Gordo's Cuban cuisine

Gordo's Cuban cuisine is a casual resturaunt mostly frequented by the college students at Florida State University, as it is just blocks away from the campus. In full disclosure, it is literally across the street from my house and is a favorite of mine. The reasons it became my favorite place in Tallahassee are simple. The food is good, it is filling, the portions are big, and the price is fair.

There are two Gordo's and the first one was in Tampa, but if I didn't tell you, you would probably think it was just a local shack that was bought by a Cuban family. My favorite dish is the Lechon Asado, which is roasted pork. It is the most famous of all Cuban dishes, and this one doesn't disappoint. It has a spicy taste and has been marinated in lime juice before hand. On it's best days it is moist and juicy, and on it's worst it is just in need of the extra lime juice they give you. It is topped with Onions and come with two sides (all dinner entrees come with the same choice of sides.) The congri which is red beans and rice that are cooked with chorizo, or black beans and rice is the firsdt choice. Fried sweet plantains, or under ripe fried plantains (maduros.) I always go with the sweet plantains, but switch up between the congri and the black beans.

They also have a line of sandwiches that are popular for lunch. They are all pressed, like a cuban. The turkey and ham pressed sandwich, named the Gordo is probably the most popular, and it has a smaller version called the Gordita. They are all served on fresh Cuban rolls and pressed on both sides.

Lastly, they have a few things that go outside the traditional Cuban food realm. The first of which they are famous around town for is their small fresh cut fries with Gordo's sauce. Gordo's sauce is mayo, lime juice, and mojo seasonings. They also have pressed cheesburger's which are their spin on famous american burgers but pressed in the Cuban style.

Everything I have eaten there has been up to par, including the new sliders that are a beef and chorizo and can be eaten as a full meal because the dish is so big, although it is an appetizer. The only knock I have on Gordo's is that the service can be slow a lot of time, so if you don't have the time don't try it.