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Having had 2 very busy trips to Cuba previously, this time we decided to see if it was possible to have a totally chilled, relaxing time in Havana for a change. With numerous different seating areas dotted around the spacious gardens and a lovely pool with sun beds, wonderful staff catering to our every need, there was no real need to venture too far. The rooftop bar offers a fantastic Mojata, courtesy of Rafael, wonderful food and a view, that to me encapsulates the conundrum that is Cuba. The Half Mosquito refers to my pronunciation of Mojito after a few bottles of Rum shared with Frank and Nino 🙂 I can only agree with John’s KISS text and thank both him and Frank as well as Charlie “Ojos Locos” for making sure this was my first vacation in Cuba after all these years.

This last trip in March I found a decidedly up-scale place called Destino in Miramar  on a par with La Foresta near Pabexpo  that was excellent in every aspect : Location, setting, open air, cigar lounge corner, peaceful excellent food and affordable prices. Destino offers a large elegant A/C dining room a more informal covered Patio and garden plus a cigar lounge corner with a fully stocked bar. Set in the garden is a large BBQ/Grill and, as we had Beef for main courses, John observed how good it was to watch the cooks at work. The starters were fresh and tasteful – Garlic Shrimps, Malanga fritters, stuffed peppers, fried chickpeas with Chorizo and superb Fish, Prawn and Lobster Ceviche.

I am just back home from Havana where I learned that Simon Chase had passed away. The news devastated and saddened the cigar community there as it has saddened the cigar world. Many cigars have been smoked in his honour and so did we smoke cigars in Havana remembering this great friend, mentor and gentleman. I remembered the many cigar tastings, dinners and encounters we had in Havana – always so much to learn from Simon and always a good laugh too.

I had heard about it but so far preferred the usually excellent seafood dishes at both nearby Santy’s and Marea. This time it was by pure chance that we ended up having lunch there as Marea was choc-a-block crowded with two busloads of tourists. It was nicely crowded and many tables were Cuban families having lunch. It was a good experience and a good option to eat open-air in this far-away area west of Club Habana – but bring your own cigars ….