TERRY’S PICKY PALATE / Spicy burgers and savory cheesecake at Frita’s Cuban Burger Cafe on Southard Street

BY TERRY SCHMIDA
KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER
With its funky, quirky atmosphere, authentic yet inventive cuisine, and yummy homemade milkshakes, Frita’s Cuban Burger Cafe, 425 Southard St., has always been one of my favorite small Key West restaurants.
For nearly four years now owner and Head Chef Marica Weaver, who moonlights as a cigar-roller, has been exposing locals and tourists alike to the flavors of Cuba, Miami, and NOLA, with an in-house twist provided by her knowledgeable staff.
For my first visit in about a year, Weaver decided to treat me to a pair of delicious burgers, as well as a rich and savory cheesecake.
I began with a Frita Burger, which originated as a Cuban street food in the 1930s, and continues to be enjoyed in stalls and bodegas all over Miami.
As a huge fan of spicy food, the Frita is right up my alley. The beef and pork patty is seasoned with garlic and Spanish spices, and topped with onion, Frita sauce, Manchego cheese, and julienne potatoes on a house-baked Cuban roll, for a taste sensation no other burger can match. Hungrier diners can also beef up this sandwich, so to speak, with an extra patty, or a fried egg or bacon. In any configuration, this is one burger you’ll never forget!
Next, I sampled the Gaucho Burger; an all-beef patty with chimi churi sauce, onion, cheese, glazed bacon, and a fried egg, served on a house-baked black bread roll, with a side of guava ketchup.
Less spicy than the Frita, this burger is another winner. Hearty, yet exotic, it’s perfect for those accustomed to a little less fire.
“It does have a different taste from the Frita,” Weaver said. “The sweet and tangy guava ketchup works well with the savory burger and other stuff. It’s great for people who don’t like too much spice, or don’t eat pork.”
Lastly Weaver had me sample a new menu item, the savory Shrimp and Chorizo Cheesecake. This appetizer-sized dish is almost like a soufle, and bursting with New Orleans-inspired zest.
“We make it with smoked Gouda, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese in the crust,” Weaver said. “It’s my take on something I tried recently in NOLA, so it’s kind of like Emeril meets Cuba.”
It too was great, as is the selection of south-of-the-border beer and soda (I had a Mexican Coke with real sugar) at Frita’s.
Bring your tastebuds in for a real treat at this cantina-like eatery for a dining experience unlike any other in Key West!
Frita’s Cuban Burger Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; from 9 a.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.
For free delivery in Key West, or more information, call 305-509-7075, or visit www.fritascubanburgers.com
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