Cubanidad 1885: Mastering The Artistry of Cuban Sandwiches

Home is not only a concept that lives within everyone, but also a feeling. A reminder of where home truly lies comes from something as simple as a meal that brings every comfortable feeling back.

For me, I was seeking this feeling, being Cuban-Mexican it has always seemed like food is the gateway back home. This lead me to visit the restaurant Cubanidad 1885, to remind of what home truly means.

Cubanidad’s Story: Family Recipes to Restaurant Success

Cubanidad 1885, located on W Horizon Ridge Pkwy, offers wonders at every bite that Chef Dennis Martinez Miranda prepares for every meal.

Born and raised in Cuba, Chef Miranda learned from a very young age how to cook by watching his mother and continuing to hone his skills. Chef Miranda would then sign up for the Cuban Navy Academy where he claims to have gotten his fiery passion for cooking ignited before moving to Venezuela to put his skills to the test with his family.

Chef Miranda and his family moved to Venezuela when he was a teen. Being then given the responsibilities of taking over the menu of the restaurant his family opened up, giving him the opportunity to really learn what cooking was all about.

In 2014, Chef Miranda moved to the United States and studied at Le Gordon Bleu in Miami, Florida. He learned to cook various cuisines, including Mexican, Cuban, Japanese, and Korean, while working at Son Cubano, an Asian-Cuban fusion restaurant.

Now, having the three locations for Cubanidad 1885 scattered across Las Vegas, Chef Miranda is one of the inspiring stories that pushes Cubans like myself, but also take from these stories, and hopefully apply them to our own.

Which is exactly what we set out to experience visiting Cubanidad 1885, that same experience spoken about previously.

Experience Chef Miranda’s Culinary Magic

To fully immerse myself in Chef Miranda’s cooking was an honor in itself!

The Ybor Cuban Sandwich was the option that spoke to both myself and my best friend who had dinner with me. Coming with glazed ham instead of smoked ham, as well as genoa salami, with the rest of the components that makes a Cuban sandwich shine.

Not only was this sandwich out within a few minutes, but it also came with crispy french fries and a side of ketchup to create an exquisite sandwich. With the very first bite it was a huge explosion of flavors that mixes the pork and salami beautifully, with a tangy saltiness that does not overstay its welcome on the glazed ham.

The most important part to have in any Cuban sandwich is the crunch that makes its presence known in the middle of conversations. That is exactly what we encountered during our meal!

The Journey Through Cuba’s Cuisine

With any Cuban meal a refreshing drink will always accompany the dish that washes down sweet and quenching. No Cuban meal will be complete without a Mamey, which is the culture’s most cherished drink offered at most restaurants.

Found primarily in the Caribbean, Mamey looks like Papaya, but has a much sweeter and richer taste when mixed into a shake. Having a very satisfying finish that relies upon its thickness and the vanilla being thrown into the mixture. Which had to be complimented by a desert of choice.

This is a Pan De Queso, or Cheese Bread, which is actually more of a pastry instead of a bread, filled with a sweet mixture of cheese-like cream with vanilla, sugar, and egg. This was a very delightful way to end our meal!

Food That Connects Generations

Despite this being a spot where the food and heritage is something incredibly familiar, everyone has a different twist on how to express themselves through the art of cooking. Compliments to Chef Miranda not only for giving such an authentic experience in person at the location, but also throughout the food, it being the highlight of the visit.

Not only does Cubanidad 1885 get it right by serving traditional Cuban food, but also giving a home experience that’s comforting environment with every visit.

What a place it is to visit, but what a fine work to see Cuba get its place at the limelight!