TERRY’S PICKY PALATE / Fantastic Frita Burger a Cuban take on a great American sandwich treat

BY TERRY SCHMIDA

KONK LIFE COLUMNIST

There are plenty of reasons to stroll into Frita’s Cuban Burger Cafe, 425 Southard St., near the corner of Duval. Reason No.1 for me has always been the burger which gives the eatery its name.

The Frita emerged from the street food stalls of 1930s Cuba, and made the jump to these shores during the 1960s, where it grew in popularity, particularly in Miami.

Fortunately, for gourmet and gourmand alike, Key West restaurateur and entrepreneur Marcia Weaver took a liking to this unique creation that marries a beef and pork patty seasoned with garlic and Spanish spices, with onion, and a hefty dollop of secret Frita Sauce, all topped with her crispy-fried house julienne potatoes and served on a freshly-baked Cuban roll. Weaver perfected her own recipe for these delectable burgers and presented them to an appreciative public six years ago.

Unlike burger chains that apply Henry Ford’s assembly line techniques to serve billions, Weaver’s Fritas are always cooked to order. These killer-diller delights with optional Manchego cheese and/or a fried egg, go really well with an ice-cold Latin beer, should you wish to imbibe. Weaver maintains a healthy selection of beers to choose from, as well as sweet milkshakes, made with ice cream from Flamingo Crossing, Mexican Coke, and other interesting elixers.

At a recent visit, I was in a bit of a hurry so I parked my two-wheeler in Frita’s new Bicycle Drive-in section at the back, and placed my order inside. The zone, just to the left of the patio, is Weaver’s latest contribution to offbeat Key West dining. A place where patrons can also play dominoes, and purchase house-rolled cigars – a testimony to one of Weaver’s other noteworthy talents. The Frita itself is savory and satisfying for all ages. Table service is quick, friendly, and available inside and out.

Besides the fabo Frita, there’s plenty of other interesting fare on offer here, from the mouthwatering Cuban Pork Tacos, a Cuban Muffaletta Sandwich, to the Roasted Chipotle Corn with queso fresco and lime. Yes, there’s even a vegetarian Bollywood Burger, with grilled cheese, spinach, Indian saag greens and curry. Desserts, such as my favorite, the Heart-Shaped Flan, are to die for.

The welcoming atmosphere extends to the pleasant décor, heavily influenced by that great, big world south of our border, and the Caribbean. There’s a papier mache “phone” from Cuba; a piano right out of the Day of the Dead, and a gallery of famous,  Frida Kahloesque unibrows, like George Harrison and Nicholas Cage to lighten even further the mood at an already fun-loving restaurant fast becoming a local institution.

Already it’s a must-visit for fun and funky activities, such as drum circles and dance lessons, almost as much as for its decidedly different selection of irresistible eats.

Locals and visitors alike can experience the joy of being a regular at Frita’s. Put it atop your local dining bucket list. There’s no place like this place anyplace!

Frita’s Cuban Burger Cafe is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Credit cards are accepted.

For free delivery in Key West, or more information, call 305-509-7075, or visit www.fritascubanburgers.com

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