Think back The last time you went to Havana on Commercial Drive, was it to see improv in the intimate 60-seat venue in the back?
Or perhaps you stopped in to the gallery for one of the twice-monthly Sunday art show receptions.
No, it was definitely for a mojito and some brunch-hour people watching with friends. Right?
Whatever draws you in to the faded glory of Havanas Cuban renaissance, its this trifecta theatre venue, art gallery, neuvo-Latino restaurant that secures it as the areas top spot and a habitual part of life on The Drive.
In fact, after 18-years in business, its possible to chronicle entire adult lives in the graffiti carved into the distressed, burnt-sienna walls.
First-dates, goodbye parties and dinners with mom go down comfortably, side by side, on the award-winning heated patio, while plates of gooey huevos rancheros or steaming paella streak past.
The paella is still on the menu from day one of my tenure, says head chef George Athanasiou, who, alongside executive chef Trevor Booth, has been tweaking this top-seller for the past 10 years. House-made chorizo sausage, Cuban rice, peppers, onions, tomatoes, coconut milk, saffron-pernod fresh mussels and tiger prawns really bring the dish together; its an Opus of flavours.
Havana can thank their neighbours for more than just voting them number one; the OceanWise seafood Athanasiou transforms each day comes in from The Daily Catch just down the street. Havana is also on the daily supply route for Portugese buns from Elizabeths Bakery, and the good stuff from Continental Coffee.
Supporting each other is a big part of the whole community which we gladly take part in, he says of his love of being on the Drive.
Modeled after La Bodeguita Del Medio in Havana, the restaurant is a trip to the Crocodile Isle complete with the best in-flight meals imaginable, yet its not known for actually attracting too many turistas.
Were lucky the locals even fessed up come voting time and shared this, their taste of Cuba on Commercial Drive.
Get all the Best of the City Dining results here.
