A taste of Cuban heaven in San Jose
Most of us will probably never get to visit the little island of Cuba, at least not unless there's a 180-degree change in the political climate. Fortunately for us, this doesn't mean you have to miss out on the heavenly experience of Cuban cuisine, thanks to Habana Cuba, a Caribbean-inspired restaurant in San Jose.
Named one of the top 50 best Spanish restaurants in the country by Hispanic Magazine in 2002, Habana Cuba offers a broad menu of amazingly delicious traditional Cuban entrees, appetizers, desserts and drinks. Cuban cuisine is basically a hybrid of Spanish cooking and foods native to the Caribbean. You can expect dishes heavy on meat, but also served with flavorful sauces, rice, potatoes and always fried plantains or yucca. Popular choices at Haban Cuba are carne con papas, or beef with potatoes, and lechon a la cubana, a very traditional pork dish. The wine list offers imported selections from throughout Latin America and Spain.
Despite the amazing food, the setting and ambience inside the restaurant just may be the best part of the Habana Cuba experience. The dining room is set up to resemble a balcony above a beach in the Caribbean. Diners sit on the second floor, and are able to look out as they east on the musicians playing below. Featured on Friday and Saturday nights is a live trio of Spanish musicians. The three lively men, always in matching dress, travel with their guitars from table to table, serenading customers. Another group performs salsa music two Wednesdays each month.
Though not what we in college world would call cheap, the food is well worth the price. Plan on spending at least $18 per person, and more if you plan on having drinks. A cheaper version of their menu is also available for lunch.
The West Coast, because of basic geography, has a general lack of Cuban restaurants. Do yourself a favor and take advantage of this exceptional exception, located virtually on our doorstep near downtown San Jose. And definitely make reservations if you plan to go on a weekend. With the obvious attraction of amazing food, and the live music, La Habana has become a San Jose hot spot.
- Written by Jane Muhlstein