September 2002

LA's Havana Mania Carries on a Great Cuban Food Tradition

Many consider Havana Mania in Redondo Beach to be the current champion of Cuban restaurants in Los Angeles. The owner, Luis Montesdeoca, is the son of the original owner of what is probably LA's most famous Cuban restaurant: Versailles. So you know that this is a restaurant with Cuban roots, not some trendy Latin-Mexican-Caribbean-Sushi experiment. (And there are plenty of those in LA!)

Havana Mania has great atmosphere on weekends with a small group of loyal customers making up the core. They are also one of the cleanest Cuban restaurants we've seen on our trips to the West coast.

Unlike many other types of cuisines, with Cuban food, when you say that the food tastes homemade, it is a true compliment. It's obvious that Luis and his wife Alice are carrying on the tradition of a long line of great abuelas.

On Tuesdays they roast a whole pig (Pig Night) that they are really known for. Being so close to the ocean, you'd also expect them to have several fresh fish dishes on the menu... (more) Full Article

Check Out the Back Issues

We have a new home page each month! Catch up on previous issues by clicking one of the links below:

Typical tourist confusion: You get some kind of juice from that hard stick? And you're going to drink it? Guarapo presses like this one are a common sight around Miami.

Many new visitors to Miami have never had guarapo, the freshly squeezed juice of the sugar cane. It's just one of many traditional Cuban beverages that bewilder the uninitiated.

Judging by the many tourists we see drinking Coca-Cola and Pepsi, this lack of knowledge is depriving them of a great taste treat. If you don't know a Jupiña from an Iron Beer, don't despair! The Three Guys have prepared a primer on the best Cuban beverages... (more) Full Article

Alicia Vidaurreta

"Morro Longing"
by Alicia Vidaurreta

Cuban-born artist Alicia Vidaurreta has traveled all over the world. She came to the United States in 1966, majored in Art and Foreign Languages, and worked for both Pan Am and as a high school teacher. She is now the librarian at a high school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (She's the only Cajun-Cuban we know!)

"Tropical Landscapes"
by Alicia Vidaurreta
An accomplished artist, Vidaurreta has captured the essence of many of her travels. We especially like her Cuban art prints which evoke a more peaceful and tranquil time in Cuba.

Vidaurreta's medium of choice is water-based colored markers on watercolor paper and she has many fine prints available for purchase at very reasonable prices. These beautiful pictures make everyone long for happier days in a free and democratic Cuba.

"Coco Loco"
by Alicia Vidaurreta

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Brighten up your home with some beautiful Cuban paintings that will keep your heritage alive in your daily life. Click here for more information

Pollo Agridulce: A Sweet and Spicy Chicken

The stir fry is not just a Chinese invention! Cubans have several versions of their own, including this recipe for sweet and spicy chicken. The key ingredient? Mangoes. Make sure yours are ripe and easy to slice.

If it's summer in Miami, just walk out to the backyard and pick a few fresh mangoes off the tree. If not, make a trip to your local grocer. Most carry mangoes all year round - the off-season ones come from Mexico and Central America... (more) Full Article

Bistec Encebollado: Steak with Onions

Cubans traditionally eat their beefsteaks thin. Every meat market and grocery in Miami has special thin cuts, such as the churrasco, that cater to the Cuban taste. You also can use a good sirloin to make this recipe.

Have your butcher slice it thin, then use a smooth meat hammer to pound the meat out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.

Onions make a delicious addition to any steak, and this recipe adds a touch of lime and fresh cilantro to give the dish a Cuban flavor. We've had great luck using sweet onions, such as the Vidalia onion... (more) Full Article

Albóndigas: Cuban Meatballs

When you think of meatballs, you probably think about something Italian, or maybe Swedish. Cubans have their own version of the meatball.

Albóndigas are popular at parties and make a great meal. This recipe makes eight to ten large meatballs -- about the size of a baseball.

You can even make a Cuban meatball sandwich! Just cut a few meatballs in half and layer them onto a fresh loaf of buttered Cuban bread.

Ladle on some of the sauce and you have a very tasty lunch treat... (more) Full Article

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