TERRY’S PICKY PALATE / Skirt Steak Tacos and a Con Leche at Kim’s Kuban

BY TERRY SCHMIDA

For yummy comfort food, it’s hard to beat classic Cuban and Mexican flavors.

And so it was, with absolutely zero trepidation whatsoever that I recently paid a visit to Kim’s Kuban Key West, one of the island’s favorite purveyors of Latin cuisine.

As with many longtime Cuban restaurants, Kim’s has expanded its menu in recent years to include Mexican food, reflecting the heritage of owner Hector Lopez, and his family.

Besides offering Cuban favorites such as Cuban Mix, and Egg, Steak, and Cheese sandwiches, Coladas and Cafe Con Leche, and lip-smacking homemade desserts like Flan, Kim’s now also features Mexican chow like Burritos, Quesadillas, and – my personal favorite – tacos.

“We’re going to fix you up some Skirt Steak Tacos, said Kim’s manager Ariadna Nodarse, who is also Lopez’s niece. “I really like them a lot, and we make them differently than other places in town.”

Nodarse’ suggestion is right on the money.

The four tacos, served in corn tortillas, are delicious, brimming with tasty morsels of mojo-marinated steak, and garnished with diced tomato, onions, cilantro, guacamole, and a side of the eatery’s homemade habanero sauce.

I ordered a Coke to wash down this Mexican treat, but it seemed to me the experience wouldn’t be complete without a Cuban coffee.

This turned out to be an excellent choice, according to Nodarse.

“Our Con Leche is the best in town,” she said. “If you haven’t tried it yet, you really have to. We only use Bustello beans to make it, and though I’ve tried coffee from lots of places in Key West, I like the way we do it. In fact, on my day off, I always come by here to get a Con Leche.”

Once again, Nodarse is correct. My Con Leche is sweet, smooth, and satisfying, and the perfect end to my lunch at Kim’s.

I’ll be back for more on MY day off.