L.A. Revisited/ Food Porn Friday - Comida Cubana at Versailles in Culver City

Aaaahhh, comida Cubana (Cuban food). It's so deceptively simple and delicious. I often love Caribbean food from Spanish-speaking Caribbean islands because it has so many similar elements to what we eat in the rest of the Caribbean: lots of plantains, green (unripened) bananas), rice (and more rice!) and beans, etc. Yet Cuban (and Puerto Rican & Dominican food) have their own distinct flavor.

Cathy of Wifey Lifey suggested Versailles, and Amber of Ambergon Trail heartily seconded the suggestion, so I knew I needed to stop by. Versailles was very close to my friend, Big Mitts' apartment as well. Since it was my first night in Los Angeles, and I realized that I might not be able to stay up past 9pm Pacific time (I'm an old day), we had an early dinner there.

Versailles's Special Garlic Chicken

This chicken was deceptively good. You would think something as simple as Garlic Chicken would not have so much flavor, but between the crispy skin, the tender meat and tangy garlic sauce, it really was simply prepared yet quite memorable. Also check the maduros (fried ripened plantains) accompanying the chicken. Ya gotta have those! Actually I think I'll be making some this weekend. I took most of this home, by the way! This dish could easily feed two people!

White Rice & Black Beans

You can't forget the black beans. I love how Latin Caribbean restaurants make black beans in a well-seasoned, almost soupy manner, and Versailles' was no exception.

Pineapple Soda

I don't know why, but pineapple soda brings me back to my childhood visits to Antigua. I just felt the need to have some that night.

Cheap, delicious and filling! I'm going to make sure that I get back to Versailles on my next L.A. trip.

Versailles has multiple Los Angeles area locations. We went to the Culver City location.

10319 Venice Boulevard

Culver City, CA 90034

Happy Weekend!