Valle de Viñales is a farming and agricultural area in the north-central Pinar del Río Province of Cuba. Surrounded by mountains Viñales Valley is scattered with dramatic rocky outcrops. The impressive landscape most notable for the mogotes, limestone cliffs that rise up like giant bubbles from the valley floor.
Mogotes
The fertile soil and climate both conducive to the development of stock-raising and the cultivation of fodder and food crops. Traditional methods of agriculture have survived largely unchanged on this plain for several centuries, particularly for growing tobacco. The tobacco industry in this region draws tourists to the area for a visit to a tobacco farm and a bundle of hand rolled cigars as well as an escape from the hustle of Havana. Don’t misunderstand, I loved the hustle of Havana. Read about my time in Havana here if you missed it.
Farming in Viñales – this is not tobacco. I missed tobacco season.
The atmosphere in and around the town itself is laid back and hassle free. Before taking a stroll through town try one of the many activities such as horseback riding, hiking, touring tobacco farms, rock climbing or visiting the many caves, all options for the outdoor lover. After one of these adventures the main strip offers a variety of restaurants, bars and of course the bank where you can exchange your dollars for CUC’s.
Plaza Jose´Marti´Viñales
One of my favorite meals was at El Olivo in Viñales. It was pure luck that I found this amazing restaurant which is linked to El Olivo Agroecological Farm. The farm located in Viñales a few minutes away from the restaurant supplies vegetables, fine herbs, meat, fish, eggs and milk products. One day I discovered another Agroecological Farm for lunch, Finca El Paraiso where the views were outstanding and the farming system unique. Be on the look out for a separate post about both of these places as they are deserving of a story all their own.
Clothes dryers – Viñales
A visit to Viñales will definitely transport you back in time. Many roads are made of compacted red dirt, that is unless you experience a torrential downpour while visiting this remote area of Cuba, at which time you will find yourself ankle deep in red mud. Trucks pull large trailers full of people being transported up valley or into town, horse drawn carts full of vegetables or families, vaqueros riding horseback, often with a passenger in tow, and the occasional farmer driving his tractor to the fields.
Proof of the bounty of crops grown in Valle de Viñales.Colorful home in Viñales
Tiny Viñales, colorful and tidy is a must do for at least 2 days and one night. It’s about a 2 1/2 – 3 hour trip from Havana. Viñales is the place for nature lovers, cigar devotees, foodies, and those of us who love to sit back, relax with a chilly Mojito, and take in some awesome views. I leave you with a few more photos. Be on the look out for my posts about the two fincas (farms) and their accompanying restaurants. Don’t miss these stories about Cuba too – Cuba’s #1 Chef, and Trinidad, Cuba.
If you need transportation to Vinales don’t hesitate to contact Rutas de Taxis en Cuba
for the best service.
Viñales nail salonMy cabin in Valle de ViñalesMeet Cookie the pet Iguana of the cabin owners.
Havana, rum and cigars! I am having so much fun reliving the trip I took to Cuba in summer of 2019. Revisiting Havana and my photos from my 1000’s of shots makes me want to go back sooner rather than later. I’ve been sharing stories about my adventures in Cuba, starting with this post about the #1 Chef of Cuba. To reach him one must take a taxi about half an hour out of Havana to San Jose de las Lajas. Today I will be focusing on Havana, rum and cigars, along with a few other highlights of this trip.
Fabrica de Arte in Havana should not be missed.
I touched on Trinidad in this post. Trinidad is smaller than Havana and those brightly colored buildings are so beautiful it is hard not to love it. I showed you a variety of photos from my interest in doors in this post, showcasing all the areas I visited. Havana, Vinales and Trinidad.
Now Havana! Havana is the capital city, largest city, province, major port, and leading commercial center of Cuba. The city is the center of the Cuban government and home to various ministries, headquarters of businesses and over 90 diplomatic offices. Havana attracts over 1million visitors every year.
I was not 100% certain that arriving at the airport Jose Marti would prove easy but it was so easy. I even used the automated money exchange there to snag a few CUC’s to tip my driver who would take me into the city itself. Upon arriving at my apartment I was greeted by a lovely woman who was the host. As is standard she asked for my passport and recorded the info. This happened at each casa I stayed in throughout the country. Air conditioning is not common in Cuba but the sleeping quarters are always outfitted with air which makes for comfortable sleeping. The apartment had a lovely balcony for people watching and a large beautiful patio off of the kitchen for meals or just relaxing. It felt like a home away from home the minute I stepped inside.
