| Culinary Treats at Cuban-Style Market in Miami |
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| September 25, 2009 |
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One of my favorite “Only in Miami” joints is “Palacio de los Jugos” or simply translated, the Juice Palace. In my book, its name actually ought to be "Slice of Heaven."
Actually an old-fashioned Cuban marketplace, it’s also a culinary delight filled with an array of fresh produce and kiosks selling delicious comfort food.
At the main counter, 100% natural juices made from such exotic fruits as mamey, guanábana, mango and guava are offered for $1.50. A jug of the same is just $6. If you're visiting for the first time, try a bunch of them! (For those less adventurous, there are tamer selections including watermelon, coconut and orange juice.)
Along the outside of the building, stands sell freshly made foods. At one counter, colorful photos overhead correspond to chafing dishes with mountains of arroz con pollo, savory roasted chicken, and pork served in various ways. Juicy roast pork or lechón asado, which some might consider the litmus test of Cuban cooking, is legendary here.
Entrees are accompanied by either yellow rice chock full of chicken or congrís (white rice mixed with black beans) and yuca, a tuberous starch, served with a mojo dressing of sour orange and garlic. Yummy boniato, a sweet tuber, is served in chunks.
Look for the window salesman cooking and selling fried green plaintains prepared in every imaginable way. They're always freshly made and delectable.
Staff is friendly, so speaking Spanish isn't required. Although it may appear that you've landed somewhere in the Caribbean countryside, you can certainly point through the glass for your desired dishes. Take-out meals are popular and priced at $8.
The wonderful aromas will make it hard to drive home with dinner in the car. Luckily, there's an adjacent picnic area with lots of seating. Its chickee roof has ceiling fans that spritz you with mists of water when it’s hot, too. This is definitely a "can't miss" part of Cuban Miami.
¡Buen provecho! To your good health!
Palacio de los Jugos
near Miami International Airport
Juice bar is open daily until 9 p.m. Some food vendors are open later.
5721 West Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33144 |
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| Tropical fruit juices are a popular treat |
| Credit: Courtesy of Andrea E.M. Bennett |
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