Croquetas aka croquettes are such a mainstay of Cuban culture
My mother was a wonderful cook. Her roasts sent our neighbors into fits of greener than green envy. The rich cakes were towers to the temple of frosted goodness. Ruthie’s gorgeous salads were colorful mosaic art pieces. And Mom’s crisp tender vegetables could make anyone a lover of good-for-you plants; it certainly did for my…
September 19, 2020
Azucar Ice Cream by Suzy Batlle in Little Havana, Miami
You have to hand it to the Latin culture- they can transform something that is ordinary into something that’s beyond extraordinary. Take dance for example. Except for disco, one of the greatest trends of all time, ( you have to admit that the Hustle was the bomb. Ok, ok, we can agree to disagree), there…
September 16, 2020
The Cuban Memorial Boulevard in Little Havana and its history
If you had to describe the neighborhood of Little Havana, it would be hard to pin it down in just a few words. But collectively, the phrases would for sure connote liveliness. Most of the district is turbo-charged with high energy from the lusty beat of Cuban music, to the spirited sounds of gabby street…
September 14, 2020
What are churros and where to have them in Miami
It’s perpetual summer in Miami. That bold declaration is just not based on the year-round warm weather. When one thinks of the sunny season, it’s time to make a beeline to the nearest outdoor fair, something Miamians, unlike most of the country, can enjoy everyday no matter what the season. The city’s carnival atmosphere (…
September 14, 2020
What is guarapo aka as sugarcane juice
“I just arrived this morning to Miami and I am looking forward to a lot of things, but I can’t wait to have Florida orange juice actually in Florida”, so said my Midwestern guest at the beginning of my Little Havana Tour. “Yes we have delicious orange juice, but on today’s tour you are going…
September 14, 2020
What are pastelitos and where to find the in Miami
Little Havana is not so little. Everything about it is bigger than life. It’s a sprawling neighborhood that stretches from downtown Miami and goes on for miles and miles. And it’s not only that the area is widespread. The residents are a gregarious and rambunctious lot, ready to levy their sweet yet outsized personalities right…
September 14, 2020
Cuban coffee, what it is and where to find it in Miami
“I’ll have a decaf coffee” “I’ll have a decaf espresso” “ I’ll have double decaf cappuccino” “ Do you have any decaffeinated coffee ice cream?” “ I’ll have the half double decaffeinated half caf with a twist of lemon” While the above is actual dialogue from a scene that pokes humor at ordering coffee in…
September 14, 2020
What Are Empanadas?
What’s tasty, comforting and oh so satisfying? An empanada! That description can be said about many food and drinks in the Miami Culinary scene. A super cool beach-worthy cocktail- check! Moist, tender and succulent stone crabs-check! Tart, and creamy Key Lime pie-check! Empanadas- double check! Coming to Miami and not having the half moon pie…
September 14, 2020