Casa Tino Authentic Latin Cuisine invites Bradenton to ‘savor the taste of our roots’

After working in the restaurant business for 33 years and opening and operating restaurants for others, Puerto Rican-born chef Ramon Tolentino decided to open one of his own.

In June, he did just that with Casa Tino Authentic Latin Cuisine at 8742 State Road 70 E. in Ranch Lake Plaza, east of Interstate 75. The new restaurant is between Lobster Pound and Jersey Brothers Pizza and Pasta.

Tolentino, 51, was attracted to Ranch Lake Plaza by the growth of the area, the large Puerto Rican and Hispanic population and the growing number of foodies who want to try something new. The fact that the shopping center has plenty of parking was also a factor.

“We make everything from scratch. So far the feedback has been very good,” he said.

The scratch-made dishes are personalized for guests, Tolentino says, adding, “come, enjoy and savor the taste of our roots.”

Among the most popular menu items are the mofongos rellenos, which are mashed green plantains stuffed with your choice of protein (chicken, skirt steak, fried pork chunks, shrimp, octopus or chilled seafood mix).

Some consider mofongos rellenos the national dish of Puerto Rico. Mofongos rellenos at Casa Tino start at $17.

Tostones, fried green plantains, shown above with arroz mamposteao, a rice and bean mixture, is featured at Casa Tinoi.

Also featured are entrees (platos principales) such as grilled chicken breast, fried center-cut pork chops, shrimp scampi, pan seared steak and more. Entrees start at $14 and are served with white rice and red or black beans.

For the lunch menu, a variety of sandwiches (Cubans, pulled pork, steak and more) are served for $10.50. A variety of lunch entrees, including angus beef stew, grilled chicken breast, pan-seared steak and more) are available at $11.50.

Casa Tino is a family business with the chef’s wife, Skyla, helping out. In addition, his mother, a pastry chef, contributes the alcapurria appetizer. Alcapurria is a Puerto Rican fritter made with fried green banana dough. It can be stuffed with savory beef or crab filling.

A panfried steak with sweet potato fries is a menu offering at Casa Tino.

The restaurant offers a kid menu of chicken strips or hamburgers.

A variety of desserts are offered, including flan and more.

What to know

▪ Name: Casa Tino Authentic Latin Cuisine

▪ Address: 8742 State Road 70 E., Bradenton.

Casa Tino Authentic Latin Cuisine opened in June at 8742 State Road 70 E. in Ranch Lake Plaza, east of Interstate 75.

▪ Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Note: Casa Tino closes 3:30 p.m. to 5:30m p.m. between lunch and dinner. On weekends, the restaurant opens at 1 p.m. The restaurant is closed Monday and Tuesday. Reservations are recommended but not required.

▪ Phone: (941) 242-2784

▪ Online: casatinolatincuisine.com/