On our approach to the Caribbean, we stopped over in Miami because it had been a number of years since I had an opportunity to play on this American metropolis, one which oozes all issues Latin with worldwide flavors laced all through. My recollections of Miami are a bit like my recollections of sure elements of LA — FUN is the predominant phrase. Integral is meals and wine.
Despite the numerous instances I’ve been to Miami for a convention or just to absorb native tradition, I had by no means been to Little Havana, so Anthony and I made a decision to embark on a meals tour of the world: the place Cuba meets America.
Cubata vibrantly adorned tables in Little Havana
They kick issues off on the Tower Theatre in Little Havana and from there, it’s a food-walking expertise that explores this vibrant and historic neighborhood. We began off with Cuban espresso – whoah! It’s each robust and candy, so be ready. It’s one of many causes they serve it in such small-sized cups. La Ventanita, a gathering place for Café Cubano, is understood for its iconic Cuban-style espresso, also referred to as colada. This is how our information defined the completely different espresso choices to us: Horvolito and Cafe con Leche each have scorching steamed milk with a shot of espresso. Cafecito is a conventional espresso sweetened with sugar only for you and Colada is a Cuban espresso to share.
At El Pub, you’ll style ever-so-delicious empanadas and the Peanut Guy (not his official identify) will seemingly present up and promote you peanuts for a buck for a small tube of them.
There needs to be a baked choice in a meals tour, proper? PC Bakery is a enjoyable spot on the principle drag and has been round for the reason that 1980’s. The place felt like a mishmash of Cuba, Miami and Paris.
Below, our tour information shares the cheese pastries with members.
The Ball & Chain transports you again to an older period with music, dancing and the spirit of what you would possibly name Old Havana. There’s delectable Cuban tapas and nice drinks. Los Pinarenos Fruteria gives contemporary produce, freshly squeezed juices and tropical smoothies.
There are additionally nice murals to be discovered all through Little Havana. They inform a narrative (and a historical past) that isn’t typically shared with a mainstream viewers.
And after all, there’s stay music in lots of locations — sure, even through the day mid-week.
There are fairly just a few cigar-making outlets alongside the principle drag and down a few of the aspect streets. I ventured into almost each one in every of them as we had time to stroll round after the tour ended. It was so fascinating that we frolicked for just a few hours to stroll round earlier than testing the native bus system to get to a different neighborhood in Miami. If you’re quick on time, I’d counsel taking a taxi.
Below, we cease at Cubata Restaurant for longer than another cease, for a sandwich and an epic Mojito. We cherished all of it — you should definitely watch our video under because it brings our Cubata expertise to life.
Mojitos at Cubata – sure, please. Bring them on!
Sitting exterior strolling the world go by at Cubata. It’s an awesome place to folks watch.
This girl is such a gem. Dedicated to her craft, she stands on the sugarcane juicing machine and churns out one drink after one other. And she’s been there for YEARS.
At La Churreria, their crispy exterior churrerias are generously dusted with cinnamon-sugar. Popular in Cuba, these cinnamon-sugar coated deep-fried pastries have change into highly regarded amongst locals.
Also on the tour, you find out about Cuban historical past. I cherished that Celia Cruz was honored on one of many statues. If you’re not conversant in her, she was a Cuban singer (probably the most identified Latin artists of the twentieth century). She rose to fame in Cuba within the 1950’s, the place the nickname “La Guarachera de Cuba” took off and later, she grew to become often known as the Queen of Salsa. Not everybody could find out about her dedication to performing as an lively spokeperson for the Cuban group in exile.
Also, do you know that Ernest Hemingway lived in Cuba for thirty years? I didn’t till I found it on our stroll. Dedicated to Hemingway and his e book The Old Man and the Sea, this seafood restaurant alongside the principle drag is known as Sala’o Cuban Bar & Pescaderia. It’s bought an awesome vibe if in case you have an opportunity to go to it. There’s additionally stay music as properly so you should definitely e book a desk on a weekend.
There are enjoyable outlets as properly to purchase clothes and conventional Cuban hats. We had a blast exploring a number of of them.
Hanging out with our tour information after the tour.
For extra info, take a look at this hyperlink for extra particulars together with methods to e book. Below is a enjoyable quick video highlighting our expertise.
Renee Blodgett is the founding father of We Blog the World. The website combines the magic of a web based tradition and journey journal with a world weblog community and has contributors from each continent on the earth. Having lived in 10 nations and explored almost 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural range.
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