Strawberry & Chocolate

Through circumstance, two film directors, Tomas Gutiérrez Alea (Titón) and Juan Carlos Tabío, decided to film the movie "Strawberry and Chocolate," based on the book "The Wolf, the Forest and the New Man" by Senel Paz. They shot the movie at the location of this Paladar (a private restaurant). The movie was nominated for an Oscar Award in the best foreign film category. The notoriety of the film brought fans to Cuba and in turn to this location. Once here fans discovered a typical Cuban home rather than the one portrayed in the movie. The directors decided to change that by opening the Paladar. As luck would have it, the Cuban government decided to legalize Paladars, and La Guarida opened in 1996.

On my recent visit to Cuba, the fantastic organizers from Your Cuba Travel, Eli Arroyo, and Jordan Diaz, arranged for us to have lunch at La Guarida. The venue is on the second floor of the building. Access to the restaurant is through beautiful architecture, ascending a grand staircase, arriving to an impressive dining room with high ceilings, warmly painted walls full of pictures, and floor-to-ceiling windows washing the room with fantastic natural light.

We were welcomed by a professional, friendly, and knowledgeable staff who easily accommodated our large party. We sat at a long communal table where we had great conversations and laughs. We enjoyed a few Cuban cocktails, appetizers, main courses, dessert, and coffee. The food was outstanding.

For those who've read this blog, you know my favorite drink is the Negroni but since in Cuba I've wandered onto the Mojito which is properly made here.

An enjoyable experience for all. I will remember it and hope someday to return!

Below are a few sample images of our meal. Click on images to see in larger format.