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David Shipman Michelle Duncan have opened an exciting new sandwich shop in Doral called Cuento, which means “story” in Spanish. Indeed, there is a story element to just about every aspect of the restaurant, where references to historical and fictional figures abound.
Take, for example, the El Cid Sandwich, a massive pan con bistec composition that reflects the legendary medieval Spanish knight’s grandness and larger-than-life reputation as a warrior. Top sirloin, mozzarella, provolone, shallot compote, crispy Malanga sticks and campeador sauce are artfully layered and grilled to perfection for the price of about $20.
“Our concept originally was to be called “Something Cuban,” says David, a second generation Cuban American. “We’d been searching far and wide for good Cuban sandwiches and found them hard to come by. We saw a niche to be filled and decided to flip the script a little bit by making adjustments to the sandwich names and compositions to appeal to the larger Hispanic populations in Doral.”
David and Michelle leased a space formerly occupied by a vegan juice bar and kitchen called My Roots because its layout was ideal for Cuento. “In the hunt for a property, you almost never find a space that matches your vision,” he explains. “Typically, you must adapt your concept to the property.”
Instead of a classic media noche sandwich, Cuento offers with the Don Quixote, a unique take on the midnight sandwich reflecting the Tampa Cuban use of chorizo instead of pork, accompanied by smoked ham, mozzarella, provolone, swiss, pepinillo and mostaza lozano, all for less than $17.
“Attention to detail is very important to us,” says Michelle. “We are focused on how we layer our sandwiches, how they are pressed and presented to the customer. We make our own mustard sauce which pairs fantastically well with our sandwiches and also with seafood like stone crabs.”
In addition to the restaurant’s exciting theme and delightful visual appeal, customer interaction is a key element at Cuento. Hispanic literature such as novels and poetry are present throughout the shop and each table has a domino set. “Come in and enjoy a sandwich and café con leche and read,” says Michelle. “That’s part of what the restaurant is all about.”
“We make fresh juices daily,” says David. “The drinks look cool but they have to be shaken, and that’s by design. We want customers to interact with their food, which is why our sauces and our homemade pickles are served on the side.”
Although Cuento is David and Michelle’s first brick and mortar restaurant, they are hardly newcomers to the hospitality industry, having run the popular Purple People Eatery food truck in Miami for more than a decade.
Cuento also offers delicious cracker crusted croquettes in ham, turkey and chicken or pimento cheese, a selection of desserts such as white chocolate flan and strawberry guava cheesecake and an expanding selection of vegan items. Breakfast sandwiches are also available for early risers. Plans call for the addition of beer, wine and tapas and extended evening hours.
Cuento is located at 4237 NW 107th Avenue in Doral and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. To view Cuento’s menu and to order online, please visit www.Cuentosandwiches.com.
