Night time creeps in sooner these days, and the early mornings are shrouded in darkness longer. As we turn our clocks back this Sunday, perhaps it will be a good time to turn towards the future, and the opportunities for a brighter path ahead. Fall in New England is beautiful, but the transition from warm temperatures and the striking sun to crisp wind and bare tree branches can take their toll on our wellbeing. Yet here in Nashua, so many cultures have converged to create a local restaurant industry that is bright, warm, and welcoming in all of its diversity. One establishment in particular has developed an environment of inclusion and celebration of gathering for delicious food, tantalizing beverages, and music that heals the soul.

Rhum, located at 138 Main Street in the historic Landmark Building, is the personification of tropical sunsets and warm breezes coming off crystal blue, warm waters that we so often think of when the Caribbean comes to mind. In these deeply unsettling times, it is more imperative than ever to continue to embrace and support the small businesses owned and operated by our incredible neighbors who work tirelessly to enrich our community.

Rhum offers some Americano favorites, such as breaded wings with several sauce choices, loaded fries, and a classic burger, but the focus is on the mainly Cuban and Puerto Rican dishes that they are famous for. A handful of Jamaican inspired options also star on this menu.

Small plates at Rhum are hardly sparse in content; they are perfect for sharing as snacks during an after-work cocktail or as a lead-up to any of their delicious entrees. Loaded Yuka Fries are piled high with chicken, pork, or beef, and topped with melted cheese, drizzled ranch dressing and the house sauce. Golden, crispy empanadas are filled with seasoned beef or shredded chicken, and Coconut Shrimp are jumbo, lightly fried and served with sweet chili sauce. Several other options round out this introductory portion of the menu to provide plenty of choices.

The Classic Cubano is stuffed with flavor, and never disappoints; loaded with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard, this tried-and-true masterpiece is pressed to perfection. The Cubano Burger is not for the faint-hearted, and maximizes on the best of both worlds: an 8 ounce beef burger is topped with Swiss and American cheeses, ham, pulled pork, mustard and pickles. The Jibarito is a sandwich that ditches the bread for a fried plantain experience that will delight anyone, but especially diners who need gluten-free options. Nestled inside are chicken or roasted pork with a housemade garlic spread, lettuce, tomato, American cheese and a red sauce. All sandwiches at Rhum are served with French fries.

A menu born from islands surrounded by sparkling blue waters would not be complete without a bounty from the sea. Rasta Pasta brings together jerk chicken and shrimp with alfredo sauce made with coconut milk, and sauteed peppers served over a heaping bed of pasta. Surf and Turf consists of a grilled New York Strip steak topped with shrimp, and is served with your choice of rice of the day, white rice and beans or Mofongo, as well as a side salad or broccoli. Salmon Criollo, as you may have gathered from the name, is Creole-inspired, and therefore another amazing gift from Jamaica. A robust salmon steak is pan-seared and doused in a homemade Creol sauce; it is served with a side of Mogongo of the day or white rice and beans, as well as a side salad or broccoli.

Mofongo con Carne Frita is a classic Puerto Rican favorite. Mofongo is made using fried, mashed plantain that is seasoned and formed in a half-sphere. You can choose to have pork or shrimp added at Rhum, and it is accompanied by a side salad. Canoas is a ripened plantain that is stuffed with beef or shredded chicken, fried, and then topped with cheese and house sauce. You can choose white rice and beans or the rice of the day. Jerk Wings are another Jamaican treasure here, marinated for twenty-four hours in Jamaican spices before being fried to order.

In addition to the sides mentioned already, you can also order the likes of Sweet Plantains, Yuka Fries and Tostones, which are fried plantains. Also be sure to ask your bartender or server about daily food and drink specials.

Round out your meal at Rhum with any of the three desserts available. Tres Leches is that delightful, light cake that is soaked in three different milks and topped with whipped cream. Flan is a classic custard that is a staple of so many Spanish spreads- though we pointed out several months back that it actually originated in France. Another French import, a Creme Brulee Cheesecake, is topped with whipped cream and a strawberry.

With cocktails that look like Caribbean sunsets and blue sapphire waters, Rhum can make a beverage for anyone hoping to imbibe. From mojitos and margaritas to rum punches and pain killers, their talented and friendly bar staff are quick to produce anything off the extensive menu or whip up something upon request.

Whether you’re stopping in on Date Night, grabbing drinks with an old friend, or getting dinner after work, all of the staff at Rhum are skilled in providing an unforgettable dining experience. Their cheerfulness is authentic and inspiring, and you are sure to walk out with a smile.

So many experienced hardships before COVID-19 came into our lives, one way or another, and now so many of us struggle to find hope some days. It can be hard to see a brighter side to what we are experiencing now, but it’s there. We still have our amazing restaurants, and we must do all that we can to make sure that they don’t have to shut down again. Wear your face masks, wash your hands frequently, practice social distancing, and continue to care about one another. We can use all of the good energy that we can possibly get these days, and Rhum is just one of the much-needed Nashua businesses that depend on us as much as we depend on them, and they welcome us to join them in the celebration of life that flows from the beating heart of the Caribbean.

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Rhum Caribbean Cuisine & Rum Bar

ADDRESS

138 Main St., Nashua

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PHONE

603-459-8566

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HOURS

Sunday thru Saturday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.

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SERVICES

Dine-in, Take-out; Delivery via Postmates and Grubhub

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ONLINE

https://www.rhumnashua.com • https://www.facebook.com/rhumnashua

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