GUANTANAMERA makes great Cuban on NYC's west side (11-25-22)

It has been a long time since our last visit to Guantanamera on NYC's west side at 8th Avenue and 56th St. Decades ago we always dined near Lincoln Center at Federico's (which ultimately closed and became a Victoria's Secret and is now an Apple Store). We met the manager Mario Zarate there and we followed him to Old John's Diner for our pre-opera meals which closed ages ago as well. Mario subsequently opened Guantanamera (after trying a short run as an Italian place in the same spot--too much competition) at the beginning of this millennia and we have been going ever since. We joined our friend, Lauren Flanigan and enjoyed a couple of pitchers of their wonderful Red Sangria as we perused the menu, that has also remained unchanged for years.

The three of us all settled on the Ensalada Palma Real of Mixed greens, artichokes, avocado, parmesan cheese, lemon dressing which is a super salad and always a favorite of anyone who tries it. Lauren and I had the Vaca Frita of Pan-seared shredded skirt steak, fresh mojo, onions, parsley, lime and of course, all the dishes come with Rice and Beans!! Will's Ropa Vieja of Shredded skirt steak stew, onions, peppers, tomato sauce was also just as good. The food here is very reasonably priced and it is a 10 minute walk to Lincoln Center or most Broadway theaters, so always a good choice especially when between a matinee and evening show like we were. We can't wait to return to Guantanamera and Mario and his super staff who all have the biggest smiles that make us happy too. The music might be a tad loud and be careful as they do have live entertainment at 8pm or 9pm or so on some nights!!