As you enter the establishment, one immediately notices the nostalgic surroundings. The walls contain various photographs and memorabilia of pre-Castro Cuba, including a number of old, baseball posters advertising assorted teams and a hand-painted mural of the island. There is also instrumental music playing in the background, low enough not to interfere with conversations.

When we were seated at our table, we were waited upon by attentive and courteous waiters and waitresses who were also bilingual for those of us not fluent in Spanish. While perusing the many selections from the menu, slices of oven-fresh, buttered Cuban bread and mariquitas (plantain chips) were brought to our table.

The menu consisted of typical Cuban fare. The restaurant favorites include: bistec empanizado (breaded steak), filetillo de pollo al ajillo (chicken filet in garlic sauce), and bistec de pollo milanesa (chicken milanese). The menu also includes an assortment of Cuban sandwiches, and paella, a seafood-laden yellow rice that is the house specialty. Most entrees are priced between $3.75 and $7.95, excluding the paella. All entrees include white rice and black beans and most were accompanied by tostones (fried green plantains) or maduros (fried sweet plantains). Bread pudding, rice pudding, tres leches (pound cake soaked in 3 different types of milk) and flan (caramel flavored custard) are the most common desserts offered by the restaurant. Desserts range in price from $1.50 to $2.50. Our waitress proudly mentioned that all desserts are made on the premises. Furthermore, many side orders, ranging from $1.50 to $2.50, are available. These include standard accompaniments such as black beans, rice, maduros, tostones, mariquitas, side salad, soups and French fries. Available drinks included sodas, beer, wine, tea, coffee (Cuban or American), milk, or juices. Batidos Cubanos (Cuban shakes) are frequently ordered and are a refreshing mix of milk, sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and natural fruit pulps.

I ordered the bistec empanizado, accompanied by white rice and black beans. A friend of mine ordered the bistec de pollo milanesa; this dish consists of a breaded filet of chicken, crowned by a slice of ham, melted Swiss cheese and a thick tomato sauce. All portions served were large enough to require a "doggie bag" for my companions and me. In addition, both dishes maintained the flavor of the homemade Cuban cuisine that I have come to appreciate. It feels as if there are a battery of Cuban mamis in the kitchen duplicating the flavors of home. This restaurant, through its atmosphere and cuisine, most certainly succeeds in offering locals and visitors the authentic cuisine of old Cuba.

During our meal, the owners of the restaurant occasionally mingled with their customers, checking on the service and satisfaction of their food. I was especially impressed by one particular incident. When my companion was told by the waitress that the garlic chicken could not be served because the kitchen had run out of garlic sauce, the owner ran to the fruit and vegetable market next door and bought the necessary ingredients. Ten minutes later, the dish was brought to the table. It is this attention to detail and courtesy that makes going to El Pub a resoundingly pleasurable dining experience.

El Pub is located in the heart of Little Havana at 1548 SW 8^th Street. Phone #: (305) 642-9942.

Danielle Rosario