La California Restaurant and Bar High-end dining, fine spirits and Cuban cigars, in the heart of Havana, Cuba By Jon Shakill
photos by ana lorena gamboa
L
ocated about one block off the Malecon in Havana, Cuba, La California is set in one of the key tourist districts within the island nation. Not far
from the waterfront, it is a relatively easy destination to reach for nearby travelers who are looking for a top-notch dining experience in the heart of Cuba. Located on a historic street which was once famous for jazz street performers, the quant area has a classic feel. Ongoing development of the area provides even more promise for the future, as they’re building new docks for cruise ships at the waterfront nearby. Rumor has it that the Cuban government may in the future close the street on which La California is located, turning it into a tourist-centric promenade where people can walk freely. A short walk down the road, and you’ll arrive at La California.
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Welcome to La California
The inviting atmosphere is abundant with antique furnishings that are spread throughout, with some of the tables actually made out of old sewing machines. There is a definite classic feel, taking you back to the ’40s and ‘50s, and plenty to look at on the walls. The numerous authentic old-style decorations have been brought in from the outside, and would not normally be available in Cuba. A beautiful courtyard-style dining area, adorned with lush green plants and tropical Cuban style décor, provides the perfect setting to relax over a good meal with drinks, followed by a Cuban coffee and cigar. Gorgeous during the day for breakfast or lunch, the lights come on at night transforming it into a lively place for entertainment. A two story venue, with separate areas for the bar and dining areas, there is also a The Owners: Charles Farigola and semi-private cigar lounge located upstairs Mappy Bassols happily married couple, Charles and in the wine room, with its own private en- A Mappy are the proprietors of the restautrance. It only takes the purchase of a few rant. In addition to owning La California, drinks or cigars to enable a visitor access Charles and Mappy share a passion for design and decorated the restauto the cigar and wine room; which won’t be interior rant themselves. This passion is reflected a problem if you are looking to purchase on every wall and corner; each room in some of the best Cuban cigars available. this 19th century home has its own unique You name the brand, and the staff at La Cal- decorative style. ifornia can get it for you. The Manager: Carlos Manuel Ramirez The wine room has a fairly extensive se- Carlos uses his extensive knowledge of and cigars to tailor every experience lection, in addition to a fully stocked bar wine for each individual customer. Carlos has that offers high-end spirits that are not excelled in previous venues, including easily available in Cuba. Of course the bar Melia Hotels, Cumbres Ibero Americanas, wouldn’t be complete without the full se- and Cenas de Habanos S.A. lection of the famous Cuban rums. In addi- The Head Chef: Hasdel Martinez Gonzalez tion to spirits, there is an espresso machine At the age of 30, he has mastered studies culinary arts at the well-known Hotel Cotailor-made to produce the famous Cuban in modoro in Havana. Although he maintains coffee, with virtually any type available. an attitude to forever excel in his talent, Guests can also choose from Italian style he has already mastered multiple courses international cuisine. Hasdel is very coffees like cappuccino, along with the in demanding of his assistants in the kitchen standard mochas and more. when it pertains to the delicate preparation Attention to detail helps to set La Cal- and presentation of each dish. ifornia apart from other Cuban bar and restaurant destinations. Even the bowls are engraved with the name “La California.” Everything is done first-class there, giving foreign visitors and locals alike a place to take refuge from the world outside.
The courtyard at La California is great for dining under the sunlight.
From Dining to Nightlife
There are three kitchens within the restaurant, including a pasta and pizza kitchen with an authentic stone pizza oven fueled by wood and charcoal. The pizzas are the prize of La California, made to order by hand, with fresh ingredients imported regularly from overseas. Fresh pasta is made by hand everyday as well, and will surely do the trick. Though primarily Italian, and some French cuisine, outlines the menu, and pastas and pizzas provide the core of the dining experience, Cuban entrees and some staples from the local fare are also available. There is also a selection of high caliber meat dishes offered, including seafood, imported beef and excellent lamb. Menu items average between $10 to $25, which by Cuban standards puts www.cigarandspirits.com /
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One of the interior dining rooms at La California. There are several different settings in which patrons can enjoy the restaurant.
it at the higher end of the spectrum. Although the menu does provide many very affordable options for the locals to enjoy. With the intention of staying open 24 hours a day, the restaurant and bar only close if business dies down late in the night or early in the morning. It isn’t out of the ordinary for locals to come in at 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. and order an entree. You may even find some fun-loving tourists puffing Cuban cigars and sipping high-end spirits until the wee hours of the morning; there is no last call as long as the doors are open. After dinner hours, which are later than in the U.S., the restaurant and bar areas begin to bustle with more exuberance. Frequently live entertainment begins, as patrons imbibe with a Cuban rum or Cuba Libre, after enjoying a great meal. Whether it’s a band setting the tone with rhythmic vibrations, or a unique performer stirring the crowd, it shouldn’t take much effort to embrace the moment.
Cuban Cigar Industry Hangout
Decorated with many antique furnishings, the ambiance is unique at La California.
For locals, everyone from the famous Cuban tobacco growers, to the cigar industry executives, enjoy spending time at La California. This is where they come to relax, and also where they bring their cigar industry clients from around the world to wine and dine. Executives and employees of Habanos S.A., the Cuban cigar company, frequent the restaurant and are some of the regular clientele. In fact recently, the 18th Annual Cuban Cigar Convention took place, which is a combination of conferences, seminars, tours and other all-day activities, and many of the industry executives could be found regularly dining at La California. Rising star and tobacco grower Hector Luis Prieto is a regular patron of the restaurant and bar. In 2008, Prieto was honored with the “Habana-Man of the Year” award, and became the all-time youngest Cuban prize winner for the cultivation of tobacco, at age 41. Tobacco from his farm goes into the production of Cohiba, Montecristo and Romeo y Julieta. Not a bad regular to have around, to say the least. It also isn’t out of the ordinary to see the occasional celebrity like Tom Jones hanging around. The owners of La California are Pablo Charles Farigola Mendez, along with his wife, known as Mappy — affectionately referred to as Charlie and Mappy. “We feel so honored that the executives of Habanos S.A. and the cigar industry have taken a liking to our menu and hospitality,” says owner Charles Farigola, “Of course that’s in addition to the great joy we have in serving locals and tourists who come to La California from all over the world.”
Helpful Staff and All-Around Quality
La California is careful not to offend the sensibilities of the non-smoker, while also providing several designated relaxing refuges for the cigar enthusiast. Special care is also taken to eliminate cigar smoke and odors with powerful exhaust fans. The management and staff really try to accommodate all of the guests, and work to provide a comfortable atmosphere for all to enjoy. They will also accommodate guests based on what is available in the restaurant at any given time. For example, if one area is being occupied by a large group of cigar smokers, the staff will place non-smokers in another area of the restaurant if they prefer.
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An authentic stone pizza oven fueled by wood and charcoal, where fresh handmade pizzas are prepared daily.
La California also offers gift cards for any amount that a person would like to purchase, as well as VIP cards for “regular,” “famous” and “top executive” clients. The VIP card provides for appreciation discounts, in addition to free cover for special events or entertainment. It is just one added perk to this all-around quality establishment. In the opinion of many, La California in Havana is the best restaurant in Cuba. If you get an opportunity to visit this mystical island nation, you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to visit this multifaceted and relaxing restaurant and bar. You never know, you may even run into one of the makers of your favorite Cuban cigars.r.
La California is located at: 55 Calle Crespo entre San Lázaro y Refugio, Centro Habana Havana, Cuba