It's easy to be skeptical when the word "authentic" is associated with a restaurant, but there's no cause for concern at Arelita Authentic Cuban Food; it's the real deal.

There are plenty of clues supporting the case for authenticity: the colorful exterior, the lively music inside, the artwork, the menu and, ultimately, the food.

Arelita serves traditional Cuban cuisine such as ropa vieja, lechon asado and tostones among other dishes, but there's more to it. In its most elemental level, this is uncomplicated, unsophisticated food. Yet, it's elevated here by the attention to detail in the melding of flavors and how it's presented.

Soon after arriving, our server placed a basket of banana chips accompanied by cilantro sauce and pink sauce, made with mayo and ketchup (it tastes better than it sounds).

The main menu features five sandwiches and 10 entrees. The daily specials, children's menu and desserts are listed on the back.

Some items were familiar, such as those named above, and a few were unknown to me, such as the tamal en cazuela ($20.99). Although the tamale casserole with ropa vieja ($16.99) was tempting, I opted for the shredded beef with rice with black beans and fried sweet plantains. Entrees come with a choice of two sides (from a selection of a dozen).

The chef brought our food out from the kitchen. His pride was obvious, particularly when I remarked about the impressive plating. The meat was in a small bowl rimmed with sliced radishes and carrots. A green olive, what looked and tasted like mini pimentos and a tall toothpick decorated the center of the meat.

The black rice was conically formed and also topped with a green olive. On opposite sides of the meat were two small, cigar-shaped pieces of golden plantains.

The meat, shredded into thin strands, was clearly braised for hours in a tomato-based sauce. Hints of garlic, onions and pepper were evident in every bite. The rice was black and earthy, thanks to the presence of the beans. The four pieces of caramelized plantains added the right amount of sweetness to the otherwise savory meal.

The chef delivered the pan con cerdo ($14.99) on a wooden cutting board. This plating was unexpected for something as simple as a pork sandwich. One bite, though, demonstrated this was above average, made with thin slices of pork steak with sauteed onions, lettuce, tomatoes and crunchy potato sticks all layered inside two pieces of Cuban bread slathered with mayo and ketchup.

The combination of the meat, sweet onions and crunchy potato sticks provided a range of textures and pleasing tastes. The bread, sourced from Norma's Bakery and shaped like a baguette, was soft and chewy.

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The eatery has two small dining rooms, one with a full bar and the other with a counter where carryout orders are picked up and bills are paid.

Don't be deterred by the unassuming Knob Hill area where Arelita is. The outside belies the warm, colorful atmosphere and friendly service behind the restaurant's front door; of course, the best part is the truly authentic Cuban cuisine.

Arelita Authentic Cuban Food

Cuban cuisine for dining in or carryout.

Location: 2306 E. Platte Ave.

Contact: 719-291-5100

Prices: $5.99 to $21.99

Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; closed Tuesday

Details: Credit cards accepted. Alcohol. Wi-Fi.

Favorite dishes: Ropa vieja, plantains, pan con cerdo.

Other: Gluten-free and limited vegan options available.