ORLANDO — If you’re fortunate enough to live in a walkable neighborhood like I do, you know the pleasures of strolling along to the nearest commercial strip and discovering what treasures you have within walking distance of your home.

That’s how I found myself immersed in a taste of Cuba in my own backyard in Orlando’s Colonialtown North neighborhood. There I was one weekend afternoon, standing in front of The Black Bean Deli, one of those restaurants that quickly get a reputation for being a gem of the neighborhood — and don’t think us Colonialtown locals don’t try zealously to guard this one for ourselves!

Besides, The Black Bean Deli has a second location that’s a 10 minute drive from us, in Winter Park. Since that quaint city is known for its appealing tourism attractions, we hope the tourists go there and the locals get our deli pretty much to ourselves.

What I find interesting every time I’m at my local Black Bean Deli, ordering a Cuban coffee or Grilled Cheese Cubano, is the frequent misconception that the Cuban influence in Florida is entirely concentrated in Miami. Yes, that city has its Little Havana neighborhood, Miami’s Cuban heart known for its Latin American art galleries and plentiful ethnic restaurants. 

Do we have a Little Havana in Orlando? No. But we have a lot more to offer residents and visitors alike when it comes to Cuban culture, and that’s particularly true for local examples of Cuba’s remarkable cuisine.

What is The Black Bean Deli?

Orlando’s Black Bean Deli, just a 10 minute walk from my home, is a chic, charming place on 1835 E. Colonial Drive that can be reached by calling (407) 628-0294, particularly if you’re eager to order some takeout through Uber Eats. The deli is open Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. On mild spring days, there’s outdoor seating. Good piece of advice: grab a table outside. It’s paradise.

Andres Corton, owner of the deli, notes on the company’s website that “As the visionary, culture director and creative force, I aim to preserve Cuban traditions through our food, coffee and experience blending abuela’s kitchen with timeless design. I want to build restaurants in repurposed buildings that hold historical significance to their neighborhoods.”

 That vision is exactly what he brought to this deli, he notes.

“At Black Bean Deli, we aim to preserve these traditions in a contemporary setting, perfecting my grandmother’s cocina through offerings like café con leche y pan tostado, empanadas, bistec, yuca frita, sopa de pollo, and more,” he notes.

To please their customers, the deli offers classic sandwiches (Cuban Frita Burger), sides (empanadas, maduros), and plates (Spanish Baked Chicken, Havana Pork), plus specialized coffees, wines and desserts. Meals consisting of rice, black beans, tomato salad and plantains are a beloved staple here.There’s a reason it’s a favorite of mine.

The Winter Park deli is at 1346 N. Orange Ave., and you can call (407) 628-0294 for those takeout orders or requests for catering and special events. This deli operates under the same hours, and with the same delectable menu.

Of course, the appeal of Cuban cuisine means that residents and visitors alike have other options in Greater Orlando when it comes to fine dining, done the Cuban way.

What Kind of Cuban Culture is in Orlando?

As Visit Orlando, the city’s tourism promotion agency, notes on its website, Latin culture has a very vibrant presence in Central Florida.

“Florida learned to speak Spanish long before English — so it should come as no surprise that robust Hispanic and Latino communities call Orlando home. In fact, more than a third of our residents identify as Hispanic or Latino,” the agency notes. “All told, residents of Puerto Rican, Mexican and Cuban descent account for most of our Hispanic and Latino population, with just about every other Hispanic and Latino nation also being represented. These communities are integral to Central Florida’s economic, social and political wellbeing, taking cues from their ancestors’ traditions while helping to shape the region’s future.”

While Orlando doesn’t have the same Cuban influence as Miami, those visitors coming to Central Florida to visit popular theme parks such as Disney World and Universal Resort are unlikely to be disappointed if Cuban meals are among their favorites.

“If you are looking to satisfy your cravings for some Cuban flavor, Orlando will not disappoint,” the CityPass Orlando travel blog notes. “Home to many traditional Cuban restaurants, this Central Florida city will get you what you want, be it a tender ropa vieja (shredded beef stew), a stacked Cuban sandwich, or traditional rice and beans.”

Those culinary options include:

• The Cuba Libre Restaurant, 9101 International Drive, known for its open air seating and impressively vast rum bar, along with its Caribbean decor and — for those night owls among us — late-night salsa dancing. Their motto is “Escape to Havana in the heart of Orlando.”
• Havana Bistro & Cafe restaurant, 7975 S Orange Blossom Trail at the Skyview Plaza, renowned for its Cuban sandwiches, roasted chicken and mouth-watering pastries.
• Zaza Cuban Comfort Food, 3500 Curry Ford Road, which specializes in all-day breakfasts, so if an egg sandwich if a favorite of yours, this is the place to visit.
• Cubanela Latin Bisto, 827 W Lancaster Road Suite B, a popular Cuban sandwich shop with an impressive selection of baked and fried Cuban snacks such as their crispy empanadas and croquettes. Yum!

If you’re traveling to Orlando and love Cuban culture, I’d recommend seeking out as many of these fine restaurants as possible during your stay. And if you’re a local and haven’t discovered any of them yet – what’s wrong with you?!

Because one of the great pleasures of living in Orlando is the many delicious, authentic Cuban delights available in your own back yard, as I discovered that weekend afternoon when my exploratory stroll took me unexpectedly to The Black Bean Deli.

This is going to be a sublime, mouthwatering journey for anyone new to Orlando’s creative, charming, comforting and captivating Cuban cuisine.

Happy eating!

Michael Freeman is an Orlando journalist, playwright, and author of the book A Christmas Eve Story. Contact him at Freelineorlando@gmail.com.

Freeline Media accepts opinion columns — ones that are polite, civil, and done with insight and good taste — from all points of view, all ideologies, all political parties and concerns. Contact us today at FreelineOrlando@gmail.com if you’d like to share your views and opinions with Freeline Media and our readers.