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Black Beans and nice

A new restaurant in Town 'N Country serves up authentic Cuban fare that's proving popular.

By JACKIE RIPLEY
Published May 6, 2005

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - From the poignant strains of bolero to the lazy whirr of paddle fans, the atmosphere is all Cuban at the Black Beans Cuban Bar and Grill.

Replacing the old La Teresita, Black Beans is getting a warm reception at Waters Avenue and Hanley Road.

"The atmosphere is really nice, the music's good and the food is very good," said Olga Falcon after enjoying a palomilla steak lunch with her granddaughter. "We should be doing this more often."

Costly renovations forced the new owners to open behind schedule. "We tore it down and had to start from scratch," said Maria Carvajal, one of the owners. "We put a lot of money into the place. The kitchen is brand new."

Now, she said, "we're working on getting more parking."

Although 52 parking spaces exist, Carvajal said the new restaurant is "even more popular than we expected," and she is negotiating with a nearby property owner for more space.

As with La Teresita, the food is Cuban. The concept, however, is casual sit-down with a touch of sophistication.

Chef Galileo Cecilio offers staples such as chicken and yellow rice, plantains, and yucca. But he is equally adept at stirring up a mango sauce for grilled salmon fillet. He serves sirloin with a brandy and demi glaze sauce, and spices shrimp and mussels with a tomato broth.

"We really worked hard to represent the Spanish culture," said Eladio Seijo, one of the restaurant's owners. "We will continue to work to keep it right for the people, to make it more authentic."

Black Beans is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. with a full bar. Live entertainment and dancing begin this month with a piano player on Friday nights and a Cuban combo on Saturdays.

Jackie Ripley can be reached at 813 269-5308 or ripley@sptimes.com

[Last modified May 5, 2005, 01:31:12]