Twisted Taino bringing Caribbean and Latin America flavors to Parma – cleveland.com

PARMA, Ohio -- Its been roughly a year since Chef Jose Melendez opened Ohio Citys Twisted Taino, which offers a modern take on traditional flavors from the Caribbean and Latin America.

Now, the Parma resident cant wait to do the same in his hometown. Parmas Twisted Taino, located at 5629 Pearl Road, is set to open Sunday (Aug. 1).

Twisted Taino is located at 5629 Pearl Road in Parma. (John Benson/cleveland.com)

It took a lot longer to open than expected, said Melendez, who has been working on the Twisted Taino concept for the better part of a decade. Unfortunately, we came across a lot of unexpected things with the building -- a new roof and (air conditioning).

Something else unexpected was his decision to close the Ohio City location.

It was very tough, because I actually wanted to have both locations -- Ohio City and Parma -- open at the same time; however, due to the staffing shortage, that wont be happening, Melendez said.

Over the last year, we learned what works, what doesnt in regards to the kitchen and staffing. So moving into this new location, definitely we feel were experienced.

Formerly Hobart Health Foods and Gaelic Imports, the 5,300-square-foot Twisted Taino will be divided between its kitchen providing carryout and curbside service and a sit-down restaurant offering all-you-can-eat lunch buffets and dinner dishes within a casual, upscale environment.

Twisted Taino is located at 5629 Pearl Road in Parma. (John Benson/cleveland.com)

Melendez is hopeful the latter will be open by the end of the year.

The side were opening now is set up to be carryout only; however, theres a little outside seating available for those who want to stick around, said Melendez, who co-owns Twisted Taino with his brother, Omar.

Eventually, well be building out the other side. Once thats completed, well be able to fit about 80 to 100 guests.

The chef described Twisted Taino as a Caribbean restaurant with a Latin-infused concept. While his roots are Puerto Rican, Melendez said the Twisted cuisine includes dishes from Colombia, Jamaica and Cuba.

Twisted Tainos menu includes bandeja criolla (chicken and pork chicharron, plantain chips and yuca fries), arroz mamposteao (Puerto Rican fried rice) and Twisted Doritos (similar to walking tacos). Also available will be hand-crafted artisan frappes in a variety of candy bar and fruit flavors.

Other new menu additions include a skirt steak and shrimp hoagie sandwich, as well as a pepper cheese sauce.

On social media, our neighbors are ready to have something new in the neighborhood, Melendez said. Were super excited. Also, a lot of our clientele in Ohio City was from Parma and surrounding areas. Theyve expressed how excited they are to not have to travel that far.

Still, Twisted Taino apparently offers quite the draw for some out-of-town folks. Melendez said hes had customers coming from all over Ohio, as well as Michigan and New York, to experience the cuisine.

Its very rewarding to know that people actually see what youre doing and will drive hours just to taste your food, Melendez said.

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Twisted Taino bringing Caribbean and Latin America flavors to Parma - cleveland.com