Because her family fled Cuba long before she was born, the closest Kristy Socarras Bigelow has ever gotten to her home country is eating meals prepared by her Cuban relatives. Still, growing up in Miami among a strong Cuban community, it was easy for her to feel close to her heritage—she lived in a bilingual household where they often threw parties with Latin music and dancing.

So when Kristy moved to Denver, she felt a little lost. That lively Cuban community was gone, and the occasional care packages she got from her mother weren't enough to satisfy her constant cravings for her native foods. She and her husband made a command decision: they would open a Cuban restaurant where Kristy could feel at home any time.

Over the years, her single restaurant has expanded into four locations, including three sandwicherias that take a more casual approach to Cuban cuisine. There are a few entrees, but it's mostly wraps and sandwiches, including, of course, the country's famed Cubano with slow-roasted pork and ham. The minuta de pescado is almost like Caribbean banh mi, with tempura mahi, citrus slaw, and spicy aioli on a whole-grain baguette. The mojitos are another specialty, as are chairs that don't wail for help when you put weight on them.