On our option 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 components of LA — FUN is the predominant phrase. Integral is meals and wine.
Regardless of the various instances I’ve been to Miami for a convention or just to soak up 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 realm: the place Cuba meets America.
Cubata vibrantly embellished 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 thought for its iconic Cuban-style espresso, also referred to as colada. That is how our information defined the totally different espresso choices to us: Horvolito and Cafe con Leche each have sizzling steamed milk with a shot of espresso. Cafecito is a standard 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 Man (not his official identify) will possible present up and promote you peanuts for a buck for a small tube of them.
There needs to be a baked possibility in a meals tour, proper? PC Bakery is a enjoyable spot on the principle drag and has been round because the 1980’s. The place felt like a mishmash of Cuba, Miami and Paris.
Beneath, our tour information shares the cheese pastries with individuals.
The Ball & Chain transports you again to an older period with music, dancing and the spirit of what you would possibly name Outdated Havana.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 usually shared with a mainstream viewers.
And naturally, there’s stay music in lots of locations — sure, even throughout the day mid-week.
There are fairly a couple of 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 a couple of hours to stroll round earlier than testing the native bus system to get to a different neighborhood in Miami. If you happen to’re brief on time, I’d recommend taking a taxi.
Beneath, we cease at Cubata Restaurant for longer than every other cease, for a sandwich and an epic Mojito. We liked all of it — you should definitely watch our video beneath because it brings our Cubata expertise to life.
Mojitos at Cubata – sure, please. Convey them on!
Sitting outdoors strolling the world go by at Cubata. It’s a terrific place to individuals watch.
This girl is such a gem. Devoted to her craft, she stands on the sugarcane juicing machine and churns out one drink after one other. And he or she’s been there for YEARS.
At La Churreria, their crispy exterior churrerias are generously dusted with cinnamon-sugar. Common in Cuba, these cinnamon-sugar coated deep-fried pastries have develop into very fashionable amongst locals.
Additionally on the tour, you study Cuban historical past. I liked that Celia Cruz was honored on one of many statues. If you happen to’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 turned referred to as the Queen of Salsa. Not everybody might find out about her dedication to performing as an lively spokeperson for the Cuban neighborhood in exile.
Additionally, do you know that Ernest Hemingway lived in Cuba for thirty years? I didn’t till I found it on our stroll. Devoted to Hemingway and his e book The Outdated Man and the Sea, this seafood restaurant alongside the principle drag is known as Sala’o Cuban Bar & Pescaderia. It’s obtained a terrific vibe when you’ve got an opportunity to go to it. There’s additionally stay music as nicely so you should definitely e book a desk on a weekend.
There are enjoyable outlets as nicely 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 data, take a look at this hyperlink for added particulars together with the way to e book. Beneath is a enjoyable brief video highlighting our expertise.
Renee Blodgett is the founding father of We Weblog the World. The positioning combines the magic of an internet tradition and journey journal with a worldwide weblog community and has contributors from each continent on this planet. Having lived in 10 international locations and explored almost 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural range.
She can also be the CEO and founding father of Magic Sauce Media, a brand new media companies consultancy targeted on viral advertising and marketing, social media, branding, occasions and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped corporations from 12 international locations get traction out there. Recognized for her world and natural strategy to product and company launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an lively consumer of social media, she helps purchasers navigate digital waters from world wide. Renee has been running a blog for over 16 years and frequently writes on her private weblog Down the Avenue, Huffington Put up, BlogHer, We Weblog the World and different websites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Journal and is listed as a brand new media influencer and recreation changer on numerous websites and books on the brand new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed because the sixth most influential girl in social media by Forbes Journal on a High 20 Record.
Her ardour for artwork, storytelling and images led to the launch of Magic Sauce Pictures, which is a visible extension of her writing, the results of which has led to producing six picture books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee can also be the co-founder of Touring Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to different international locations to share and study from friends, governments, firms, and most people so as to educate, share, consider, and promote modern applied sciences.
