June 20, 2013 - Mindy's, Sylva, NC


Mindy's is a fairly new restaurant in Sylva too. It is located in the Quin Theater shopping center area. It was opened by a Cuban family who used to have a location farther up the road near Zaxby's in that new strip mall area. Apparently, they moved thinking the new location would be better for business. It is a family owned restaurant, with the Guillama family hailing originally from Miami. They also have a bakery as part of the business. Guillama studied construction management and business at Western Carolina University. He draws on his childhood experiences for food inspiration. "I grew up in a culture full of food," he told Xpress. "I live in a small town, so I have to create what I want to eat."

Beans, Rice, Yucca Plant and Tostones

We were missing Pam this evening. This would be the second time we had been in Mindy's. The first time, we just dropped in to check out the menu and ended up sampling a dessert. The desserts were to die for, and there was a variety to suit everyone's taste. The restaurant was sparse in terms of decor and very few tables. It needed some panache, but  we chalked it up to just being new and not having their groove on yet. 

Rice with, Yucca, and Tostones

We were kind of excited to try out the menu and have supper. First, because we all love Cuban and Jamaican food. Second, we knew and had followed the owner (Andres Guillama) on the Food Channel on Food Network Star. He was a contestant on that show trying to get his own food show. Unfortunately, he had not fared well on the show as he did not present well, speak well, or showcase his food well. We all quit watching it after the second or third episode, as we knew he was bombing and in a big way. We actually felt sorry for him.

Empanada, Black, Beans and Rice, and Plantains

He happened to be in the restaurant that night. We all ordered something different, as it all looked and sounded good. However, our ordering experience and eating experience were two totally different things. We were feeling experimental tonite too as Greg and I ordered the Yucca. I have to say, they named that dish correctly. It was YUCK all right. I hate to be so graphic, but it had to be the blandest food item I had ever put in my mouth. It also had the consistency of a large, globular, wad of mucus. No one would or could eat it past the first bite. My rice and beans were also bland, completely without flavor, with the only flavor being the hot sauce I poured on the dish. 

The food looked good, but was served in Styrofoam containers, which was (I thought) opposite from the presentation the restaurant wanted to make. Maybe this was just because they were new and hadn't gotten their real dishes in as yet. We didn't receive any explanation, so not sure on that account. We decided to go sit on the porch to eat and while we were there we were entertained by the drunk Florida tourist at Robbie's who had parked his car all sigoggly in the parking lot. The police were summoned due to his erratic behavior. Surprisingly enough,  the police let him drive away. In addition, we were being stared at by a big rat sitting  in the grass next to Mindy's. I threw him my Yucca and even he turned it away. 
We were all disappointed by the meal, as the Black Beans and Rice, and Yucca were completely bland with no flavor at all. The Plantains were well flavored but were so salty we couldn't eat them. They were drenched in salt. The Empanada's were fairly good. We had both Chicken and Beef. They were extremely greasy, but did have good flavor and the shells were filled.. they didn't skimp on the filling. 
I don't believe I will be going back. I wish them well. I am sure there are folks out there who will find their food to their liking. I would recommend hitting  up one of their desserts though. You can't go wrong with the desserts.