Cuban Lunch at Nani's Sandwich Shop

In the past ten years, an old gas station on the corner of Idlewild and Nebraska avenues has gone through numerous changes.  From pawn shop to used appliance dealer to used car dealer.  Finally, it has turned into something the area is hungry for--a restaurant. 

Nani's opened just last Monday after many months of rennovations on the old gas station.  The chain link fence came down and a smaller, nicer, wrought iron fence went up to replace it.  A mural with Nani's face was painted on the outside and some landscaping went in where used cars used to park.  On the outside, the transormation was simple but welcome.  On the inside, well, it's covered in new tile, granite, and glass.  Everything is new and clean. The space is generous and the seating comfortable.

Since this is supposed to be a cuban-style sandwich shop, I chose to order a more traditional cuban lunch for myself.  I started with the pork sandwich, got a side of tostone's, and washed it down with a mamey shake.  The bill, with tax, just crested $11--a cheap lunch for the quantity and quality of food.

The bread, even though toasted in a press, was nice and soft.  Sometimes Cuban bread can really do a number on the roof of your mouth.  The pork was dressed with carmelized onions and little else.  I was offered lettuce and tomato, but I requested it be served "traditional".  The pork and onions were flavorful and moist.  There isn't much else to a sandwich like this other than the quality of its ingredients. 

I love plantains no matter how they're cooked.  The tostone's were larger than I'm used to seeing, starchy, had maybe a bit too much oil in them, but the outside was crispy and the flavor clean.  I was advised to apply some salt--I ended up using a lot.  They made a great side and complemented the sandwich.

Finally, the mamey shake. Mamey is a tropical sapote fruit that is blended with milk and ice to make a shake.  It has a mild, creamy flavor.  It was refreshing.  I'd order it again.

Nani's serves breakfast and lunch only.  They're open Monday through Saturday till 5pm.  Give them a try and be sure to welcome them to the neighborhood.