years of teaching…

A little bit tangy. A little bit spicy. A whole lot of delicious. That’s the snack we found in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

New Smyrna Beach, Florida

We pick a town or area within a few hours of our home to go and explore. No expectations. Just go. You never know what you’ll discover. Recently we headed over to New Smyrna Beach (NSB) to take a walk on the beach and stroll their downtown. And THAT is where we found delicious, belly-filling food at a little joint called Baracoa.

When walking the sidewalks of downtown NSB, you’ll see little alcoves and courtyards between buildings. Exploring further, there’s shops, restaurants, bars, fountains, and places to sit and relax. Wandering into one of these courtyards, we stumbled upon Baracoa – Cuban food to go. It’s a counterservice walk up inside, but there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy your food out in the courtyard.

Cheap date 101: Bring snacks and water with you. Since we had snacks in the car we weren’t starving, but just wanted to enjoy a taste. They have sandwiches, bowls, wraps, pastries, coffee, and more – we grabbed a bowl to share.

Baracoa – Cuban Food to Go

Now the first question when we walk in an establishment is, “We have food allergies. Can you help us and accommodate us?” At Baracoa, it was an astounding “Yes!” They make the food on-site, under the direction of Chef Silvia Ramby, and know all the ingredients, so gluten-free and dairy-free was no problem.

Our Cuban bowl contained white rice, pulled mojo chicken, black beans, maduros, a cabbage, pineapple and coconut slaw, and a drizzle of mojo sauce on top. Amazing! The chicken had a little spice, the slaw was citrusy, and the maduros were sweet. The best of all the flavors! At less than $10 it’s a tremendous value – and filling too!

Good food, pretty scenery, Chef Silvia, and kind people. I think it’s the perfect set up for a field trip! Call it what you’d like: day trip, road trip, staycation, field trip. Whatever, just go, do, and make memories. Even on a budget! Stop into Baracoa next time you’re in NSB – they’re on Flagler Avenue.

IG and FB @baracoansb

Enjoy your time together,