Mi Tierra Latin Fusion
603 W. Abram St
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 12pm-6pm
(817) 861-9144
http://www.mitierralatinfusion.com
I love this little family-owned-and-operated restaurant which is one of the best kept secrets in Arlington. But once you’ve tried their homemade dishes, you’ll tell your friends about Mi Tierra and it won’t be a secret anymore! Mi Tierra was a big hit at October’s Taste of Arlington, winning the “Best Latin/Caribbean” award. Mi Tierra also won both the Critics’ Choice and Readers’ Choice awards from Ft. Worth Weekly.
Located in the heart of Arlington in an old house, Mi Tierra has a menu full of family recipes which are from kitchens in Puerto Rico, Cuba, South America and Central America. The restaurant is the dream of owners Damaris and Carlos. She is from Puerto Rico, he is from Cuba (the Cuban sandwich is the best-seller during lunch hours).
Damaris quit her job at American Airlines in order to open the restaurant in June, 2008. Carlos still works at American Airlines, but not before he goes to the market early each morning to buy fresh ingredients for the restaurant’s kitchen.
The menu is varied and very reasonably priced. The most expensive item on the menu is Argentinian Churrasco in Chimichurri sauce at only $14. Other Latin entrees include: Carne frita with caramelized onions $9; Fajitas $9-$11; Cod Fish Filet; Caribbean baked chicken; and Peruvian chicken breast $9.
But of all the Latin entrees, I highly recommend the Stuffed Mofongo. What is mofongo? It’s mashed plantains which is stuffed with your choice of meats or shrimp. Delicious, but definitely filling. Be hungry if you order the Mofongo (or be ready to take a doggie bag home).
The menu also includes “Algo Light” (Something Light) by offering the following sandwiches: Cuban Sandwich, Roasted Turkey, Caribbean Chicken, Eggplant & Hummus; and Ham/Cheese/Egg. I heard diners at an adjacent table commenting that they like to order the ham/cheese/egg sandwich at lunch.
Next time, I’m going to order from the “Algo Pasta” portion of the menu. In addition to Caribbean lasagna and Eggplant lasagna, Papalina is a popular choice. It’s a family recipe which is spaghetti in a creamy sauce, bacon, parsley & cheese.
There are daily soup specials ($3 cup, $5 bowl) as well as “Daily Specials” that can vary from Goat Stew (fricase de cabro), to Pork Kabobs, to King Fish in onion & garlic sauce. The restaurant’s Web site (mitierralatinfusion.com) lists the specials on a weekly basis.
The appetizer list is varied so it’s hard to decide what to order, so go with the Mi Tierra Sampler ($10). Appetizers include: Tostones (fried green plantains) Pollo Nachos; hummus; empanadas, quesadillas, yucca frita, mariquitas, cornmeal stick fritters, and stuffed potato balls.
Okay, now to the best part…dessert! I enjoyed the guava turnovers ($4). The coconut bread pudding ($3) and cheese flan ($3) and chocolate tres leches cake ($3) are popular picks, too. If you like cheesecake, try the cheesecake with guava sauce ($4).
A good value is the Sunday buffet which is served all day (12pm-6pm) and is $14 per person, but that amount includes sangria (okay, that’s got my full attention!).
Whether you come for lunch, dinner or Sunday’s buffet, I think you’ll appreciate the family recipes and family-feel of Mi Tierra. Rather than dine at a chain restaurant, try a small, unique restaurant that is the passion/dream of its owners.
Mi Tierra is very easy to find. The address is 603 W. Abram which is just a couple blocks west of downtown, just before Cooper Street.
Mi Tierra cannot serve wine, but you are welcome to bring your own or any other alcoholic beverage. They open & pour it for you.
Monday nights from 7-9pm there’s Latin Jazz. On Tuesday nights at 7:30pm, free salsa lessons. And Friday night from 7:30-10pm there’s poetry & guitar with Gilberto Cortez.
