Que Rico

A North Carolina husband-and-wife team who launched the first gourmet french fry bar in Raleigh, N.C. just two years ago is quickly expanding their Latin-inspired concept into Miami. Buena Papa, which means “good potato” in English, recently opened inside of The Dirty Rabbit nightclub in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood.

“Miami is renowned as a top city for cuisine, and the city’s diverse culinary landscape and enthusiastic food culture perfectly align with our mission to introduce people to the beauty of different flavors and cultures,” say James and Johanna Windon, owners of Buena Papa Fry Bar.

They got the idea while at home cooking during the pandemic. They were planning to make “bandeja paisa,” a traditional Colombian dish usually prepared with rice, beans, chorizo, pork belly and other toppings. They were out of rice, used french fries instead and the “Colombiano” was born.

The menu also includes the Boricua, fries topped with pernil pulled pork, guacamole and pico de gallo; the Mexicano, topped with carne asada, guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo and the Italiano, made with pomodoro sauce, meatballs, mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

The Miami location inspired three new signature dishes: El Cubano’s fries are tossed in spices and mojo, topped with a garlicky roasted pork, diced ham and dressed with house made Cubano Sauce. El Japones offers a choice of teriyaki beef or pork katsu strips and is garnished with fresh scallions, eel sauce and pickled carrot sticks. El Miami features tender pulled pork, guava barbecue sauce, queso fresco and fried yuca strips.

Buena Papa Fry Bar is located at 151 N.W. 24th St., Miami. For more information, visit buenapapa.com.