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Stepping into Estrella Tropical, the new Latin restaurant and deli in Valrico, is like stepping into a different country. From the delicious smells to the fun music and friendly faces, owners Eli and Elizabeth Espinosa have created a taste of Puerto Rico on S.R. 60.
Opening the restaurant is a dream for the father-daughter team. Elizabeth recently graduated from the University of Tampa and Eli, who has owned other businesses in the Valrico area, worked in a family restaurant in Indiana before moving to Florida.
"We have both been doing other things while I gained experience and now we are ready to put everything we have into the restaurant," says Elizabeth, who recently finished an internship with a Walt Disney World restaurant.
According to Elizabeth, the restaurant offers food that is difficult to find at most Spanish restaurants and both father and daughter are excited to expose Valrico residents to it.
"Our cooking is really interesting and different," she explains. "We use the traditional Taino Indian combination of Spanish and African foods and techniques in dishes that you won't find everywhere. We are looking forward to teaching people about it and hope our customers won't be afraid to ask questions."
Specialties on the menu include pernil; seasoned and roasted pork, and mofongo; plantains mashed using a traditional mortar and pestle that has been in the Espinosa family for years. They are also willing to cook special requests for customers. Elizabeth is especially proud of the restaurants café con leche, made with authentic, top quality beans.
In its first few weeks in business, Estrella Tropical already has a good following.
Turkey Creek resident Wayne Glover was one of the first customers through the door and now calls himself a regular.
"I think I have sampled almost everything on the menu and I can tell you that it is all great," says Glover.
In addition, the Espinosas place a big emphasis on traditional music. "Music and food are the cornerstones of our culture and we want to share that with everyone who comes into our restaurant," says Elizabeth.
Estrella Tropical is hosting a grand opening celebration on October 23 from 3-9 p.m. with live music and a D.J. and fun events for the whole family, including face painting and a raffle. There will also be an opportunity to sample the restaurant's food for a flat fee.
The restaurant is located at 1941 E. S.R. 60, in the Valrico Square Plaza and is open Tuesday-Thursday 7 a.m.-3 p.m. and Friday-Sunday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. with extended hours planned after the grand opening.
For more information and a catering menu, call 643-8700.
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