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Life & Arts

Cafe Piquet leaves patrons with satisfaction, 
not indigestion

by CHRISTIAN OCHOA
The Daily Cougar 

The traditional ways of old Cuba are alive when anyone enters Cafe Piquet. And with good reason, too: The family-style cooking adds an extra kick to Cuban dishes that make the meals memorable.

Located on Houston's southwest side, Cafe Piquet's location is perfect in an area known for its ethnic and cultural diversity. Despite its foreign decor -- license plates from Central and South America, antique furniture and musical instruments from the old country -- any straight-laced, American boy would feel welcomed since the staff and menu are bilingual.

For appetizers, start off with empanadas. They're fried handpies stuffed with cooked ground beef and vegetables. The hot sauce adds flavor, but it's not necessary. Papas rellenas and croquetas are a second and third option, but they're not the healthiest. 

The best advice for newbies to Cuban food: stick with traditional dishes. Although the names of some dishes sound appealing, portion sizes and flavors can be too much. 

Ropa Vieja, which means "old clothes," is the safest bet for anyone new to this type of food. The shredded meat dish is sautéed in tomatoes, onions, green peppers and garlic. The meal also includes mojo (rice cooked with red beans) and fried plantains, to add a little bit of sweetness to the dish. 

Living in Texas, it should be no surprise that everything is bigger. The proportions are hearty so some of the food could find its way into a doggie bag. 

While you're enjoying your meal, don't expect the waitstaff to be as attendant as it should. Cafe Piquet is a family owned restaurant, so the waitstaff is limited to two or three waiters at most, even on a crowded Saturday afternoon. 

If there's still room after eating a hearty meal, comfort desserts can fill you up. Cascos de guayaba y queso (Guavas with cheese) is a sweet treat to cap off the meal. The guava's flesh is cooked in its own juices and pink syrup. Besides tasting delicious, the contrast between the pink juices and white cream cheese cubes floating on the surface is a sight to see. It's an interesting combination to finish a meal.

The laid-back ambience and Texas-sized portions make Cafe Piquet an interesting break from the fast food nation college students live in.

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