Patio of the Havana apartmentKitchen Havana apartment
The kitchen is always important to me and this one was big with beautiful light coming in through the louvered windows. Below are shots of the view cross the street and on the street where there was always something interesting going on. Music, kids playing ball, groups of people catching up, men pushing carts of vegetables for sale, a bread delivery service dude who blew a very loud whistle and handed the bread to his customers through the barred windows and collected his money the same way.
View from Havana apartmentVegetables for sale – Havana
We all know the vintage American cars in Havana are a thing. They really are a “huge” thing. Colorful, old cars from the 50’s or earlier that still run and shuttle tourists from place to place. I rode in several while there, some convertibles others not. Hailing one of these is easy as they are everywhere. I didn’t drive this one but it would’ve been fun to do so.
Vintage car HavanaVintage cars Havana – which is your favorite?
Besides the cars, the architecture in Havana is captivating, eclectic with a mix of African, Spanish, North American and French influences. In Havana Vieja (old Havana) you see the strong, sturdy limestone baroque facades, streamlined art deco in Vedado, and intricate decoration on the mansions of Miramar, the wealthy diplomatic quarter. A city with 500 years of history and over 2 million people.
Old Town Havana – Havana ViejaVedado – HavanaMiramar – Havana
Havana Vieja or “Old Havana” is a myriad of narrow streets, lively neighborhoods, courtyards, forts, museums, plazas and cathedrals. I visited the Museum of the Revolution, housed in a beautiful building with an overload of information on the revolution. It was fascinating and I noted how the revolutionaries weren’t only men but women too, all attractive in a rebel way and committed to their cause. At Plaza Vieja you’ll find a large plaza encircled by pastel colonial style buildings, with archways and columns all around. The Hotel Kempinski offers gorgeous views of Havana Vieja and particularly the Gran Teatro de la Habana.
Plaza ViejaSunset from the Hotel Kempinski
I found out about the views from the Kempinski while on my first tour of Havana. Led by Robin Havana’s Best Rooftop Views in a Convertible Car+Drinks is a great way to see Havana from rooftops while enjoying a cocktail. Choosing rum is a good choice while in Cuba. I liked Havana Club, a brand of rum created in Cuba in 1934. Originally produced in Cárdenas, Cuba by family-owned Jose Arechabala S.A., the brand was nationalized after the Cuban Revolution of 1959. Robin is professional, energetic and freely talks about Cuba and what his life is in this beautiful country.
Gran Teatro de la Habana
The practice of Santeria intrigued my ever curious mind and one day I took a CoCo Taxi to watch a Santeria celebration. If you aren’t familiar with Santeria the dictionary defines it as: a pantheistic Afro-Cuban religious cult developed from the beliefs and customs of the Yoruba people and incorporating some elements of the Catholic religion. Because Santería lacks scriptures, the whole faith is passed down orally. This is why ceremonies and rites are so important. Emerging in Cuba during the 17th century and embedded in Cuban society ever since, Santeria is practiced throughout Cuba. Participating in the celebration were children and men and women of all ages. It was obvious that this festival was for tourists to discover a bit of Santeria, but it was a lot of fun! If only I could learn to dance like that!! Click below for two short videos of Santeria dance.
Another favorite tour I signed up for was Cigar Passion led by Luis, an educational and fantastic experience. Luis has worked for more than 10 years in Havana’s cigar factories and is a wealth of knowledge. He explains everything from working in a factory to the different terriors of tobacco, rolling techniques, really anything you might want to know! Meeting at a cigar lounge, set outdoors under the cool breeze of fans and swaying palm trees, 8 guests were a perfect number for this gathering. A newscaster from San Francisco, his college age son and a friend, the ambassador to Belgium, a photographer, and a retired CFO of an oil company made for engaging conversation between sipping rum, nibbling on tapas and of course puffing on a Cubano. I highly recommend this tour as it is all about Havana, rum and cigars! Luis also freely talks about being Cuban and what it means to him.
