Former Chef For Jennifer Lopez' Restaurant Madre's Opens New Cuban Bistro

Casa Don Rolando
Authentic Cuban Bistro Opens in the San Fernando Valley

Come and Enjoy the True Taste of Cuba Served by Chef Rolando Gonzalez, former Executive Chef for Jennifer Lopez' Restaurant, Madre's

Chef Rolando Gonzalez brings Cuba to Los Angeles in his new restaurant, Casa Don Rolando, where the authentic and vibrant flavors of Cuba shine amidst the city's many Latin eateries. The menu reflects Chef Rolando's childhood in Cuba, starring traditional Cuban dishes such as Tamal Cubano, Paella al Estilo Cubano, Arroz con Pollo a la Chorrera, and Flan Cubano, in a warm, friendly bistro environment.

"I love the food of my homeland," says Chef Rolando. "I grew up helping my mother make meals for my brothers, sisters, and me. The dishes my mother made were recipes handed down to her, and from her to me. All served with love."

At Casa Don Rolando, Chef Rolando uses seasonal ingredients and applies traditional Cuban culinary techniques to create his delicious menus. Lunch (served from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.) includes an array of Aperitivos, Sopas, Ensaladas, and Sandwiches ranging from $3 to $10 and Entrees from $8 to $15. A more comprehensive Cuban menu is offered in the evening (Dinner served from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.) with first courses like Ceviche and Papa Rellena ranging from $6 to $14. Dinner Entrees start at $10 and include a perfectly stewed Paella al Estilo Cubano at $32. Vegetarian options and traditional desserts are available at every meal.

The 62-seat restaurant is open Tuesdays through Sundays, with live salsa music and Latin dancing every Friday night. There is a covered patio area for dining and a full bar and Casa Don Rolando is also available for special events and catering.

Before opening Casa Don Rolando on March 1, Chef Rolando partnered with Jennifer Lopez on her restaurant, Madre's, which opened in Pasadena in 2000. Lopez had fallen in love with his food at a party and subsequently asked Chef Rolando, who is a long-time family friend of the actress, to open a restaurant with her. Madre was an instant success and he went on to prepare all the food at Lopez' wedding to singer Marc Anthony. Chef Rolando has cooked with Lopez on television, most notably on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

A native of Holguin, Cuba, Chef Rolando has worked in restaurants in Madrid, Spain, and in Mexico where he opened La Bodeguita del 57 with his brother Raul in the late 90's. He moved to Los Angeles in 1989 where he has been cooking to much acclaim ever since. Casa Don Rolando exemplifies the Chef's distinctively Cuban style and showcases his lifetime of culinary experience. Bueno Provecho!

Casa Don Rolando
8755 Parthenia Place
(just east of Sepulveda Blvd) in North Hills
Phone: 818-920-2272

There is plenty of free parking available and the restaurant takes all major credit cards. Reservations are suggested but not necessary. For more information on Casa Don Rolando, go to their website, www.CasaDonRolando.com.