Growing up as a gringo in South and Central Florida, my family and I grew to love Latin-American food of all kinds. My mom’s version of palomilla is a family favorite. I remember eating her arroz con pollo at countless special occasions. In high school my friends and I would use our lunch privileges to pick up papas rellenas from Rolando’s. Yuca and maduros (sweet plantains) are the base for many a food-related dream now that I live in NC where these items are out of reach unless prepared in my own kitchen.
In November, my best friend Vanessa married her college sweetheart who is a native of Guatemala. They had American food at their rehearsal dinner and wedding, so for Sunday brunch they had a catering company bring in Latin food. Though my sympathetic family always takes me to our new favorite Cuban restaurant when I visit, this was even better because I got to have a little of everything they offered – ropa vieja, carnitas, yuca, maduros, green beans, yellow rice, frijoles, etc. My only regret is that I missed the arepas because we had to rush to the airport for our flight. Before we had even arrived at the airport, I had vowed to make one of my personal favorites, ropa vieja, later that week for dinner.
