Babaloo Cuban Cafe | Seaside - Monterey Peninsula

On Friday I headed to Babaloo Cuban Cafe on its two-month anniversary. The owner, Gladys Parada, operated a lunch truck that I never managed to try, and finally opened this sunny cafe at The Press Club. Soldiering on during a pandemic, the cafe has been open for take-out.

I ordered "The Clásico - braised pork, ham, cheese, dill pickle, mustard-mayo", $8.75 and "Maduros - baked sweet plantains", $3.75 to take home. Reheated at home, the pressed bread was still crisp and crusty. The wheat roll is from Palermo's, a local bakery, and not as light as Cuban bread. The garlicky pork's so tasty and extremely tender. Instead of the traditional frying, here the maduros are baked till golden brown and soft. I did not miss the oil slick.

I look forward to returning for a morning cortado.

Babaloo Cuban Cafe
1123 Fremont Blvd
Seaside, CA 93955
(831) 901-3900
https://www.babaloocubancafe.com/