La Caridad 78’s Chinese-Cuban

Chinese and Cuban? That’s one we didn’t expect to see together.  Though it sounds like a trendy idea that might not endure, this Upper West Side institution has been around since the sixties.  Established by Chinese immigrants who lived in Cuba before the revolution, La Caridad specializes in working-class, Cuban and Cantonese fare.   While the two don’t mingle on any one plate, it’s amazing that you can eat a great Fried Chicken Cracklings with black beans and plantains, and Pork Lo Mein under one roof.  This affordable eatery serves family-sized portions of Egg Foo Young, Lemon Pork Chops, and Ropa Vieja, all for around ten dollars, which may be part of the reason the restaurant’s always packed.  The other is that they’ve been serving good food for over fifty years.