Ah, it’s always a good day when you learn there’s a new local restaurant in town.
Over the weekend, The Cuban Corner opened at 919 N. Stone Ave. — right next to the Sahara Apartments and down the street from Bumsted’s. The space previously housed Pelican Snoballs and then Buena Vida before that.
Actually, the restaurant’s full name is The Cuban Corner by TA-PAS because it’s owned by the same folks who operate the TA-PAS taco truck.
For six years, owners Gonzalo and Yilen Vera served their eats from a food truck on Fourth Avenue every weekend. Over time, the idea of a brick-and-mortar spot started to feel less like a dream and more like an eventual reality — and now, it’s finally here.
“We just knew it was time and had to jump on the opportunity when it presented itself,” they said. “We took a leap of faith and are so blessed to finally have our doors open.”
Currently, The Cuban Corner is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday-Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
“We’re excited to bring the flavors of Cuba to Tucson,” the Veras added. “Dishes like our beloved ropa vieja hold a special place in our hearts, and it’s been amazing to see others enjoy them too. We’re especially excited to continue sharing the unique fusion of flavors we started on our food truck, like our Cuban taco and bacon-wrapped burrito, part of our original Mexican Tapas menu.”
The Cuban Corner’s Menu
“For us, it’s all about good food, good people, and building something special together.”
Additionally, they’re still rolling around/dishing out the goods via food truck.
“You can find our Tapas Hot Dog Cart on Fourth Avenue at Eighth Street. We also use our truck for private catering — you can find us at the Tucson Dragway, Fourth Avenue Street Fair, Pima County Fair, and other special events around Tucson.”
The Cuban Corner by TA-PAS is located at 919 N. Stone Ave. For more information, follow the restaurant on Facebook and Instagram.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
