La Septima Cafe, "a taste of old Ybor" in Brandon

Front (south-side) entrance for diners

Side (east-side) entrance for take-out

This is a relatively new location (14mos.) for a classic family run restaurant with 17 years of history in Brandon. Previously located on Parsons near SR 60, La Septima Cafe, http://laseptimacafe.com/, has been one of the areas favorite dining spots for Cuban/Latin fare since 1995. They are now located in the La Viva Plaza, at the corner of Kings and Lumsden. More specifically 702 W. Lumsden Rd., 33511.

Hours: M-F 7:00am - 9:00pm, SA 8:00am - 9:00pm. They are closed on Sunday.
Features: Full bar (w/Happy Hour M-F), about 10 tables in a covered patio area, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner menu items, Lunch Delivery (w/minimum order) and Event Catering available. 

Covered outside seating (nice)

Of course we walked in the "Take Out Only" door and were immediately directed to the front of the house where the hostess was waiting to pick us up like a couple of lost ducklings. Luckily it was near mid-afternoon so we were next and didn't come off like we were trying to cut ahead of others.

Very attentive and helpful waitstaff. Jose introduced us to a "trainee", Joe (who we never saw again) and helped me with my mis-pronunciation of "Palomilla". It was another duckling moment.

Daily specials board out front. We saw it on our way out. Oops.

If we had entered correctly we would have seen the bar area set off comfortably to the left, away from the dining tables. The walls are covered with nicely framed photos of the buildings and groups of people from a much earlier time in Old Ybor City. An old street lamp sits in the middle of the dining tables and a few displays of cigar boxes round out the effect.

For those of you who might not be familiar with Ybor City, it is a part of Tampa that was developed by cigar manufacturers in the late 1800's and served as a major community for immigrants mainly from Spain, Cuba and Italy. After several years of neglect and blight it has reemerged as a "club and arts" district with the buildings retaining the historical look of that earlier age.

Walls are covered with photos and renderings of Old Ybor City.

Erin ordered "The" Cuban Sandwich, smoked ham, roasted pork, Genoa salami, Swiss Cheese, pickle, mustard and mayo on Cuban Bread. It's an order I usually get, so I was glad she chose it. Now I could be more adventurous with my selection.

Erin's classic Cuban Sandwich. She said it was O.K. but not special.

I ordered the Palomilla Steak Sandwich, breaded and grilled palomilla steak, Manchego Cheese, grilled onions, with Valencia Mayo on toasted Cuban Bread and a garnish of Spanish Potatoes (homemade potato chips). Maybe not so adventurous after all (sandwich/sandwich), but oh well.

Lunch Special Palomilla Steak Sandwich, w/ homemade chips, delish!

Both sandwiches were made with Cuban Bread from the Casino Bakery, which has been in operation since 1912. I have to say it was the best and most fresh Cuban Bread I have had in some time. It wasn't just a home for the main ingredients. It added a special flavor all it's own to complement the fixin's.

Erin felt the same enthusiasm about the bread but for her the sandwich was just "good", not great or special. I really liked the Palomilla (Pa-low-me-ya). As you can see from the pic above it was a bit slip-slidy and chock full of perfectly grilled onions. The steak was tender like a thin cutlet, lightly breaded and nicely grilled. I really fell in love with the taste combination and textures of this sandwich and the spanish potato chips were a terrific surprise.

Kind a a homey touch. We'll go in next time around.

After lunch we walked down the front of the strip mall to check out all the little stores along the way. It is quite a collection of hopes and dreams; antiques, used books, used sporting goods, used baby furniture, coffee shop (opening soon), a bible college, news stand, real estate office and on and on.

Erin joked "That's my (her) new ride."

On our scale of YUCK to SUPER this has to go as a Super minus. Until we are really disappointed with something, this is one of the very best around.

Lunch for the two of us was about $16 with tip. We both had only water to drink and no extras like soup or appetizer. You should try it and we will be back soon.