Manyvisitors to Las Vegas are searching for an out-of-the-ordinaryexperience in the way of food and fun. In the last few years, Sin Cityhas become a mecca of the food industry, and not surprisingly, Cubanfood has the ultimate representative in the Florida Cafe Cuban Bar& Grill. Here, patrons can experience authentic Cuban food in a funand inviting environment.

Located on the North side of the Strip inside the Howard Johnson Hotel,the Florida Café is owned by Sergio Perez and is one of the few Cubanrestaurants in the valley that is owned and operated by a Cuban native.Though an unlikely place for one of Las Vegas’ most popular Cubanrestaurants, the following by locals has become vast because of thequality of food and fun atmosphere.

To some, Cuban food may have a connotation of being ultra-spicy anduninviting, but both first-timers and long-time lovers can enjoy it.First timers are recommended to try the Cubano, a submarine-stylesandwich with ham, roast pork, cheese and pickles between a slicedlength of Cuban bread. The bread is pressed in a grill until it takeson a messy but juicy new form and texture. At the Florida Café, guestswill also find staples such as ropa vieja and bistec de Palomilla.

Breakfast includes both American and Cuban food items, such as Frenchtoast, bacon and eggs or the Cubano or croquetta breakfast. For laterin the day, seafood,beef and chicken dishes, served with white rice and black beans, a riceand beans mixture, or french fries are available.

The Florida Café Cuban Bar & Grill is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.,seven days a week and reservations are requested for parties of six ormore. For reservations or more information, call (702) 385-3013 orvisit online at www.floridacafecuban.com.