By B.C. Manion
Opening a restaurant has always been Miguel Aban’s dream.
His desire to create tasty dishes began with growing up around his mother’s cooking and the cooking of his friends’ moms, he said.
As he grew up, he developed his culinary abilities by working at Beth Israel Medical Center, where he learned to prepare Kosher foods and he later worked as a chef for Filk International in Greenwich, Conn.
Miguel loves to prepare and share good food and used his cooking skills to woo his wife, Marie.
Now, he hopes the foods he prepares will entice people to visit the Dade City restaurant he and Marie opened in July.
Called De Limin Cafe, the restaurant at 14016 7th St. is unpretentious in appearance, and openhearted in nature.
The owners explain the vibe they’re trying to create on their menu’s colorful cover: “The word “lime” as a verb means to hang out with friends, pass the time and talk.”
All are welcome, all kinds of foods are served and no one will pressure patrons to eat quickly and leave, Miguel and Marie said.
They pride themselves on offering French Creole, West Indian, American, Caribbean, Italian and other foods.
Appetizers, for example, include pholourie balls, West Indian saltfish cake, a Caribbean and American sampler and Jamaican beef patty.
Wraps and sandwiches include a jerk chicken wrap, a blackened fish sandwich, a veggie wrap or a chicken and broccoli wrap.
Entrees, labeled as the “main feast” on the menu, come with rice, fried plantains, vegetables and a house salad. Choices include curry chicken, griot, curry lamb and stew fish.
The restaurant also serves Kosher red snapper, lamb and chicken, Miguel said.
Its pasta dishes are lasagna, fettuccini and penne — all featuring homemade noodles and special sauces.
One of the restaurant’s most popular dishes is intended to be shared by two. It’s called the “Melting Pot,” and features shrimp, scallops, lobster, black clams and chicken — cooked in coconut milk and curry sauce.
Natalie Merten, who lives in Ridge Manor, came to the restaurant last week because her daughter, son-in-law and grandson had eaten there and enjoyed it.
She brought a couple of friends from Alabama along with her.
Doris Piland, of Rogersville, Ala., was impressed by the array of food choices. “It’s a great menu. It’s got a great variety,” she said.
Opening a restaurant is always a risky proposition, especially during a recession, but the opportunity arose and the couple decided to go for it.
They repainted the restaurant’s walls, put up some new curtains and reupholstered the chairs.
And, they put together a menu featuring a wide selection of choices.
But they said they are able to prepare a much broader array of foods. If someone requires vegetarian dishes or needs gluten-free foods, they can accommodate those needs, they said.
Both owners love good food and want patrons to leave their restaurant feeling satisfied.
They hope that freshly prepared foods, generous portions, reasonable prices and a friendly atmosphere will help them build a following.
The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. until the last patron leaves on Friday and Saturday.
If patrons come in when they’re getting ready to close, they’ll stay open to serve them, Marie said.
They want their restaurant to have a welcoming ambience.
“We open our restaurant to anyone. Come formal or come casual. Come anyway you want,” Miguel said.
“We give everybody a chance,” Marie said. “We believe in all traditions.”
For more information about the restaurant or its menu call (352) 245-4350 or go to delimincafe.com.
