Food

Two Chefs Take Ropa Vieja to New Territory, While Retaining Caribbean Soul

Nadine Nelson

Loosely translated, ropa vieja means “old clothes” in Spanish and usually consists of shredded beef (often skirt or flank steak) paired with some variety of vegetables and a flavor-packed sofrito made with onion, tomato and bell pepper. Considered to be one of Cuba’s national dishes (but also part of traditional Panamanian, Puerto Rican and Dominican cooking), ropa vieja dates back to the Middle Ages and actually originates from the Canary Islands, the...