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ROSWELL, Ga. — Plantains, Sandwich Cubano – there's a list of favorites when it comes to Cuban flavor. But for Lazaro Tenriero, owner of Lazaro’s Cuban Cuisine in Roswell, the traditional dish to try is arroz con pollo.
“I love travel all around the world,” Tenriero said. “One of my favorite things to do after travel – anywhere, Europe, Asia – is make arroz con pollo as soon as get back.”
“How does this dish represent Cuba?”
“It’s chicken with yellow rice,” Tenriero said. “Living in the country, we would go outside, get a chicken, and [arroz con pollo] was our staple dinner.”
For Tenriero, the dish offers an authentic taste of Cuba.
“It’s more comfort food,” he said. “Like being at home, like in my kitchen at home.”
“How does this dish represent Atlanta?”
“At the beginning, it was a little difficult, because a lot of people didn’t really recognize the food,” Tenriero said. “In almost eight years, I have seen babies grow up eating the food now. Parents bring them here, just for rice and beans sometimes.”
It’s a cuisine that’s family-friendly, according to Tenriero.
“There’s also the misconception that Cuban food is spicy hot. And it’s not,” he said. “Cuban food is very simple. It’s meant to be enjoyed by family of all ages.”
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At the Table is a digital series produced by 11Alive's Matt Pearl and Liza Lucas. Metro Atlanta features the food of dozens of nations. We want to eat through them all! Follow us on Facebook and share your favorite food stories.
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