After the closing and change in ownership of Seattle’s favorite Cuban sandwich restaurant, Paseo, a new contender in the realm of Caribbean ambrosia has opened, and they have strong ties to Paseo.

Julian and Lucas Lorenzo, sons of former Paseo owner, Lorenzo Lorenzo, have opened their own restaurant, Un Bien, at 7302 15th Ave. N.W. in Ballard.

With the culmination of years of working with their father at Paseo, Julian, 24, and Lucas, 27, hope to bring their own take on Cuban cuisine – with, of course, much of the same flavors and preparations Seattle eaters know and love.

“It’s what we have been doing all our lives, and so it’s all we know. We stick with what we are good at,” said Julian.

Un Bien opened its doors last Wednesday and the Ballard News-Tribune dropped by before the potential opening madness began. Prep cooks feverishly sliced bread, rendered pork and roasted huge trays of onions.

The new location is at the site where Lunchbox Laboratory and Burger Hero used to be. The Lornezos have painted the building pink, which is a nod to the Paseo iconic building on Shilshole Avenue.

“We wanted to give it a tradition Caribbean feel, so pink seemed like a good color to paint it, “ said Lucas.

Lucas said that although their father is fully retired from the restaurant business, he did drop by throughout the week to check things over in the kitchen.

When asked what they have learned from their father, Lucas replied, “How to make delicious food.”

“He had a way of doing things. It was all about quality, and we just carry that over. His system works.”

What about the food?

Although the Lorenzos plan to draw from Paseo favorites, they have a new menu with new specialties. Favorites like rice and bean bowls, fire-roasted corn and full plate entrées will be offered. One addition to the menu is the steak sandwich, which wasn’t offered at the previous restaurant. Of course, as with the old menu, Macrina Bakery bread will be used. Also, the Lorenzos plan to serve breakfast sandwiches, Cuban toast and offer espresso. Their take in the Caribbean roasted pork — known as the “#2” at Paseo — is “#1” at Un Bien. However, there is a change to the favorite: pork steaks instead of cubed the meat.

The space is tight, but Lucas said that it actually has a better workable flow than previous Paseo spaces. The two said that they chose the spot based on where they live and what they could afford for a starter restaurant.

“It is a little small – a little tight, but we are doing the best we can with what we have.”

Also, Lucas said that the opening has been streamlined because the entire kitchen staff are all previous Paseo employees.

“It’s a lot like picking up where we left off. Since we have all of our old guys, they just got right back into it. The training was easy. We really have a great group of guys. That’s one thing we can’t say enough. These guys really are the best,” said Lucas.

With much of the same staff returning, it’s apparent that not all the employees shared the opinions that led to the lawsuit, which ultimately led to the closing and sale of Paseo.

“We have no new crew. Everybody came back. We told them we were opening a restaurant, and they all quit their other stuff to come work for us again. These guys are amazing,” said Julian.

Kitchen manager, Tyler Granthom, has been with the Lorenzos for five years and jumped at the opportunity to work with the old crew.

“It’s great. When it (Paseo) shut down it sucked. I worked a couple other places, but it wasn’t the same. It’s like a family here,” said Granthom. “I’m excited for the fresh start and to get back to work with the same crew.”

Un Bien offers lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays . Breakfast is planned to open later this week and contingently scheduled to start at 7 a.m.

Yes readers, Un Bien will be accepting both cash and credit card, unlike the former Paseo.