In the midst of planning a trip to Cuba I received an invite to a new menu sampling evening at Asia de Cuba at St Martin’s Lane London. The event couldn’t have come at a better time. Before sitting down to eat, I spoke to Cuban-born executive chef Luis Pous about the essence of Cuban food and how he elevates the style and flavour for this restaurant in London.
Luis has always presented Cuban food with an exotic Asian twist. This season he welcomes a new menu to the restaurant featuring vibrant flavours and exciting ingredients. A large group of food enthusiasts sat down together, mojitos all round, to enjoy the feast and chat about common interests.
The menu for the evening included delicate cured salmon and tuna ceviche, healthy, fiborous salads and grand boards of grilled meats. Each course arrived as sharing platters for the tables to taste and share.
I loved the Adobo Roasted Chicken salad which was tossed with a mix of baby spinach, snow peas, endive, mung beans, aji Amarillo and miso vinaigrette. It was a lovely contrasting variety of textures and flavours. Of the main courses the Grilled Flank Steak was my favourite, marinated in an addictively moreish sauce of miso ginger butter and shiitake soy reduction. The beef was served with fresh and delicious baby bok choi.
A trio of desserts was presented in front of us. Mexican doughnuts with a selection of sauces were demolished instantly! I found the Guava whipped cheesecake the perfect palate cleansing pudding after a big dinner.
Asia de Cuba has a feel of celebration about it. Conveniently located nearby to Theatreland it is a good place to go pre or post theatre for a flavoursome snack and cocktail, or decide blow the budget and go for the luxurious £60 Signature menu.
More information and book a table at Asia de Cuba here.