Havana's Coppelia Ice Cream Pavilion, which occupies an entire block in downtown Havana, is often described as "a gift to the people from the revolution." However, ice cream has always been popular in Cuba and was a favorite long before the revolution!

There were always many ice cream parlors in the major Cuban cities. In the old days, you could order canoas (canoes or long sundae dishes) and ensaladas (five-scoop monsters) filled with your favorite tropical flavors and toppings. Mango, coconut, fruta bomba, mamey, guava, and pineapple were very popular. Choices were plentiful and ice cream parlors rarely ran out of a specific flavor.

The American company, Baskin-Robbins was a very popular brand in Cuba. Like most free enterprises, they were kicked out of Cuba after the revolution. Fidel decreed that his State-run ice cream enterprise would be better than Baskin Robbins with 32 flavors of ice cream!

The Coppelia in Havana is remembered by most Cuban exiles not for its distinctive architecture -- it looks something like a giant. futuristic spider -- but for the long lines that were common, especially on hot days where you could wait for as long as five hours!

If you've seen the film "Fresa y Chocolate" (Strawberry and Chocolate,) you'll also know that Coppellia is also famous for not having much ice cream. In the best of times, Coppelia never served more than nine flavors (NEVER 32!) on any given day. In more recent times, usually only one or two watered-down flavors are available. And they always seem to be out of chocolate!

Cuba on the Verge: An Island in Transition

Cuba on the Verge: An Island in Transition is a collection of essays and photographs by Cubans, Cubans in exile, and people with an interest in Cuba and Cuban culture. The book offers unique insights into the Cuban experience through the eyes of many participants and observers.

Topics range from Afro-Cuban culture, to traditional music, religion, rural life, and Cubans in exile.

Cristina Garcia, the author of "Dreaming in Cuban", writes about the exile experience and how she had to adapt to a new culture in the United States.

Cuban musicians Chucho Valdes and El Tosco discuss Cuban music, history and politics. Eduardo Rodriguez's writes about his casual walks through Old Havana's dilapidated buildings and reconstruction projects. One of the best Cuban books in recent years! (more)

Where is it?

Calle Ocho Classic: Exquisito Cafeteria

This place is part of the history of Cuban Americans in Miami. This is a down-home Havana style place.

Nothing fancy here, just great sandwiches, delicious entrees, and best of all, really reasonable prices. This is a nice restaurant to get an exposure to the Cuban lifestyle in Miami.

A great place to stop for lunch on your tour of Calle Ocho...(more)

Everybody Sing:

Ay Mamá Inés!

In Cuba, Ay Mamá Inés (Ay Mama Ines) is a very popular children's nursery song. Everyone who grew up in Cuba knows this song! The restaurant, like it's namesake, is all about Cuban criolla (Creole) cooking. Comida criolla is the less sophisticated "country-style" cooking that is the heart and soul of true Cuban cuisine. For comparison, think of the typical haute cuisine of an upscale Manhattan restaurant and compare it to the simpler fare of a regional restaurant like a Kansas City barbecue, or a Louisiana Cajun restaurant.

Since we discovered this great restaurant, which is located within a mile of both Jorge and Raúl's houses, we've become regulars. Jorge holds the record -- he's been bringing everyone there! On a recent Sunday afternoon, Glenn, nephew Neil and Jorge had another great lunch at Ay Mama Ines.

Ay Mamá Inés has a rather long list of appetizers in the tapas tradition of Spain. The manchego cheese is the ultimate Spanish cheese. Order this with a plate of jamón Serrano, or Spanish style chorizo in sherry and you have the beginnings of a great meal!

They also have several more typically Cuban appetizers, the croquetas are excellent, crispy fingers with a great ham filling. If you are really hungry, get the house basket, it's like the "entremés mixto" on steroids. In fact, they call this order "a que no te atreves," or "to those who dare." (more)

Raúl, Raúl's mom Amparo, and Tyler Florence wait for Glenn and Jorge to serve the paella.

If you missed our appearance with Tyler Florence on the "Ultimate Paella" you are in luck! No, you're NOT lucky that you missed it. You're lucky because you now have a second chance to see the show. (That's our definition of luck anyway, and we're sticking to it!)

That's right, the "Ultimate Paella" with Tyler Florence airs on the Food Network this summer on the following dates and times:

Too often the Three Guys from Miami end up serving hot pans on old worn out pot holders! We have cleaned up our act lately by using these great Spanish tile decorative trivets. These have improved our reputation and they will surely help brighten up your table! (more)

In Minneapolis: It's Maria's Cafe for Columbian Food

For many Minneapolis residents, the closest thing to a good Cuban restaurant is actually a good Columbian restaurant. This is the story of a Columbian woman who came to Minnesota and became famous for making American pancakes! Maria Hoyos has a loyal following of local breakfast lovers who have followed her through three different restaurants.

Her latest venture is Maria's Café, a very popular breakfast spot in the newly rehabbed East Franklin area of South Minneapolis. However, in the evening, Maria serves some of the best Columbian food in town. Colombian food is not Cuban. However, if you like one cuisine, chances are you'll like the other!

Maria's is located in the newly rehabbed East Franklin area of South Minneapolis. This open and airy restaurant is an anchor for the Ancient Traders Market, a new development in this urban area that is located near the University of Minnesota...(more)