Luis host of Cigar Passion Havana and yours trulyTapas served during Cigar PassionLemonade goes nicely with a Cubano too!
American tourists to Cuba should be sure to refrain from dining in government owned restaurants but instead look for locally owned paladars. I was told that La Guarida was not to be missed and so made a reservation for the first night in Havana. Walking into the building that houses La Guarida could easily mislead one from a lovely restaurant. Situated in one of the crumbling buildings it remains beautiful regardless of the chipped paint, headless statue and well worn stairs leading to fine dining. La Guarida offers a cozy atmosphere with fine linen table cloths, German cutlery, candles, Cuban music and soft lighting.
Another delightful paladar a few steps from the apartment was El Rum Rum a small cafe with live music provided by local students from the University. Rum Rum, Cuban slang for gossip is on one of Havana’s oldest streets and a block away from La Bodeguita del Medio one of Hemingway’s haunts. The food is an eclectic mix of traditional Cuban selections with a focus on seafood, an essential component of the Cuban diet. El Rum Rum also offers a great wine list with selections from Spain, France, Italy, Chile and Australia as well as Milmanda Chardonay, from Bodegas Torres, a leader on many Cuban wine lists.
Of course there is Hotel Nacional, the Malecon, beautiful cathedrals, many plazas, parks and quiet streets in which to get lost. Havana has more to offer than I can even begin to cover. I leave you with a few more photos of this captivating city to enjoy!
I have had more fun revisiting my trip to Cuba and sharing with you. Looking at all the photos of this beautiful country have me longing to go back and explore more. But…..I will be taking a break as I travel to Italy with my longest time friend. We have been planning since October and are both so excited to plunge into a taste of gelato and pasta, explore the history, shop for fashion and relax while sipping a glass or two of vino.
photo compliments of orangesmile.com
I’ve scheduled a couple more stories for you to enjoy on Cuba in my absence. I’ll be back soon – rest assured I’ll tell you ALL about my Italian adventure soon too! Ciao!
Let me in! That’s what goes through my mind when I see a captivating door. I am drawn to doors. Especially when I travel in foreign countries. I find them interesting and I always wonder who lives behind that door? What has taken place behind that door? When the doors are attached to historic homes or buildings they could tell stories that I know I would be intrigued with. I want to hear those stories. I imagine stories of wealth, poverty, maybe conspiracy, families, artists, authors, musicians, financiers, housewives, children! Oh the lives who have lived or live behind those doors!
Trinidad
In Cuba it was no different. I found many beautiful doors. Some needed my imagination to see what they truly looked like fifty or more years ago. Often they don’t even close and aren’t able to be locked. They may offer entrance to a courtyard or a long hallway. I fell in love with Cuba and its people but I also photographed a few doors and door knockers. Windows often had children or animals propped up in them. At times there was a glimpse into the lives of the people living there. It was rare to see an empty doorway. Often there was a person sitting on the stoop, waiting to find a bit of a cool breeze, or for the daily bread delivery, or watching for a friend to visit with.
Havana
Doors provide character, color, sturdiness, safety and are the first things we see when we arrive at a home! I hope you will enjoy the doors of Cuba. There are a few that tell a story simply by looking at the photo. There are many that I remain curious about. How about you – are you inquisitive about doors and what can be discovered behind them?
The door below is at the Hotel Ambos Mundos in Havana. Do you know who stayed behind this door? Ernest Hemingway! The handle he touched so many times – Oh the greatness!
The door to Ernest Hemingway’s suite at Hotel Ambos Mundos – HavanaErnest Hemingway’s door handle at the Hotel Ambos Mundos – Havana
My Dad owned a barber shop. You know I had to photograph this door. Complete with a sign and the customary red, white and blue barber pole visible.
Barber Shop door- HavanaBeautiful doors in Havana
I think the beautiful, natural wood doors are my favorites but I am also drawn to painted doors. Basically it is my curiosity that draws me in but undoubtedly the personality of the door causes me to stop and snap a photo. In Cuba not only was I drawn to doors but windows offered a glimpse into life along the cobblestone streets. Cute kids and pets – well of course I stop for those!
Ninas in TrinidadDoor Knocker TrinidadTrinidad Door Knocker
I don’t recall seeing many door bell buttons in Cuba but knockers instead. Another object that provides a photo op. I can only imagine the barking that would ensue if I had a visitor bang a door knocker at my house! Ay yi yi!
