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The" Hidden Treasure" of Sabor Latino |
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The translation of the words Sabor Latino means simply Latin flavor.� Surely you will find plenty of that when visiting this small hidden treasure of Hampton Roads.� Sabor Latino is the best restaurant/nightclub to go to when seeking Latin culture.� A few things that someone would enjoy at Sabor Latino are authentic food, Latin music and festive environment.� It definitely feels like home away from home.� It is also conveniently located on Little Creek Road in Norfolk, off of Harpin Road. |
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����������� Many people from Latin decent that I know have moved to this area either because they are in the military or to get away from the fast-paced life in major cities, like in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.� Particularly in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, there aren't many places that the Latino population can go to enjoy their accustomed lifestyle.� This is one reason why Sabor Latino is so popular.� It provides a festive ambience with mirrored walls, dim lighting, and round tables for close seating.� Don't get me wrong, this is not a huge building though certainly not small.� It will accommodate about 300 people comfortably.� Any more people than that and it's packed like sardines, shoulder-to-shoulder.� It also provides two pool tables for anyone who is up for a good game.� They're standard 8-foot bar pool tables and cost only $1.25 per game. |
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����������� Now, if playing pool or standing on the wall is not what you typically enjoy, then you can savor some tasty authentic Latin food that seems to be directly from the Dominican Republic.� The types of dishes that they serve include arroz con pollo.� Basically, it is a fried chicken dish served with white rice and a tasty slice of avocado or banana on the side.� You may want to try your taste buds with their Mexican style quesadillas with your choice of meat, whether it's chicken, beef, or pork.� Quesadilla are my favorite.� I particularly dislike food from Taco Bell which seems fabricated to taste authentic; but, home-made quesadillas that have shredded chicken with a handful of cheese, tomatoes, peppers, and a spoonful of sour cream.� There's something about Spanish dishes that differentiates them from others.� Once, I had the opportunity to learn how to prepare some Spanish dishes.� I've learned that they use a lot of spicy ingredients such as peppers (green, red, and yellow), sazon (a special mix of seasonings), garlic, and many tomato-based products.� A surprising fact about Spanish dishes is that they don't include butter, like most American foods.� However, most dishes are made with deep-fried meats.� Most authentic dishes don't require baking or boiling; all that is needed is a bucket of lard for frying, and you're all set. |
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����������� While mentioning food might get your mouth watering, you'll have no problem finding a quenching drink at Sabor Latino.� As I mentioned before, after 7PM the restaurant then converts into a full bar nightclub.� The admission is only $10, and they serve a variety of liquor, beer, and wines.� Whatever you can think of, they provide.� My favorite drink to get is the Grey Goose vodka, cranberry juice, and a splash of pineapple juice to balance the bitterness.� It has a smooth mellow taste, and it won't leave you with a hangover the next morning, if you drink it moderately.� Their prices are reasonable too.� For instance, any type of beer would cost you $3.50.� Moving up, if you wanted a mixed drink, such as the one I described, it would run you anywhere from $4.50-$6.50 depending on the type of liquor chosen.� I don't dabble with wine much, so I'm not exact on what it would cost you.� Although, I'm quite sure that the prices would be reasonable like the rest. |
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����������� Since we've gotten some food in our stomachs and drinks in our hands, we can enjoy the latin beats pumping through an incredible sound system provided by a live disc jockey.� They play the hottest and newest tunes out, like Daddy Yankee, Frank Reyes, and Don Omar.� Of course, the music is from a Spanish origin, but they also mix it up with some hip-hop.� For those who aren't familiar with Latin music there are three types: bachata, merengue, and salsa.� The type I ultimately cherish is salsa.� It is an involved type of dance.� There is a basic style where you mostly just two-step, but you can always tweak the dance by swaying your shoulders, clapping, or adding more steps.� This style of music dance is renowned.� Even people from different cultures are fascinated and study the dance style.� It is one genre of music that I believe everyone should listen to because it is so heartfelt; it has soul.� If nothing else, this will get you out of your seat even ifyou don't understand the Spanish language. |
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����������� Sabor Latino is one place you should at least stop by if you have some spare change and energy.� That is all you would need to have a good time.� If some evenings you are sitting at home with nothing planned, try visiting.� There's no coverage charge, and the people and atmosphere will have you returning for a second visit.� I'm confident that you will become a regular, like the rest of us. |
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