Authenticity goes a long way in the restaurant world, especially in Queens. The borough’s diverse population is true to its roots and can smell a phony from miles away.
At Madera Cuban Grill and Steakhouse, owner Miriam Porto creates such an authentic visage at her restaurant that you will have a hard time believing you are still in Queens and not on vacation somewhere in Havana.
“Truly authentic Cuban food is something that Long Island City didn’t have,” said Porto, who opened her restaurant in May 2010. “From the candles to the flowers, we wanted to create a warm and romantic Cuban atmosphere.”
While the flowers that adorn the tables are fresh daily, the real draw at Madera is undoubtedly the food; a fact that greets you the second your appetizers arrive.
Topping the list are the coconut shrimp; 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 deliver the chorizo to your waiting taste buds.
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 make for 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
Telephone: 718-606-1236
Web site: 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.
