![The Garden of Eat'en food truck offers Cuban-inspired food made by owner Jennifer Andrews (left). [MARK JUDSON/News Bulletin]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-477e8332-55ef-4426-e053-0100007f15d6-e908c0c8.jpeg)
CRESTVIEW — Garden of Eat’en, one of the area’s newest restaurants, offers a homemade taste of Cuban fare.
Owner Jennifer Andrews grew up in south Florida surrounded by Cuban culture, a Peruvian grandfather and, she said, good food. Those experiences sparked a passion for the offerings at her new eatery, located at 971 Industrial Drive.
FOCUSING ON FRESH
“Definitely Miami, Cuban culture,” Andrews said when asked about her food’s origins.
The menu features staple dishes such as a Cuban sandwich, mojo pork sandwiches, French dips and arroz con pollo — a Latin American dish featuring chicken and yellow rice. Garden of Eat’en also serves home-baked guava pastries and Cuban espresso, which has a thick substance and sweet flavor.
“Everyone who’s had one loves a good Cuban,” Anderson said. “If they haven’t had one, they’ll fall in love with them.”
And, no, her sandwiches don’t include lettuce or tomato, a common debate in the Cuban food culture. Those ingredients are available to add upon request, however, Andrews said.
Garden of Eat’en focuses on fresh food with quality ingredients, slicing whole meats in-house, rather than using “deli meats,” Andrews said.
MORE TO COME
The restaurant opened about three weeks ago after family members helped Andrews renovate an existing mobile structure.
“I’ve always kind of wanted to own my own place,” Andrews said. After spending years working in the restaurant industry for “the man,” she decided to purchase a concession trailer already on site.
Eventually, Andrews would like to expand to a brick-and mortar location, but the food truck’s location does allow for some growth.
For now, Andrews is considering adding outdoor seating and sun shades. Those most likely won’t come until spring or summer, when the cold weather has passed. She also plans to install a television with satellite reception, and karaoke is in the works.
DAILY SPECIALS
Garden of Eat’en’s menu will fluctuate slightly during its initial months as the business learns what customers want and don’t want, Anderson said.
The company also plans to grow its menu and provide an additional service.
“We’ll be offering catering soon,” Anderson said. “And I want to have daily specials for seasonal foods.”
She also plans to make appearances at local festivals and events, namely the city’s winter festival, scheduled for Feb. 18 at Spanish Trail Park.
Garden of Eat’en, located at 971 Industrial Drive in Crestview, is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and is closed on Sundays.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: New restaurant brings Cuban style