Latin Fusion: Flora’s
Located just outside the downtown area, this restaurant is unique in that its menu awakens the palate with a fusion of Latin flavors created by Flora Gonzalez, while the décor’s palette of vibrant colors is provided by artist Abner Gonzalez.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Flora’s is representative of a career path that was inspired by and forged with the help of family. “I learned how to cook from my grandmother and mother,” Flora recalls of growing up in New Jersey. “They always made me do the steps they didn’t want to do!” She also credits her culinary talents to an aunt who cooked authentic Puerto Rican dishes. Lessons learned in the kitchen prompted Flora to expand her own palate, which led to more experimentation with ingredients and presentation. Flora came to realize that she enjoyed everything that cooking entails. “I’ve always liked to cook for family and friends, as well as serve them. It became my way of saying that I care.”
In 1993, Flora was at crossroads and felt she needed a change of scenery. “My dad lived in Lancaster, so I moved here,” she says. She was inspired by the fresh produce the area offered, as well as the melting pot of foodways that was just beginning to bubble up in city. The move served to strengthen the direction Flora would take career wise. It also introduced her to Abner, who credits his father for providing him with the foundation for his own career and encouraging him to explore his talents through drawing, painting or simply being creative from the time he was in elementary school.
Their combined talents led Flora and Abner to an empty space on North Mulberry Street in the city. The shuttered Colombian restaurant was the perfect size for the newcomers in that it offered two small dining rooms and outdoor seating. It also provided Abner with a gallery-like space for his artwork, examples of which are on view at the Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center. “When we first opened, people would come in the door and be surprised by what they saw,” Flora says. “With a name like Flora’s, they were expecting a flower shop and not a restaurant.”
Lancaster soon discovered that Flora’s provides a culinary adventure to such destinations as Colombia, Peru, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and other areas. Guests also discovered that Flora’s fusion of Latin flavors represents the way food from that area of the world has evolved and become elevated. According to Flora, first-time visitors are surprised by how light, refreshing and flavorful Latin food is. “It’s not spicy hot,” she notes.
The shrimp-and-avocado dish seen here exemplifies that philosophy, as it is enlivened with garlic, cilantro, onions, tomatoes, rice and beans. Bring your own rum or another spirit and Flora can create a tasty mojito or other cocktail for you to enjoy. Of course, you’ll find well-known items such as a Cuban sandwich, empanadas, paella, burritos and quesadillas on the menu, but you might try the yuca fries, Veg Chaufa (Peruvian stir-fry) or the Mar y Tierra (grilled boneless chicken and shrimp sauteed with cilantro cream) to fully experience the fusion of flavors.
306 North Mulberry Street, Lancaster
Details: Florasrestaurant.com