Havana
There is a vast contrast between the cities of Havana, Trinidad and the Vinales Valley. The three areas I visited in Cuba. Havana, bustling with tourists, vintage vehicles, and the energy of salsa around every corner. Art culture abounds in Havana as do bohemian cafes and bars, paladars with tiny dining rooms and mama in the kitchen and of course Hotel Nacional de Cuba. A lengthy history of piracy, mobster rule and colonialism yet the Cubans have a survivalist spirit.
Havana – what is going on inside this door?
Trinidad, which I wrote about a few posts back, a UNESCO heritage site that left me with a yearning to return. Trinidad is host to the finest colonial mansions, plazas and churches. Funded by the enormous amounts of money that poured into the area from sugar cane plantations, one of the 56 mills produced just under a million kilos of the white stuff, the largest haul in the world. The area known as Sancti Spiritus is surrounded by the Escambray mountains to the north and the road south leads to the Caribbean Sea.
Trinidad door
Red dirt and vast fields of crops define Valle de Vinales. Farmers driving a plow pulled by oxen, men on horseback, horses pulling carts offering newly harvested produce and many times a family in tow. While on a horseback ride through Valle de Vinales on a very muddy day I spotted these small homes, lining the red dirt trail the horses traveled on. My ride took me to visit a tobacco farmer and experience hand rolled cigars. It was a sweltering hot day but the horses seemed acclimated to the heat. Me? Not so much! Vinales Valle, years away from the hustle of Havana.
Door Vinales Valley
Red mud door in Vinales ValleyTrinidadDogs in a Havana window
I leave you with a few of my other favorite door shots from Cuba. I have so much more to share with you about my trip to Cuba. Next up Havana, cigars and rum.
Pinar del rio – VinalesHavanaHavanaHavanaVinalesMiramar mansion HavanaFrom the inside looking out in Miramar
Last summer I went on a Cuban adventure . I loved Cuba. I loved the Cuban people. I loved the brightly colored and crumbling buildings. I loved the music, the art, the colorful vintage cars, the bright pastel paint that covered the walls. I loved the cigars, the rum, the honey, horseback riding, and unpredicted crazy thunderstorms. I loved posters of Che Guevara, so handsome in his revolutionary garb. I loved fresh mango, papaya, guava and pineapple for breakfast, strong Cuban coffee and simple meals of chicken and rice and Ropa Vieja. I fell in love with the vivid tiles on floors and walls, interesting doors and door knockers. I loved the playa near Trinidad, the Mogotes in Vinales, the cobblestone streets and dancing at the Santeria celebration in Havana. I loved Cuba.
Before I visited this beautiful country I didn’t think I would enjoy it. I didn’t have a particular reason I simply thought there were other places I’d rather explore. Turns out my Cuban adventures far surpassed my expectations. As I planned for the trip I began to get excited but the real pleasure I found while there exceeded my vision. I blame the people. Warm, inviting, friendly, busy, passionate and above all else extremely interesting.
Breakfast served with a smile at my casa in Miramar, Havana.Street Artist, Havana
One of my favorite activities when I travel is to talk to people. Sometimes there is language barrier but it’s remarkable how two people can communicate despite this. One of our taxi drivers spoke no English whatsoever yet with my extremely limited Spanish our trips were as pleasant as could be. Many Cuban people speak English very well.
I’ll begin with a focus on Trinidad, possibly my favorite of the places I visited. The casa I stayed in here easily gave me vision of what life in Cuba has been in the past. “The gorgeous home itself is in two parts yet joined together by a lovely outdoor area for dining and relaxing. At Casa de Lara’s mansion the older and most original part dates back to 1830 and is a typical colonial house with beautiful tiled patio. The modern part was built in 1930 in the neocolonial style, in a harmonious integration with the original part so that the buildings as a whole bear witness to the evolution of habitat within a century”, Alicia Garcia.
Casa Lara my casa in Trinidad
While having a conversation with the mother of my casa host I was delighted to learn that she was the author of the coffee table books I’d been thumbing through in the salon of the casa. The one translated to English I promptly purchased through my local bookseller as soon as I was home.
