Restaurant news: New Cuban restaurant brings traditional Latin cuisine to Bunnell

Bunnell welcomed a brand-new restaurant this month, one quickly growing in popularity for its authentic Latin cuisine and menu of traditional Cuban favorites.

Domenech Corner opened its doors just a few weeks ago, eagerly bringing its breakfast, steak and sandwich offerings to its new Bunnell eatery. Owner Alberto Domenech, who also owns the Latino Market in Palm Coast, described his latest business venture as an opportunity to showcase his Cuban roots to a new location where customers can dine in and enjoy a taste of his culture through a range of authentic, homemade dishes.

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“I’ve lived in this town for almost 30 years, and I own the Latino Market Palm Coast, and I just know this is a necessity over here in Bunnell, you know?” Domenech said. “And so, I try to bring my culture over here with, you know, rice and beans, empanadas, Cuban coffee — everything.”

The quaint roadside spot is currently in a soft-opening phase, and, although no specific date has been determined, a grand opening is in the works for the near future. According to Domenech, the smaller-scale opening continues to serve as practice for him and his staff who want to provide customers with the quality food and service that they deserve.

“We want to see what people like,” Domenech said. “Because, you know, we make everything fresh every day, and we’re unique. We love people, and we’re here for the people.”

The charming new eatery offers a rather expansive menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, seafood and more, with several main plates ranging from the ropa vieja — a traditional Cuban stew often made from shredded beef, onions, peppers, tomato sauce and various spices — and the pollo asado — grilled chicken, served with two sides including but not limited to fried plantains, rice and black beans or salad — to the sandwich de croquetas— made from petite, fried logs, stuffed with ground ham and a crispy breadcrumb coating — and the bistec con cebolla — a popular steak and onion-layered Latin comfort food.

Domenech Corner also offers a variety of small starter plates, breakfast selections and desserts, ranging from the papa rellena — a fried potato snack typically stuffed with minced and seasoned meat, olives and egg — and the beef or chicken empanadas to the Bistec Breakfast — two eggs, steak and home fries — the Cuban Sunrise — two or three eggs accompanied by three ham croquettes and a stuffed potato — and the strawberry or blueberry crepes, custard and rice pudding.

For those stopping in for a quick sip, the newly opened restaurant offers a variety of milkshake flavors from mango and guava to mamey — a popular mild, orange fruit native to Mexico and central America and used in various Latin desserts — as well as beer, wine, soda, tea and several caffeinated selections, including espresso, iced coffee, café con leche — equal parts espresso and hot milk — and more.

As far as Domenech’s recommendations go, a few instant favorites came to mind.

“Our Cuban sandwich — it’s the best. And fried plantains; people love the plantains,” the restaurateur said, going on to rave about the eatery’s Cuban coffee, potato dishes and more.

Although the restaurant has been open for only a few weeks, according to Domenech, the support from both new customers and those who have followed him from the Latino Market has been incredibly encouraging and rewarding for him and his team, summing up his experience with just one simple word:

“Excellent,” Domenech said, smiling ear to ear.

“Oh yeah, just excellent. And the first day we didn’t even come up in the GPS, but the good thing is people know us for the past 20 years in Palm Coast — we’ve had the Latino Market in Palm Coast for 20 years now. So, we talk about our place over here, and everybody comes over here, you know? Neighbors that live out there, they drive over here … I’ve met a lot of people out there, and everybody knows what’s going on here now.”

For those looking to stop in and enjoy an early morning breakfast, a lunch-break sandwich or dinner with friends and family, the restaurateur has one clear message for all who walk through the eatery’s doors.

“Welcome,” Domenech said.

In the future, Domenech plans to extend the eatery's hours, hoping to open earlier and close even later.

Domenech Corner replaces what was formerly Happy Chef, located at 508 N. State St. in Bunnell and is open 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday – Friday and closed Saturday. For information, call 386-313-1533.

Helena Perray is the restaurant and dining writer for The Daytona Beach News-Journal. A New Jersey native and passionate storyteller, she can be contacted at hperray@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook. Support local journalism by subscribing

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Domenech Corner serves authentic Cuban cuisine in Flagler County