El Rey de Las Fritas

As I am not from Miami, I had no idea where to get one of these frita things I kept hearing about. I was told by someone to go to El Rey de Las Fritas. Since I am one of those people that never writes anything down and, because I am Espanol-​challenged, I only remembered the ‘Rey’ part. As a result, my first frita was from a pizza place in Hialeah Gardens with Rey in the name. Not a pleasant experience. I refused to try another frita for over a year.
Now that I have brushed up on my Spanish, watched more of the Travel channel, and gotten the name right, I decided to give the frita another try. I am happy to report, El Rey de Las Fritas has restored my belief in the frita. This was not the greasy flavorless mess that I was expecting. No, this was something worth telling others try. This frita tasted like I need to order another one. I just had to.
Thank you, El Rey de Las Fritas for giving me the true frita experience. After eating here I must agree, «It’s good to be the King!»

Thank You, Anthony Bourdain. Because you are the Man, yes, but also because you led me to a long-​undiscovered gem of a place in my hometown of Miami. Seriously, how did I not know of this place? Well… I certainly do now.
So what is a «Frita» those of you who, as I was, are among the uninitiated, may ask. A Frita is a Cuban Hamburger. A flattop-​cooked, beef-​and-​chorizo patty of greatness, topped with way too many crisp potato sticks, cheese if you like it, and barely cooked chopped onions, all piled between two bun-​esque shaped Cuban Bread discs.
And Holy Hell, is it magically delicious.
We paired ours with some Churros (doused in condensed milk and chocolate and dipped in Café Con Leche), an IronBeer (for my IronMan!), and a fresh Mango Juice. The Perfect Afternoon snack for Two.
Hiding out in a strip mall, with the obligatory Café Con Leche window (counter) I would have expected more of a dive. Nope. This place was bright and open and airy and clean. We were there in a late afternoon lull, and EVERY employee was cleaning. From the cook to the busboy bleaching and mopping the bathrooms. Cleanliness, my friends. Some say it’s next to Godliness.
I say… If you want Godliness… Grab yourself a Frita con Queso from El Rey de Las Fritas.
Que Rico!

We stopped by for a mid-​afternoon nosh coming back from the Everglades and the Frita con queso hit the spot. I love the tiny thin sliced potato sticks