Mima’s Cuban Cantina, a restaurant from chef and owner Kassandra Gutierrez (aka Chef Kass), has opened in East Rutherford.

In kitchens since 14, she participated in several state & national competitions through her high school culinary program. Upon graduation, she studied at the Culinary Institute of America, moving on to a career in a variety of different kitchens ranging from fast casual to fine dining.

This is her first brick & mortar business, however she previously ran her own personal chef & catering entity called The Malleable Palate. The decision to open the restaurant was the result of an unplanned opportunity – it seemed there was no other option for her to take the risk.

The menu (View Menu) is Cuban cuisine including soups, sandwiches and breakfast bowls for breakfast and lunch, with traditional plates and sides for dinner. In addition, there a plans for a weekend brunch, with the option to bring your own beer, wine and liquor. All menu items are inspired by Mima’s (grandma’s) classic Cuban recipes both from Miami & Cuba. It will feature plenty of options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets and Chef Kass will do her best to utilize local businesses and source local ingredients wherever possible.

Events are in the plans, with live music, paint & sip nights, domino tournaments, chef’s tastings, etc all in the works. The 40 seat restaurant is open seven days a week.

Mima’s Cuban Cantina
850 Paterson Avenue
East Rutherford, NJ
Website

[photo source: Mima’s]