SAN ANTONIO – Antonio Utra has traveled a long way to fulfill his dreams of owning a Cuban restaurant.
A Cuban immigrant, Utra has moved from Cuba to Mexico, Mexico to Florida, and Florida to San Antonio. After moving to the Alamo City in 2008 he opened La Rumba Cocina Latina at 4929 Walzem Rd.
"For me Texas is very important because I became an American citizen in Texas," Utra said.
The food at La Rumba is very authentic. The Cuban food served is inspired by a variety of influences from all over the Caribbean.
The signature item on the menu is the Cuban sandwich. The sandwich consists of pork, ham, cheese, mustard and pickles, it is then grilled together. A staple in Cuba, the Cuban sandwich is served at other restaurants around town but at La Rumba there is so much authenticity in the sandwich it's as if you got it directly from Cuba.
Besides the sandwich there is different type of meats plates like rabo encedido, which is stewed ox tail.
There is big plans for this small eatery, Utra says a bigger location is in the works nearby the current take-out location.
When asked where the idea for the name of the place came from. Utra says rumba is a type of music in Cuba and to him that signifies the flavors of his land and happiness.