Charanga….

David and I went to dinner last night to the Mission District. 2 buses and 40 minutes after we left the apartment, we arrived at Charanga (yes, it’s Cuban) The place was empty when we got there at 7, but there was a line to get in when we left! The food was excellent, they have some tapas, and their entrees are large enough to share. we started with some fried yucca, then some tostones with goat cheese and black bean sauce, and for the entrée we had the Cuban lechon. Man it was good! For dessert we both had Cuban coffee and flan, which was ok, not as good as senora Maria’s! I have to say my favorite was the passion fruit mojito, I love just plain maracuya juice, even better in a cocktail! Talk about the perfect summer drink for you guys in Houston. So here’s a recipe:

Passion Fruit Mojito
(Mojito de maracuya!)

2 ounces White Rum
1/2 ounce Passion fruit juice*
1 teaspoon Sugar
6 whole Mint Leaf
2 ounces Soda Water

Muddle mint springs and sugar together in a highball glass. Put juice and sugar into glass and stir until dissolved. Fill with crushed ice and rum, stir. Top with soda water and garnish with a sprig of mint.

*For a traditional mojito, just substitute lime juice for the passion fruit juice.
ENJOY!