Mexi-Cuban Cravings — Restaurant in Essex Junction

Disappointing Experience - Not Authentic and Culturally Dismissive

I recently ordered from this restaurant, hoping to find authentic Mexican/Cuban food. I grew up in a Hispanic household, speak Spanish, and have traveled frequently to Mexico, so I was excited to support a place in Vermont that could bring some familiar flavors. Unfortunately, my experience was disappointing for several reasons.

First, when I called to order tacos, I asked for beef fajitas. The person on the phone, who sounded like she wasn’t familiar with Mexican cuisine, didn’t seem to understand what I meant and responded in a somewhat condescending way. She asked if I meant “carne asada,” then continued to explain that fajitas are just a Tex-Mex dish made with peppers and onions. This was surprising because in many regions, especially where I grew up in Texas, “fajita” refers to the specific cut of beef used in tacos (typically skirt steak) and isn’t necessarily mixed with peppers and onions.

I also asked for the spiciest salsa they had, and she responded with a warning that their “spicy” sauce was very hot. I appreciated the heads-up, but when I actually tried it, it was incredibly mild by any authentic standard. It felt like a very Americanized approach to “spicy,” which isn’t what I was looking for in authentic Mexican food.

Lastly, after arriving to pick up my food, I experienced issues with Apple Pay, and instead of being greeted warmly or offered assistance, I felt like I was being rushed out the door. Later, when I tried to explain the cultural context and terminology around “fajitas,” I was dismissed with a tone that felt rude and condescending.

As someone who’s familiar with these cuisines, it was frustrating to have my knowledge questioned in a way that felt dismissive. It’s worth noting that the restaurant is owned and operated by people who aren’t from this culture, and this came across in their interactions and food. I expected more respect for the cultural significance of the dishes, but instead, I left feeling like I was being lectured on my own heritage.

If you’re looking for an authentic experience, this might not be the place. The food didn’t taste like what I would expect from either Mexican or Cuban cuisine, and I felt like the staff could benefit from being more open to understanding cultural nuances, rather than defending their...

For almost two years I wanted to stop by and try their food, I am from South America and of course had me interested. Today I stoped by and ordered Street Tacos $14.95 (4 tacos 2 Carnitas and 2 Carne asada) with salsa and chips adding avocado sauce for $2. With tip I paid $18 ish. I got excited when I opened my food container because tacos looked exactly as real tacos are but once I tried them found them very salty and I could not tell Avocado flavor was present. Chips were few and so hard that I could not bite them without hurting my molars. I was not impressed at all and I don't think will stop again. I wanted to say that also I found them a bit detached taking away the vibe of any Latin business. They were polite but not welcoming. I have been in the food business for so many years I can feel the difficulties of doing food as small business and just because of it I give them credit. I wished the food offered more...

We were really excited to try it, really wanted to love it but this was not a good dine out experience for us. Ordered the beef sandwich and a side of refried beans. The beef on the sandwich seemed like lower quality, was tough and overcooked and lacked flavor. It also seems like it could have been chopped up more cause whole pieces came out with every bite. The onions on the sandwich were just grilled and not caramelized. Whatever sauce that was used was forgettable, the whole thing needed flavor and seasoning. The bread however was very good. The beans were watery and flavorless, some salt would have helped dramatically as would an onion and jalapeño while simmering them. For some reason the sandwich came with cape cod chips which was weird to dip into beans, tortilla chips would have been better. Service was friendly enough. I really wish this was better as we would love to have good food options...