The neighborhood has taken some flack but you can rest assured their on clean up patrol. Casa Don Rolando has a nice big off street parking lot with plenty of light.
Once inside you will be treated to a warm inviting space that begs you to take your time with your meal. You'll almost have to take your time, service here is friendly and efficient but not paced like the cheapo Cuban joint with the greasy floors. Give dinner 1 1/2-2 hours and at least an hour for lunch. I suggested Casa Don Rolando set up a nap room for breaks between the main course and dessert. The waitstaff instead offered us use of the grand patio furnished with over sized chairs and couches, cigars most welcomed.
The starter menu is awesome. I've had a chance to try the Empanadas, Croquetas, Papa Rellena, salad, and chicken noodle soup. All were by far the best I've had in LA.
Main courses I've tried so far are the Arroz con Pollo, Ropa Vieja, Churrasco, Masitas de cerda and something not on the printed menu called Arroz Imperial. The Arroz Imperial is a spectacular mouthgasm not to be missed! The Ropa Vieja was the only dish I've had here that did not meet my already high expectations.
Dessert menu is short but very well thought out. I always enjoy guava shells after a Cuban dinner. Flan has never done it for me but CDR's homemade version is beautiful and silky smooth. I'd order it again.
Espresso and cigars on the patio finish off your leisurely night in Old/New Havana now in the San Fernando Valley.
Now if I could only get the chef to add Boliche to his menu this would become my all time favorite Cuban restaurant!
Pros: Menu, decor, service
Cons: location
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