Books by author Alicia GarciaMy casa hosts Fidel, Alicia and GraceOld Cuba by Alicia Garcia
Alicia Garcia Santana, the lovely lady seated in the photo above is the author of this and many other books on Cuba. In the large dining room, with high ceilings and beautifuly preserved antique furniture and family treasures she worked on her lap top daily. One morning I asked if I could join her while I drank my coffee and she invited me to have a seat. I asked her to tell me about Cuba back in the “old days”. You see her husband was a doctor, a surgeon in Trinidad. They continue to live in the home that served as his office as well as the home where they raised two daughters.
The dining room of Casa LaraDr. Luis Lara, surgeon Trinidad, Cuba
She told me of the parties. “Oh the parties we had”, she told me, “we still have parties!”. I could picture this amazing home full of passionate, intelligent, beautiful men and women of Cuba, cocktails in hand, colorful conversation and music that you cannot help but move your hips to. Ahhhh, to have lived there in those days.
Casa de Lara
Meeting a family of this caliber was an honor. Not only was Dr. Luis Lara a surgeon but his daughter Grace the lady standing in the above photo is a doctor also. She went to the hospital daily to see patients and ran the casa with grace and charm. Her name Grace, more than fitting for her character.
I mentioned the tile floors that I fell in love with. Take a look at some of the ones that were in Casa Lara. These floors are original to the part of the home built in 1930. Walking barefoot on theses floors offered a sense of coolness to the sweltering heat of Cuba in July.
Now that you know something about Casa Lara let me tell you a bit about the town of Trinidad. It is a UNESCO heritage site and one of the best preserved colonial towns in Cuba. Known for it’s colonial old town, cobblestone streets, and brightly colored buildings. Plaza Mayor is the heart of Trinidad. Built at a time of great wealth that remains evident in the gorgeous architecture.
Plaza Mayor
Around the corner from Plaza Mayor is a lively stair stepped patio with countless bars and live music. It was here that I could enjoy a respite from the heat, enjoy spirited live music and a Cubano.
Trinidad
The Convento de San Francisco is a popular tourist site where a bell tower offers views of Trinidad and it’s surrounding countryside. Museums to visit include Museo de Arquitectura, Museo Romantico, and Museo Historico Municipal. A stroll along the main shopping street is a must. I found my favorite souvenir here from a local jeweler. His shop is open onto the street and I enjoyed watching him craft his pieces as I shopped. I purchased a pair of earrings designed of Cuban coins. He offers many beautiful designs but I knew the coins would always remind me of where the earrings came from.
Jewelry maker in Trinidad
When I return to Cuba I will not miss a visit to Trinidad. Next time I will tack on more days as there is much more I want to explore. I leave you with a few more photos of this beautiful place. Next up we’ll take a photo tour of doors and windows in Cuba.
My intentions are good, have been good, yet I haven’t been able to bring myself to sit down and write for several months. Life can get messy and foul up the best of intentions. Would you agree? The post that went up this week I have been working on for months, or not. I’m embarrassed but hey, sometimes life gets in the way.
I mean, my Cuba vacation took place last summer. Yes, summer of 2019. Why did it take me so long to finish a post about one of the most important experiences in Cuba? Well, lets see. There was Community Table and a few posts I needed to write to help promote that event. Then there was a much needed mini vacation to Virginia with one of my bestest girlfriends. Coming home from that short trip I was met with more work at the spice shop than usual, some things around the house that needed my attention and then the holidays were bearing down.
CubaCommunity Table 2019
Sound like a bunch of excuses? Okay, those are excuses but they are valid in my opinion. I felt bogged down and stuck. No creativity at all. Writer’s block, perhaps. I’ve been working hard on journaling, focusing and finding my way back to The Orange Bee, because I love it. My heart has been in this blog for almost 9 years. I don’t pay the bills with it, I just enjoy it. What do you do when life gets in the way?
I am back. I’m going to do my best to share more about Cuba, Community Table and what’s on the books for 2020. If you are a reader of The Orange Bee thank you for sticking around through the good times and the not so good. I appreciate you and hope you’ll continue to subscribe and follow my adventures.
Before long bee adventures will be buzzing strong and I am about to embark on a super fun holiday that I will want to share with you. For now, I am going to begin writing another story about Cuba, which still feels close to my heart.
