Ballet Nacional de Cuba - Cuba Absolutely
Ballet Nacional de Cuba - Cuba Absolutely
Ballet Nacional de Cuba - Cuba Absolutely
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Well, it seems that the new year started on the right foot for paladares in Havana; this month it was<br />
especially difficult to find flaws in the city’s restaurant scene and at the same time the “ups” seemed to<br />
increase. As a result, we have five “ups” this month and just three “downs.”<br />
DOWNS:<br />
The slow service at Madrigal:<br />
The last two times I was in this nice looking bar in the Vedado<br />
area I was with a fairly large group of friends, and I would be<br />
lying if I said we had a bad time. We had a blast! But it would<br />
have been even better if we hadn’t had to wait up 20 minutes for<br />
a daiquiri. The barten<strong>de</strong>r was a very nice fellow, but he ma<strong>de</strong><br />
each on separately when we had or<strong>de</strong>red five at the same time!<br />
OK, maybe there is a secret charm to the individually mixed<br />
daiquiri, but the service was slow. Other than that I love this<br />
place -- the chairs are uncomfortable and the noisy blen<strong>de</strong>r is<br />
too close to the patrons but the art is interesting and the<br />
location is very convenient.<br />
Calle 17 No. 809 (altos), e/ 2 y 4, Vedado. Tel. 831 2433<br />
The filet mignon at Italia en <strong>Cuba</strong>:<br />
This is a new paladar in the Miramar area. It is located on a nice terrace and has a big screen where you can<br />
enjoy music vi<strong>de</strong>os while you eat (in case this is your cup of tea…it’s not mine). The focaccia was amazing, even<br />
the take away was fresh and crispy the following day and the pizza was good, too. But unfortunately I ma<strong>de</strong> the<br />
mistake of or<strong>de</strong>ring the filet mignon. As a red meat lover I am in constant search of the good steak in Havana,<br />
which is not an easy challenge. But in this case I specifically asked the waiter before or<strong>de</strong>ring: “is this a filet cut<br />
or something else?” He assured me it was filet and he said it was fantastic and accompained by a bor<strong>de</strong>laise<br />
sauce. “OK, medium, please,” I said. Huge mistake! The meat was <strong>de</strong>finetly not filet but the toughest part of the<br />
beef, and it was more than well done. A shoe would have been softer. When I complained about how it was<br />
cooked, I just got a “too bad” look from the waiter, and for an uneatable meat I paid close to 16 cuc. I will be back<br />
for the foccacia, though!<br />
Calle 20 No. 721, entre 9na y 7ma. Tel. 207 4412<br />
The guitar player at Vistamar:<br />
In one of the most beautiful paladares of the island, in a contemporaryhouse,with a gorgeous pool, a<br />
magnificent view of the sea, and really good food, why in the world did anybody think they nee<strong>de</strong>d a guitar<br />
player singing Guantanamera and Hasta Siempre (the Che Guevara hymn)? I guess it works for the tourists, but<br />
for those who have been here more than a few months it’s more a nuisance than an attraction, ma<strong>de</strong> more so by<br />
the fact that the guy (who I am sure has very good intentions) tries to sell you his 10 cuc CD of songs. May I offer<br />
some advice? Expand his music repertoire, stop the promotion of his CD and let the patrons enjoy their meal.<br />
Ave 1ra e/ 22 y 24, Miramar. Tel. 203 8328<br />
UPS:<br />
.COM<br />
Elena's up and downs to dining out in Havana?<br />
by Elena Vega<br />
The suckling pig at Havana Chef:<br />
I am not a suckling pig person, but this was really good. My Spaniard dining accomplices (who really know about<br />
suckling pig) believed it’s one of the best in Havana, therefore, trusting their educated palates, it must be so. It<br />
was one of the youngest piglets I have ever seen cooked, the meat was ten<strong>de</strong>r and flavorful and the skin was<br />
crispy. To my horror, I witnessed a pair of spaniards almost fighting for it’s little three-week-old head. On top of<br />
that, the paladar is great, service was amazing, and the food will be the subject of more “ups” in the future. Just<br />
bear in mind prices are a little bit in the high si<strong>de</strong>.<br />
Calle 24 No. 360 e/ 21 y 23. Vedado. Tel. 830 1410<br />
page 23 | Feb<br />
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