Unique Appetizer Alert: Cuban Cigars At District 37 Kitchen

You've heard of deep-fried pickles. You've probably had pickle chips as an appetizer. But last weekend, we tried what could be one of the most unique appetizers in Western New York. They're called Cuban cigars, and they're available at a new restaurant in Tonawanda.

Appetizers could be the best part of the meal

I've never really understood appetizers. They're food that you get before you get your food. Isn't that what a salad is? I've never needed anything to jump-start my appetite. Chances are, if I'm sitting down at a table, I'm ready to eat.

When I say that, I don't want you to get confused. Appetizers are probably my favorite part of the meal. Sometimes my wife and I will go out, and we will order just about every appetizer on the menu and not even order an entree. That's how much I like them. So we were excited when a friend sent me the description of this one.

Cuban Cigars could be the most unique appetizer in Western New York

What is a Cuban cigar, you're asking? It could be the perfect combination of appetizer foods. It involves pickles, pulled pork, ham, cheese, and applewood-smoked bacon. They take the pickles, ham, Swiss cheese, and pulled pork and wrap it in the bacon to make it look like a cigar. They serve them on what looks like a huge ash tray with a sweet citrus dipping sauce. These aren't something you smoke, but they look like they could be.

Are Cuban Cigars The Most Unique Appetizer In Buffalo?

Gallery Credit: Brett Alan

I was under the impression that the pickle would be a full pickle spear, but it wasn't. They actually just had tiny pieces of pickle in them with the pulled pork, so if you're not a huge pickle fan, don't be afraid, the pickle taste isn't overwhelming.

Where can you get Cuban cigars in Western New York?

They're served at a new restaurant called District 37 Kitchen & Taphouse on Sweeney Street in Tonawanda. Next to the Transit Logs that I had a couple of months ago, this might be one of the most unique dishes I've had in a while.

The food was all very good. The pizza was phenomenal. If you're looking for a cool place to check out with patio seating and a great bar setting, District 37 could fit the bill for you.