When I walked into Mojito's Cuban-American Bistro in Historic Downtown Norcross I had planning to order the Cuban sandwich. You are probably familiar with the Cuban sandwich: slow roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese piled onto Cuban bread. It’s lightly toasted in a sandwich press, a plancha, which is similar to a panini but without a grooved surface. What’s not to love? It’s said that the sandwich was common lunch food for workers in cigar factories and sugar mills of Cuba.
This was the meal I planned to order and I knew with their authentic take that it would be good.But I found two other sandwiches that were even more to my liking and just as rich with history.
The Media Noche ($8.35) is very similar and its name means the "midnight" sandwich. This is the staple served in Havana's night clubs around midnight. It contains the same ingredients as a Cuban sandwich but is typically smaller and made on a softer bread, made from a sweet egg dough, similar to challah.
But the sandwich I settled for is the Elena Ruth ($8.85). According to legend, Elena Ruth or Ruz was a young society debutante in 1930's. After a night at the opera, she would stop at a popular restaurant and confectionary shop in Havana, El Carmelo. She asked for “her” special sandwich, made with layers of cream cheese, strawberry jam and thin slices of turkey breast. At Mojito's, they serve it on the same sweet egg bread as the Media Noche. It’s like having a sandwich and dessert at the same time!
Mojito's is also known for their Cuban Seafood Gumbo (419.95) and Classic Paaella ($24.95) and their live music and dancing. And their sense of humor is strong as well. Their menu mentions the “Bay Leaf Challenge” If you find the bay leaf in your black beans or Ropa Vieja, tell your server and claim your complimentary beverage!
Mojito's is one of the restaurants on the Atlanta Culinary Tour of Historic Downtown Norcross, every second Saturday of the month.
Mojito's Cuban-American Bistro
35 S Peachtree St NW
Norcross, GA 30071
(770) 441-2599
Hours
Mon – Thur, 11a – 9p
Fri – Sat, 11a – 10p
Sun, 1p – 9p
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