Latin American Restaurateur Adds Cuban Food to His Portfolio This May

The founder of popular neighborhood taquerias El Sol and Mezcalero is migrating from Mexican food to Caribbean cuisine at his forthcoming Petworth restaurant, Little Havana.

Washington City Paper reports that the new Cuban eatery, tentatively scheduled to open this May 3704 14th Street NW, is the latest brainchild of seasoned restaurateur Alfredo Solis. For the new venture, Solis is joining forces with chef Joseph Osorio, an alum of Clyde’s Restaurant Group and Alexandria Restaurant Partners (Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza, Majestic, Vola’s Dockside Grill, and others).

The menu is projected to feature offerings including traditional Cuban sandwiches, fried plantains, the shredded beef dish known as ropa vieja, as well as marinated chicken that’s fried and served with garlic aioli. Cuban coffee, fruit juices, and pastries will join the rotation once breakfast and brunch service are added in. A modest bar tucked into the back of the 60-seat restaurant is expected to showcase rum drinks.

Mezcalero Brings a Mexican Fiesta to D.C. [EDC]