Cuban Cigars and Havana's Chinatown
Cuban Cigars and old American cars. That's what many people think of when they consider the internal images we have of Cuba and the great city of Havana. But there's so much more to this captivating place. And I'm hoping to reveal some of the mystique through my labor of love: Old Havana Foods.
As you know, it's been a long-held family dream - to create a specialty food company bringing authentic Cuban dishes, recipes and stories to Chicago. But I'm hoping to do more. In addition to great food, we also want to offer original music, photographs and art from Cuba that'll help illuminate the richness of the island and its capital (founded in 1519). Introducing people to the fascinating nuances of the culture is a big part of the goal.
As a piece of that mission, we're offering a fascinating new book on our soon-to-launch website, www.oldhavanafoods.com. It's called "Havana: Autobiography of a City." Harvard-educated lawyer and historian, Alfredo Jose Estrada, has written a heart-felt portrait of the centuries-old settlement. And in very entertaining and poetic fashion, he captures the vibe and unique characteristics of Old Havana culture. I can tell you that it's a page turner.
For example, did you know that in the early 20th century, Havana had the largest Chinatown in all of Latin America? Estrada takes us to Havana's "Barrio Chino" - at the corner of the appropriately-named Dragones and Cuchillo Streets. The first Chinese restaurant opened in Havana in 1858," Estrada writes, "establishing the unparalleled tradition of the Cuban Chinese restaurant. For a few dollars, you can get maripositas (wantons), a heaping plate of fried rice, and a smoked pork chop." I get hungry just thinking about it!
Estrada shows us how the thriving Cuban-Chinese community had several Chinese-language newspapers and radio stations, before many elected to exit the country after the Cuban revolution.
There's also the little-known French influence - when colonials fled nearby Haiti to settle on the eastern end of Cuba (after getting tossed by the Haitian revolution).
Of course, the Buena Vista Social Club recently reminded us of the world-famous musical contributions from the island's Afro-Cuban population. And Estrada reveals how talented artists traveled north to Harlem recording studios, making some of the earliest Cuban recordings.
These colorful facts of history are uncovered by Estrada, who spent years researching Havana He made multiple trips to the capital city, digging up background for his history of the old city.
You'll read about this sometimes mysterious place that Estrada calls the Casablanca in the Caribbean. "It's name alone is an incantation," he writes. "As if on a magic carpet, you are transported to a tropical paradise of sparkling beaches and swaying palm trees, an island described by Christopher Columbus as 'the most beautiful yet seen by human eyes.' "
Estrada gets to the core of Havana's spirited and sometimes fiery people. "There are conversations in Havana like nowhere else," he observes. "Habaneros have a true gift of gab that combines endless wordplay, surprising erudition, and a scathing sense of humor. Talk is an art form that glides effortlessly ...."
And you'll find yourself gliding through the chapters of this wonderfully written book. A historical account that you'll thoroughly enjoy - if you're hungry for stories of Old Havana.