Taquerai Vallarta

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Joined 10 years ago

Satisfying Caribbean cravings, this spot enjoys a certain status as one of the "island elders" among restaurants of its kind.. Bon Voyage
Launched seven years ago by Cuban immigrant Al Benitez and his Mexican-American wife, Diana, the couple quickly saw their business take off among San Antonio's Caribbean community. They soon began receiving requests for Puerto Rican specialties in addition to more traditional Cuban dishes.

Island Food 101
For those not familiar with either Puerto Rican or Cuban cuisine, a Puerto Rican pastel is essentially a tamale, albeit one usually prepared with green plantain masa and cooked in a banana leaf. The Puerto Rican mofongo is mashed plantains seasoned with garlic spices and meat, and formed into a ball and baked. After a taste, you'll want to cast your ballot for America's 53rd state. Likewise, after trying a few of El Caribe's Cuban specialties, especially the ropa vieja, you might think twice about American trade sanctions on the renegade island.