While coffee is still served at the former Cafe Lia on Union Avenue, the rhythms and smells of authentic Cuban food will take over when Lidia's Cuban Kitchen is expected to open this Friday.

Co-owned by Joe Dellefave and his wife Lidia Amado, the restaurant will rely on Cuban family recipes and offer a full espresso bar. There might even be a cigar roller on the premises during the grand opening celebration this week, according to Dellefave.

The couple had owned a restaurant in Highlands that Dellefave said was destroyed by superstorm Sandy. It didn't take long for the entrepreneurs to land on Cranford as the location for their new venture.

"We chose this location because of the community," said Dellefave. "Cranford was the first choice."