The Havana Reporter
By Martha Andrés,
Photos: Vladimir Molina
Havana – In the center of Havana’s
colonial district, tucked between tall buildings
on each side, the Bodeguita del
Medio restaurant and bar beckons to passers-by
with its unusual sign, advertising what
continues to be a unique spot in Cuba.
Locals and visitors drop in to taste
one of the delicious Cuban dishes prepared
here; sip a delicious, world-famous
mojito cocktail, listen to traditional Cuban
music and enjoy warm, friendly service.
Songs like “Guantanamera,” “Chan Chan”
and “Hasta siempre, comandante” are
staples for the ever-present musicians as
diners enjoy roast pork, exquisite
black beans, rice and other favorites.
Graffiti on the walls, doors, and
columns testify to the celebrities from all over the
world who were won over by the bohemian
atmosphere of La Bodeguita. Their
signatures blend in with thousands of
others.
According to Alejo Carpentier, the
eminent Cuban novelist, as Paris’s
Montparnasse became decadent, that it
was when La Bodeguita sprang up, and
like any meeting ground for bohemians,
it has been the venue ever since for love
affairs, romance, happiness, dreams and
more.
***
Cuba Journal is pleased and happy that with this post we have reached an important milestone: 8,100 posts. It is Mojito Time for me. I will drink one this afternoon to remember Papa Hemingway.
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