Seftel: K-Rico reopens in Chandler

The owners are new, and so is the location. But K-Rico, the Valley’s only Puerto Rican outpost, is back for its third go-around, this time in Chandler.

Partners Mike Ayala and Ricardo Rosado are offering the same kind of bargain-priced Caribbean fare – deep-fried munchies, sandwiches, pastries and a daily hot dish special – their predecessor did.

That means nibbles like alcapurria (beef fritter, $2.25), Puerto Rican pork tamal ($2.99), papa rellena (mashed potatoes stuffed with ground beef, $2.25) and Puerto Rican meat pie ($3).

You’ll find the signature Cuban sandwich ($6.75), put together with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese on grilled bread; as well as mofongo (mashed plantains, $3.99), an island staple.

Among the daily specials ($9.99) are rice and pigeon peas (Thursday) and arroz con habichuelas, rice and beans with your choice of pork, beef or chicken (Saturday).

Wash everything down with a tropical fruit smoothie ($2.95), like papaya, mamey or passion fruit. And look in the pastry case for guava turnovers, flan cheesecake and rum cake.

Details: K-Rico Bakery & Café, 2160 N. Alma School Road (at Warner), Chandler, 480-963-9601. Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday.