JAMESTOWN, N.Y.- Cuban food isn't easy to find in WNY- so it's somewhat fitting that some of the most authentic offerings can be found in the hometown of Lucille Ball, whose husband Desi Arnaz was Cuban.
Reuben Hernandez opened Havana Cuban Cafe and Pizzeria in March and has seen a steadily-growing stream of customers checking out his native food for the first time.
He wanted to open the eatery to introduce those tastes to Jamestown- and carry on the family legacy.
"My great grandfather, before Fidel came to power, used to have this restaurant, he was a chef," says Hernandez. "And when Fidel came, they literally told him, this is ours now, you've got to go."
The legacy lives on in some of the recipes Reuben serves up, including the Cuban pizza dough. Hernandez's mother also makes croquettes of ham and cheese (breaded and fried) for the croquetta preparada, the Cuban take on a ham and cheese sandwich. There's also, of course, the traditional Cuban sandwich on a buttery, crispy roll, a favorite among diners.
Desserts include homemade flan (custard), and Hernandez distributes the Cuban soda called Ironbeer (think a mix of cherry, cream, and Dr. Pepper) that's become a hit for those intrigued enough to try it.
Above all, Hernandez says he wants to surround his diners with the food and culture of his heritage.
"You know, close your eyes, you're in Havana," he says. "With the music playing and the food, you feel like you're not in Jamestown. I get that a lot. People from Florida even say that they feel like they're back home, so that's nice to hear."
Check out Havana Cuban Cafe at its website here, and let us know where to go next on our Facebook page.
Havana Cuban Cafe & Pizzeria
214 N Main St.
Jamestown, NY 14701
(716) 720-4296
Hours:
Tue - Sat:11:00 am - 8:00 pm
