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The Lunch Ladies had a delightful visit to El Tropical in Provo.

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Gabby was enthralled with the Carnita de Cerdo Frita at El Tropical.

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Jennette was drawn to El Tropical by the large Coke sign, but stayed for the Cuban Sandwich and fries.

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Janell ordered the Chicharron de Pollo Sin Hueso (Pork Rind Boneless Chicken) at El Tropical.

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The other day we were on a hunt for a new restaurant to celebrate our friend’s birthday. We wanted to hit up a local eatery that was completely new to all of us, so as to adorn the day with a small sense of adventure.

Jennette had recently noticed El Tropical, a restaurant serving Dominican cuisine in downtown Provo on 400 West, just enough off the beaten path that somehow the rest of us had missed it. We all agreed, both excited to try a place we had never seen and to try the flavors of the Dominican.

We quickly found the small restaurant, kind of surprised we had overlooked it, but also wondering if we really ever go up 400 West opposed to just going up 500 West or Freedom (200 West). As we comforted ourselves that we weren’t really as unobservant as we seemed, we entered the small nicely decorated restaurant, noticing the karaoke set up in a corner stage area reserved for Friday nights.

We were promptly seated and our kind waitress quickly asked if any of us spoke Spanish. I awkwardly said I spoke a little, and she said her English wasn’t very good. There were other waitresses and staff that could translate for us if we wanted, but this only made it that much more adventurous in my mind, and a more authentic experience.

I began to translate for our group, and I may have accidentally said closed pig instead of fried pork, or asked if something was cooked with bread instead of flour, but in the end it felt good to dust off my Spanish, even if I did have to laugh at myself a couple of times. And for the few more complicated exchanges, another waitress just came out and relayed the needed information. In the end we all got our delicious meals without a hitch.

Here is what the Lunch Ladies ordered:

Jennette: Cuban Sandwich with fries and a drink $5.99

I first noticed El Tropical just after they painted a huge red Coke sign on the side of the building. It is located just off of Center Street so it isn’t in my usual path to get home, but I have a tendency to notice all things Coke, so it popped right out at me one day. I knew we had to try it! I was a little hesitant to walk in because I hadn’t ever been there before, but I didn’t need to be. Everyone was very nice and the restaurant had a very welcoming and warm feeling. I ordered the Cuban sandwich which consists of pork, ham, cheese, tomato, lettuce and mustard on a nice, crusty bun. The fries were nice and crispy and the Coke was delicious!

Janell: Chicharron de Pollo Sin Hueso (Pork Rind Boneless Chicken) $10.99

If you are looking to feel like you are on vacation and trying new things, you might want to walk, or drive over to El Tropical. With a staff that is well versed in its menu and an environment that really takes you away, this is the best location to take that break away from your desk. I ordered the Chicharron de Pollo Sin Hueso, which translates to chicken with wonderful rice in my book. However, you can get it with fried plantain instead of rice if you choose. The garnish of the limes added the perfect level of citrus to squeeze over the chicken and the rice. This is a great location that is in the heart of downtown Provo; I would suggest that everyone go try it out.

Gabby: Carnita de Cerdo Frita (Fried Pork) $11.00

After conversing with our waitress in my less than stellar Spanish I decided to go with the fried pork because she said I could substitute the tostones, or twice-fried plantain slices, (which I was sure would contain flour), with rice instead. I was definitely glad I chose this meal! The pork carnitas, which are small chunks of meat, were so flavorful and delicious. They were as flavorful as bacon, but more hearty. They were tender, yet crispy on the edges. Yum! I was also surprised how much meat I was given. This dish also came with a large amount of white rice, that was moist and slightly flavorful in an almost buttery way. It was a simple, extremely filling meal which I really enjoyed, and enjoyed again as leftovers the next day. And the friends of the Lunch Ladies who tried the signature tostones found them to be delicious as well, and compared them to a combo of potato cakes meets French fries — just for all those curious readers. It was a tasty meal with some great authentic flavors!

Well, we had looked for a new dining adventure and we had definitely found one! Not only did we feel like we had escaped for an hour to a new locale, we also enjoyed some delicious food, friendly service and some good laughs.

Now we just have to go back during karaoke to see El Tropical in all its glory!

– El Tropical: 40 N. 400 West, Provo. Open Tuesday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed Mondays and Sundays.