5% Cash Back at Copacabana Cuban Cafe

Mount Dora is now dining to a Cuban beat thanks to the arrival of Copacabana Cuban Café. So if you've been yearning for authentic Pernil, Bistec Empanizado and Ropa Veija ... COME ON DOWN! Raved Heather McPherson of the ORLANDO SENTINEL, "This is a small restaurant with big bites. Many of the appetizers could be ordered as entrees. The croquetas de jamon ($4.95), for example, include several filling deep-fried minced ham rolls and a small salad. The corn tamale ($5.75) portion was almost the length of the oval platter. We chose the beef filling and in true Cuban form, it was a milder interpretation than a Mexican tamale. But if you want a meal with sweet plantains or salad on the side, order the stuffed red peppers ($10.75). These were large, gorgeous, blistered bell peppers packed with lightly seasoned rice and ground beef. The plate looked like a test kitchen photo shoot, with the pepper glistening from a light brush of olive oil." Concluded the review, "I judge Cuban restaurants by their pig. If the pork isn't right, other things in the kitchen could be lacking. The pernil ($11.25), a baked pork shoulder seasoned in adobo mojado, was perfection. The tender meat, which sat on a bed of caramelized onions, had clear notes of olive oil, vinegar, citrus juice and spices." So there you have it from the ORLANDO SENTINEL food critic. This eatery gets a "Perfect 10," from soup to nuts.