Bite of the Best

My first taste of the authentic Cuban food of Zafra was at a lecture at the Cheshire Library this fall when Yale professor Carlos Eire spoke about his writings — “Waiting for Snow in Havana” and “Learning to Die in Miami”  — and his fascinating life.

That sampling was intriguing enough for me to head to Orange Street for more.  The word “zafra,” by the way, refers to the sugar cane harvest. In addition to the Cuban fare and classic rum cocktails, Zafra offers flights of about 100 rums. We opted for the Ron Medellin, an 8-year old Columbian rum, served neat.

For an appetizer, we shared a flavorful shrimp ceviche ($11.95) with diced tomato, cucumber, avocado and crisp tostones, artfully served in a martini glass frozen in an ice ball surrounded by banana leaves. I recommend that for sure, for both the taste and  presentation!

For entrees we tried the flank steak churrasco flank steak ( $14.95) grilled perfectly to the degree ordered and topped with a garlicky chimichurri sauce. Also tasty was the Filetillo Salteado de Pollo ($15.95), adobo seasoned chunks of chicken sauteed with onions and peppers. Both entrees are served with white rice, black beans and maduros, sauteed sweet plantains.

With the reasonable prices and attentive surface, I recommend it.

BTW… I hear they have a happy hour daily with $5 mojitos.

- bonnie
Follow @BonnieBOTB

Zafra
259 Orange Street
New Haven, CT 06510
(203) 859-5342
zafrarumbar.com