..... in their latest mailout - an article entitled Gastronomy and Leisure in Havana.
It begins with this promising sentence:
"Havana, Cuba's major tourist destination, combines its world-renowned attractions, beaches, culture and traditions with excellent gastronomic offers for those with a discerning palate."
And carries on to recommend, however, just these three (which come with interesting descriptions):
La Bodeguita del Medio Restaurant - for ambiance.
La Terraza de Cojímar - for seafood. Also visited by Hemingway, although not recently :-)
The Mesón de la Flota in Old Havana.
siemprepatty
1
fabbrisd1
I believe they meant "La Flor de Loto" or Lotus Flower restaurant in Old Havana. up from China town next to the Cuba Chinese Museum... a former Chinese restaurant converted to multi-ethnic grilled food... massive portions for Havana at a decent price..
3
charliethompson
If you are looking for details of restuarants in Havana than check out the following link:
Havana Restaurants - Reviews plus details
It has full details of all restuarants (including palladars) in Havana.
Cheers,
4
yearnwick
Hehe, great recommendations!
Not visited by Hemingway recently? Strange...On the other hand, I heard he's alot in Novosibirsk, golfing with Elvis.
5
e_armand
La Bodeguita del Medio Restaurant was ridiculously overpriced and the food came from a STEAM TABLE in 2003. Has it improved?
The bar is where Papa DRANK, not ate - so why not just crowd in at the front bar w/ the other tourists for a $4 mojito.
Where can I get a plate of roast jutia?
6
adieste
EA, hate to repeat what I wrote on another thread, but ... Where can I get a plate of roast jutia? ...
There is a story told of a Russian visiting Havana during El Periodo Especial, who went to Barrio Chino for dinner. After looking at the menu, the waiter El (ubiquitous) Chinito came to take his order.
“I’ll have the “arroz con pollo” (chicken and rice)”, said the Russian.
“So sorry, se acabó (there is none)”, said El Chinito.
“Then, I’ll have the “boliche” (pot roast)”, said the Russian.
“So sorry, se acabó (there is none)”, said El Chinito.
“Well, then, I’ll have the “morros y cristianos con carne puerco” (black beans and rice with pork)”, said the Russian.
“So sorry, se acabó (there is none)”, said El Chinito.
Becoming frustrated at the apparent food shortages, the Russian asked, “Well, what do you have?”
“Carne de lata”, replied El Chinito.
“Well, I’ve lived on that for years in Russia, just bring me some”, muttered the Russian.
Having been brought his dinner, the Russian begins eating, chokes on the vile taste of the food, spits it out and exclaims, “This is horrible! What is this?”
“Carne de lata”, replied El Chinito.
“Yes, I know…carne de lata (meat from a can). But what kind of meat? Beef, lamb, chicken, pork?”
“Carne de lata”, replied El Chinito. “Lata, lata…¡mama del latonsito!”
7
e_armand
Sorry Al, my bad, I really DID mean to write : "I'd like to know where I can find a plate of roast jutia in Havana. Adieste, what's a good side-dish with that?"
8
adieste
I know you weren't kidding. If I ever had the opportunity to eat jutia, I'd probably have it with arroz con frijoles negros, a side dish of yuca con mojo de ajo, and wash it down with an ice cold Cristal. I'd also ask for a doggy bag, and take home the large teeth!
9
yorgos
Meson de la Flota is on Mercaderes. The food is nothing special, but they organize several Spanish-related events, like flamenco shows. Filled with groups of tourists during lunchtime, not recommendable in my opinion.
La Bodeguita del Medio is also another tourist haunt and the food is overpriced. I don't find much ambience there (unless you want to listen to the very sae 5 Cuban songs by a bored band that entertains clapping tourists singing "Comandaaaante Che Guevaaaaraaaa" in the most out-of-tune way); I'll have to disagree with DTCuba.
Food tends to go down once a place becomes a favorite of tourist groups. Ask La Mina on Plaza de Armas why... Probably the biggest dive in food quality all around Havana.
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