Are you looking for an appetizing, food-filled evening with an expansive cocktail menu this weekend? Then why not head to Revolucion De Cuba.
I was fortunate to be invited along to Revolution De Cuba, situated in the Academy Shopping Centre’s Courtyard, this week to try out their Tasting Menu for 2 as part of their exclusive menu for Aberdeen Restaurant Week. This Cuban-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar is perfect for the undecided, like me, who always want several items on a menu and, of course, rum-lovers alike.
The Interior
As soon as you walk into the restaurant, you are instantly transported to Latin America.
Surrounded by the rum-inspired decor, bright pops of colour and rustic touches throughout, the atmosphere portrays an authentic yet quirky feel that will have you longing for a summer holiday, drinking cocktails on a golden beach underneath the palm trees.
Luckily, the cocktails available here will help us Aberdonians put up with the typical, Scottish, dreich weather until we next jet set off abroad.
If you are after an intimate meal, Revolucion De Cuba may not be for you as this restaurant is all about Cuban nightlight with its roaring Latin music and party-based vibes. It’s a terrific location to celebrate with friends or even just to bring in the weekend with a bang.
The Drinks
You’re bound to find a delicious cocktail at Revolucion De Cuba, from their signature rum mixes, classic cocktails, gin-based drinks and a selection of mocktails too.
It wouldn’t be a trip to Revolucion de Cuba for me without a cocktail so non-alcoholic drinks were out of the question for myself.
Currently, the restaurant has their Summer of Spritz menu, the summer promotional drinks menu, available which we both took the opportunity to try.
I opted for a Bold Spritz which is a zesty, orange and citrus spritz paired with Martini Fiero, served with Fever-Tree Refreshingly Light Tonic Water. The drink arrives with blood orange and cherry garnish to make this a very eye-catching beverage. But it’s all about the taste right? Well, you’ll be glad to know that this drink tastes as good as it looks. The fruity concoction is light, refreshing and perfect for a summer’s day.
Holly chose their Cider Spritz, again from the Summer of Spritz menu. This fizzy delight is a mix of Monkey Shoulder whisky, vanilla and sweet almond, fresh lime and Angry Orchard Apple cider. It most definitely had more of a kick than my choice but equally as delicious.
If you’re looking for some more options so you can drink the night away, my top picks from Revolucion de Cuba include the Raspberry Mojito, Mangon! and Carribean Cosmo.
The Food
Now onto the bit you are all here for: the food.
As I mentioned earlier, we had the opportunity to try out their Tasting Menu for 2 for £40. This includes 11 tapas dishes offering a selection of meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes.
The 11 dishes that you can expect are as follows:
- Roasted Chorizo
- Chicken Skewers
- Chicken Quesadilla
- Pork Belly Skewers
- Mojito Prawns
- Gambas Pill Pill
- Cajun Cream Mushrooms
- Beet and Avocado Tacos
- Patatas Bravas
- Halloumi Tacos
- Beef Ropa Vieja Tostada
Roasted Chorizo
This roasted chorizo plate consists of a generous portion of spiced chorizo glazed in a red wine and honey sauce. This rich dish is one I would definitely have again. The glaze complements the smoky chorizo perfectly and leaves you wanting more.
Chicken Skewers
You will receive 3 skewers of the chicken rumba skewers which are succulent strips of chicken, marinated in a dark soy sauce, lime and pineapple juice. The chicken is then topped with crushed chillies and pico de gallo. The soy sauce gives the skewers a gorgeous flavour and the chillies add that extra punch. The pico de gallo helps to counteract the chilli and provide freshness to this dish that shouts Latin American cuisine.
Chicken Quesadilla
You cannot go wrong with chicken quesadillas when you eat tapas and these from Revolucion de Cuba do not disappoint. The quesadillas brushed with a paprika seasoning are packed full of marinated chicken pieces, cheese, onion and peppers; ingredients that just melt in your mouth. This dish is a true winner in my eyes.
Pork Belly Skewers
Similar to the chicken skewers, 3 pork belly skewers will be served to your table. These chunks of pork belly come coated in a signature spicy rum sauce, again topped with pico de gallo. The rum sauce is flavoursome and adds that kick that is needed for a spice fanatic like myself.
Mojito Prawns
This hearty portion of mojito prawns is brilliant for seafood fans. These king prawns fried in a mojito infused batter are delicious served alongside the rum mayonnaise. Now, I’m not the biggest prawn enthusiast but luckily Holly is and she thoroughly enjoyed this dish, especially with the rum mayonnaise and on that one, I can totally agree.
Gambas Pill Pill
Another king prawn dish comes in the form of Gambas Pil Pil. These prawns come doused in a buttery, garlic and chilli sauce are another that are sure to be a top choice for seafood fans. If you aren’t a lover of spice, this is the dish for you as it’s mild seasoning is certainly palatable for most.
Cajun Cream Mushrooms
I’ll be honest, this is a dish I was worried about. I’ve never been the biggest fan of mushrooms. To me the texture of mushrooms is bizarre BUT I actually loved this hefty bowl of goodness which is something I did not expect to say believe me. The sauteed mushrooms are served in a luscious, creamy cajun sauce that is rich and delightful on the taste buds. I could even go as far as to say this was one of my favourite dishes from the evening!
Beet and Avocado Tacos
This vegetarian option consists of beet and avocado tacos topped with white bean, spring onions and chillies. The bitterness of the beetroot pairs nicely with the smashed avocado and the spring onion and chilli brings in that spice that I lust after.
Patatas Bravas
This tapas classic is one of my favourite tapas dishes and one I’m sure you all love too – if not, I’m sure you will. Patatas bravas is fried potatoes topped with a spicy tomato sauce and garlic aioli. This dish is a great option as it helps balance the palette when eating all of the other rich, spicy plates. The tomato sauce is delicious, so much so I wish that the potatoes were swimming in it!
Halloumi Tacos
Another vegetarian dish is the halloumi tacos. This taco dish consists of charred halloumi, butternut squash and courgette, drizzled in a chilli jam glaze. As with all of the tacos, you will receive 3 tacos. This may not seem like that many but it is more than enough with the size of the feast you are about to consume.
Beef Ropa Vieja Tostadas
Last but certainly not least is another of my firm favourites from the tasting menu. The shredded beef ropa vieja tostadas are served with guacamole, spring onions, sour cream and red chard, making it a tapas classic straight from Latin America itself. This true Cuban dish is truly scrumptious and one I will 100% order again.
Final Thoughts
At Revolucion de Cuba the atmosphere is lively, the cocktails are flowing and the food is tasty. What more can you ask for from a restaurant on Aberdeen Restaurant Week? I should also mention that the tasting menu is large so make sure you come with an empty stomach, you will need it!
We had a lovely time at Revolucion de Cuba and will certainly be back to try out more of their taco dishes in the near future. Cheeseburger tacos are calling my name!
I’d recommend giving this cuban delight a go this ARW and see for yourself the wonders of their tapas menu.
Have you been anywhere else for Aberdeen Restaurant Week yet? Will you be heading along to Revolucion de Cuba?
To finish, I want to say a huge thanks to Revolucion de Cuba for having me and of course, Aberdeen Inspired, who without these foodie weeks would not be possible.
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