A Gourmet Expedition at La Guarida Paladar
No place immerses you in the vibrant cultural tapestry of Cuba like the restaurant La Guarida. Exploring the local cuisine is an absolute must. And nestled within the colorful streets of Havana is a dining establishment that captures the essence of the island's culinary heritage – La Guarida Paladar. With a rich history and a reputation for outstanding gastronomy, La Guarida is a true gem that beckons travelers seeking an authentic taste of Cuban culture.
Beyonce, President Barack Obama, and countless other celebrities know that if you dine at one place during your visit to Cuba, La Guarida is it.
What is a "paladar." In Cuba, a paladar is a privately-owned, family-run restaurant typically located within the confines of a residential property. These intimate restaurants emerged during the 1990s as a response to economic reforms, allowing Cubans to engage in entrepreneurial endeavors and showcase their culinary talents. Paladares quickly gained popularity for their unique blend of traditional flavors, warm hospitality, and a glimpse into the everyday lives of Cuban families.
The History of La Guarida: La Guarida's journey began in 1996 when Enrique Nuñez del Valle and his wife, Odeisys Amador, transformed their crumbling yet charming 19th-century mansion into a vibrant restaurant. Over the years, La Guarida gained international recognition and became a symbol of Havana's burgeoning culinary scene. It is the setting for the Oscar nominated movie Fresa y Chocolate. The paladar's name itself translates to "the hideout," reflecting its discreet and hidden location on the third floor of a dilapidated building.
“La Guarida has been part of my essential itinerary for nearly twenty years. It used to be much smaller and spices used to be carried to the restaurant in suitcases. Even though it has grown, the food and atmosphere remain among the very best in Cuba.”
- Colin Ganley (Founder - ECC)
Some reasons you want to visit during your Cuban adventure:
Unique Ambiance: As you ascend the dimly lit staircase, you'll be transported to a bygone era. The faded grandeur of the mansion, with its high ceilings, ornate balconies, and antique furniture, evokes a sense of nostalgia and timelessness.
Culinary Excellence: La Guarida's menu is a gastronomic journey through Cuba's culinary traditions. The talented chefs fuse classic Cuban flavors with modern techniques, resulting in delectable dishes that pay homage to the island's rich heritage. From succulent roast pork to the iconic ropa vieja, each bite is an explosion of flavors that lingers long after the meal ends.
Artistic Connections: La Guarida has become a haven for artists, filmmakers, and celebrities alike. In fact, the paladar gained worldwide fame when it served as a filming location for the critically acclaimed movie "Strawberry and Chocolate." Today, the restaurant boasts an art gallery that showcases the works of prominent Cuban artists, adding an extra layer of cultural immersion.
Warmth and Hospitality: La Guarida's success lies not only in its delectable cuisine but also in the warm welcome extended to every guest. The attentive staff ensures a personalized experience, creating an atmosphere of genuine Cuban hospitality that leaves visitors feeling like cherished friends.
Embarking on an unforgettable culinary adventure, Experience Cuban Culture proudly led our latest group to the illustrious La Guarida Paladar in Havana this past May. As a company dedicated to immersing travelers in the authentic essence of Cuban culture, we curated a truly exceptional dining experience for our esteemed guests. With La Guarida's legendary reputation as a culinary haven, we worked closely with their talented chefs to craft a bespoke menu that showcased the very best of Cuban flavors and culinary traditions. Join us as we delve into the sumptuous details of our custom menu, designed to tantalize the taste buds and leave a lasting impression on our discerning travelers.
1. Tasting of Appetizers: In our appetizer tasting the group enjoyed the following options:
Pumpkin Cream
Eggplant caviar with tomato coulis - Made with roasted eggplant, prepared with different types of oils and seasonings. Once drained and without skin, chop and finish seasoning to taste. The preparation is finished by adding tomato coulis.
Smoked marlín tacos, rum parfum, caper, mayonnaise - Shredded marlin seasoned with various spices, chilli, tabasco and mayonnaise. It is served in a fried sweet potato taco.
2. (Main Course) Suckling pig, pineapple honey reduction: It is one of the restaurant's oldest and most popular dishes and is made up of shredded and pressed suckling pig meat, cooked at low temperature, with the juice resulting from this cooking we create a pineapple sauce and other ingredients. It is served with fried pork skin on top.
3. Dessert: Lemon Pie with Almonds
La Guarida Paladar stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Cuba and its vibrant culinary scene. From its humble beginnings as a family-run restaurant to its status as an international culinary icon, La Guarida continues to captivate travelers with its unique blend of history, ambiance, and extraordinary flavors. A visit to this Havana gem is an unforgettable journey through Cuban culture, and an experience not to be missed.
ECC is the premier provider of legal access to the best of Cuba and our team would love to help customize an unforgettable trip to Cuba and including a culinary odyssey at La Guarida. It's a must visit to experience the tantalizing aromas, captivating surroundings, and warm hospitality which will transport you to a world of culinary delights that embody the very soul of Cuba.
“ECC’s trips this October and November are scheduled to dine at La Guarida so please reach out to us today to Experience Cuban Culture for yourself!”