Cuban Food and Latin Food Restaurants: Babaloo Restaurant, Whittier California

Jorge: When we travel, we tend to look for little hole-in-the-wall joints for Cuban food.

Glenn: Sure, we like atmosphere as much as the next person, but the little mom and pop type restaurants typically have the best food.

Raúl: Even when we're not eating Cuban food, we like to stay away from any type of chain restaurant.

Glenn: "No chain restaurants on vacation" is one of our rules. However, we understand that a lot of people on vacation are not just looking for a good meal, but also an entertaining atmosphere.

Jorge: That's the strategy that Bongo's restaurant has used to become a popular attraction at DisneyWorld in Orlando.

Raúl: If you're looking for a Cuban restaurant that has "gone Hollywood," what better place to look than LA!

Glenn: Babaloo restaurant is the type of Cuban restaurant that will appeal to the vacation traveler. It's clean, it's glitzy, it's in a good neighborhood, and it features plenty of "show biz" qualities to add to your dining experience. Oh, and the food is pretty decent too, by the way.

Jorge: They lean pretty heavily on the Desi and Lucy theme.

Glenn: Think lots of neon, palm trees and pink flamingos.

Jorge: The vaca frita is a mound of shredded flank steak grilled with onions and peppers. The dish is very satisfying, although there is a little too much soy sauce flavor for my tastes. The soy gives it more of a Chinese flavor -- maybe it's their version of Chino-Latino cuisine.

Glenn: Babaloo Restaurant's rabo encendido (oxtail stew), is a classic of Cuban cooking that you don't see on a lot of menus. Babaloo's version is muy picante -- much spicier than anything you'd ever get in Miami. I'm not sure if this is a Mexican or Jamaican influence, but it is not typically Cuban. However, the meat is tender and the sauce very flavorful.

Jorge: Two steak specialties were nicely presented and very tasty. The palomilla steak is served with caramelized onions -- a very nice touch that adds some sweetness to the dish. The bistec empanizado is lightly breaded and very juicy.

Glenn: Whatever type of bread they are serving here, it is definitely NOT Cuban. This is another LA-area restaurant who should contract with Glendale's Portos bakery for bread deliveries. A good loaf of warm Cuban bread makes all the difference in a good Cuban meal.

Jorge: Show up on Salsa Dance Night, and you are in for a real show.

Glenn: Travelers -- Before your visit to Babaloo Restaurant, check out the nearby birthplace of Richard Nixon museum.

Jorge: My guess is that Dick probably ate a lot of Cuban food with long-time friend and Cuban businessman, Bebe Rebozo.

Glenn: Well, we know for sure that he never MADE any Cuban food.

Jorge: How do we know that, Glenn?

Glenn: Don't you remember when he said, "I am not a COOK!"

HOURS: Monday - Thursday 11:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m. / 5:00 p.m - 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday 12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

PRICES: Most entrees priced less than $15 with a $6.95 special for sandwiches and tortillas at lunch.

DRESS: Casual

BAR: Beer and wine only

CARDS: Visa, MasterCard

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