I heard Revolucion de Cuba had a new menu and hopped along to its launch to check out their Latin inspired Cantina offerings. Whilst we waited at the bar, we munched on Pinchos (nibbles) to whet our appetite. Bella di Cerignola Olives were gorgeously plump, green and salty. Pork Crackling was moreish (the first time I have ever liked it), and Spicy Mixed Nuts and Sweet Banana Chips added diversity to an already varied menu. We tucked into a selection of tapas to share and kicked off with Guacamole. Crisp tortilla chips were the delectable scoop to angle the creamy green mixture onto, leaving a wonderful zing in my mouth.

Glazed Chicken Romesco
Glazed Chicken Romesco

The Glazed Chicken with Romesco (pan-fried chicken served with smoky roast tomato and pepper sauce smashed with almonds and hazelnuts) was a delight. The meat was tender and the sauce buttery with a subtle nutty aftertaste. Next up, sweet potato fries. I have a soft spot for the sweet, smooth flesh and these didn’t disappoint, as I wolfed down a bowl faster than you can scream in bewilderment “WHERE’S MY FRIES?!”

Chicken Quesadilla
Chicken Quesadilla

Chicken Quesadilla (flour tortilla, marinated chicken, cheese, onions, peppers, mango salsa) were tasty and filling. I loved the punchy salsa concoction which sliced through the creaminess of the cheese.

beef, chorizo and pork meatballs served with spicy tomato sauce
Albondigas

Albondigas (beef, chorizo and pork meatballs served with spicy tomato sauce) looked and smelt great, but because I’m not a beef eater, I took the comforting “oohs” and “aaahs” of my fellow diners as a stamp of approval.

florets lightly fried in Mojito butter, with goats cheese and honey sauce, topped with kale drizzle
Cauliflower Wings

Cauliflower Wings (florets lightly fried in Mojito butter, with goats cheese and honey sauce, topped with kale drizzle) was one of my favourite dishes off the menu. An innovative dish that is light, super scrumptious and surprisingly didn’t feel fried. The batter held its own, which is rare for a fried food.

Sardines (two whole, grilled, topped with smoky tomato salsa) were good and flavoursome too.

whole grilled sardines topped with smoky tomato salsa
Sardines

The burritos are huge and felt as heavy as bricks (a compliment, as it was packed chock-full with tasty filling). I had the pleasure of tasting the Marinated Chicken Burrito (sticky marinated chicken, paella rice, cheese, refried beans). The meat was cooked and seasoned perfectly, and the whole dish was very pleasing to a hungry eye.

sticky marinated chicken, paella rice, cheese, refried beans
Marinated Chicken Burrito

Other dishes sampled included Sweet Potato and Bean Burger, Cuban Cheese Burger (both served on a brioche bun, with fries, slaw and rum mayo). The mayonnaise was a revelation and the brioche bun a pleasure to sink my teeth into.

tortillas dusted with sugar, ginger, layered with cream, strawberries, strawberry coulis, mango
Sweet Nachos

I find that the measure of a good restaurant is its dessert menu and I had a choice of two. Sweet Nachos (tortillas dusted with sugar, ginger, layered with cream, strawberries, strawberry coulis, mango) was a tropical explosion in my mouth. You may not expect it – but sweet tortillas really work. By pushing boundaries and thinking outside the kitchen, sometimes a gem is discovered. Hat tip to the chef for this inventive twist on a classic.

I loved these sweet tortillas. Even more than Churro Cheesecake (Spanish doughnut sticks layered with vanilla cheesecake, fresh strawberries, drizzled with rum caramel sauce). It looked a little messy and the presentation could have been better. The cheesecake was also very runny, more like lightly whipped double cream. And the Churros themselves were not crisp at all. It tasted amazing though. This could be a proper star, but was let down by the execution. Would I get it again? Yes. I just hope these minor niggles are ironed out (it was a new menu but I have faith in the very talented team of chefs).

Spanish doughnut sticks layered with vanilla cheesecake, fresh strawberries, drizzled with rum caramel sauce
Churro Cheesecake

The new menu is eclectic and diverse as a bucket load of pick and mix – there is something for everyone. I’m a self-confessed foodie and when I like something and it ticks boxes (as Revolucion de Cuba does across numerous categories including flavour, authenticity and service), you know a restaurant is doing something right.

I love the new menu. It is tasty, fun, flirty, and versatile. You can be on a romantic date and this menu works. You could be on a business lunch and the food would make your client happy. I strongly suggest you try out Revolucion de Cuba’s new offerings. Miss it, miss out.

Revolucion de Cuba, 9 The Strand, Derby DE1 1BJ

Telephone: 01332 896196

Website: www.revoluciondecuba.com/bar/derby