When done right, Cuban food is filled with flavors capable of transporting the eater to the cuisine’s land of origin. Queens is loaded with diverse restaurants, and one eatery in Long Island City continues to reach hungry residents with authenticity grilled over an open flame and served with love.
Madera Cuban Grill and Steakhouse creates an authentic visage in a popular restaurant that will leave you wondering if you are still in L.I.C. and not on vacation somewhere in Havana.
While the atmosphere that fills the dining space is an attention grabber, the real draw at Madera is undoubtedly the food – a fact which greets you the second your appetizers arrive.
Topping the list is the coconut shrimp, and Madera gives this appetizer a healthy twist by baking it instead of frying. The fresh shrimp is served at golden brown perfection with a delightfully refreshing mango-mint sauce. And don’t miss the Cuban-style grilled shrimp served atop a sweet plantain mash.
At Madera, no appetizer course is complete until you’ve tried the Montadito de Chorizo. These Spanish sausages are cut into quarter-inch slices and sautéed with onions, jalapenos and chimichurri. They are served with toasted Cuban-style bread — the perfect vehicle to drive the chorizo into your gaping maw.
You’d better still have room because it’s entrée time. The Sandwich Cubano is a requisite for a reason. Roasted pork, smoked ham, swiss cheese, pickles and mustard are as much fun as one can have between bread. But if you’d rather just focus on the meat, you can’t go wrong with Madera’s many beef offerings. The ropa veija, or stew shredded beef, is robust and flavorful, while their T-bone and shell steak has the carnivore punch to satisfy all meat eaters.
The pork dishes are the true standouts at Madera. Grandma pork chops, a marriage of pork, sherry and orange juice, plus generous amounts of garlic and herbs makes this a delicious Creole dish. And for a taste of Cubano classico, make sure you order Lechon asado con mojo criollo. This intensely succulent slow roasted pork is shredded and will melt in your mouth.
But since Cuba is an island, you mustn’t forget about Madera’s seafood. The Macadamia-crusted bass is a surprisingly accomplished dish — light, flaky, full of flavor and served with a unique citrus sour cream sauce.
Don’t forget about drinks, as Madera has the spirits to enliven your palate. A vast array of signature drinks will gladly take the edge off and leave you happily Cuban.
Madera Cuban Grill
47-29 Vernon Boulevard
Long Island City, NY 11101
Tel: 718-606-1236
www.maderacubangrill.com
Hours: Monday 4 – 10 p.m.
Tuesday – Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday 10:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Takeout: YES
Reservations: YES
Full Bar
All major credit cards accepted.
Daily lunch and dinner specials.
