Padrino's

One of the oldest Cuban restaurants in our area, family-owned Padrino�s has been successful enough to open four branches, the northernmost one in Orlando. The simple, brightly lit décor is more Denny�s than Little Havana, and while the expansion hasn�t necessarily improved the food, there�s still good chow at bargain prices here. Our favorites include the papas rellenos, mashed potatoes stuffed with ground beef, peppers, and olives and lightly breaded and fried; a warm bowl of caldo gallego, white bean soup with ham, potatoes, and collard greens; and Cuban pot roast fragrant with herbs and tomato sauce. Also available at this Plantation outpost: ropa vieja, churrasco steak, picadillo, and arroz relleno.