Meet the “#1 Chef of Cuba”, Alexis Alvarez Armas. Triple AAA – I wonder if his lovely mother chose his name with that in mind? I’ll begin by telling you how I found Alexis. Then I’ll share my experience at his home as he prepared an 18 dish dinner for that blew my socks off. Sound a little over the top? If it does, let me say, “that’s the kind of experience I most enjoy!”.
I discovered Alexis when I inquired in a FB group about Cuba regarding recommendations for cooking classes. One person , whom I do not know made a simple comment, “Alexis Alvarez Armas is the best chef in Cuba”. I took his name from that comment and began to investigate. He was not the easiest guy to track down but when I did, I sent him a message and quickly found out he does not speak ANY English! No way was I going to let that little barrier get in the way.
We quickly found a way to communicate using Google translator for me anyway, and we set a date for dinner. The original plan was to have a driver, as he is about half an hour out of Havana, a translator and dinner. Sometimes things don’t go as planned – right? On this day they did not, but the adventure was one of my favorites none the less.
During the afternoon I was relaxing in the apartment in Havana when the land line began to ring. Something told me to answer – so I did. The call was for me and it was someone telling me that the translator’s car had broken down and I would be picked up by a different driver/translator. It was fine and I was ready when the vintage car arrived at 6pm. The driver named Robert began the drive out to San Jose de las Lajas, he was also the new designated translator. He did his best but it was difficult to learn everything I wanted to know about the food. Thankfully this didn’t hinder the deliciousness of the dishes Alexis prepared.
Upon arrival at Alexis’ home I was warmly greeted by the chef and his mother – a beautiful and delightful woman who I instantly felt a bond with. No English spoken by her either but no matter, with my limited Spanish we worked it out! Her contribution to the meal was frying the plantains, one of my favorites and she nailed it. They were delicioso!
Dish after dish appeared out of the tiny, open air kitchen. Deviled eggs, red pepper hummus, 3 different types of bread (one of my absolute favs). Salsas, of different colors and flavors, 3 to be exact. All not only flavorful and delicious but visually pleasing. Presentation is everything – well almost.
After the variety of appetizers were brought to the table a beautiful bowl of soup was presented. A soup of beets, carrots, and pumpkin with a drizzle of heavy crema. Colorful and again outstanding in flavor! Followed by Mousse de pescado with mushrooms, artichokes and a tiny drizzle of honey. My oh my!
You might imagine my stomach was already feeling a bit full and I had a hard time not wanting to devour the entire loaf of bread! But this was just the beginning. I took stroll into the kitchen to give my tummy time to digest a bit. Next up the main meal dishes. Tacos with beef and peppers, pork cooked in an earthenware pot for 14 hours with a black beer sauce, pork and chicken with corn and mushrooms. Cuban gourmet!
Are you drooling yet? You should be! It turns out that not only is Alexis an amazing chef but a film maker extraordinaire too! This is one area where not having a great translator failed me. I was looking forward to hearing about his film making career as well as his culinary life. Next time, I will get all of the scoop and a cooking lesson as well.
One last dish arrived as a main course before dessert was served. It was an unusual cold fish dish marinated in oil and homemade vinegar with veggies. Tender, succulent fish in the sour-tasting liquid was divine! Turns out all of the food was sourced locally through farms and farmers. I love that!
Lemon cakes with fresh mango and pineapple were the finale to this incredible meal. One man, one country, one meal, one experience that I will never forget. I will be back to Cuba. I will visit Alexis Alvarez Armas and hopefully his madre. I will communicate with him in his native tongue if I practice my Spanish hard enough. We are friends forever – a Cuban chef and an American in Cuba!
If you are traveling to Cuba, want to meet the #1 Chef of Cuba and are interested in having this amazing experience email me and I will put you in contact with him. You can also find him here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003923984335
Meet the chef behind Bandito Bodega, a brick and mortar establishment fashioned after one of Greensboro’s favorite food trucks. Nick Benshoff has owned Bandito Burrito Truck, a simple mobile taco and burrito operation since 2012. In January of 2017 Benshoff opened Bandito Bodega, a super small restaurant where the specialities focus on Mexican, Asian and American inspired flavors.
Benshoff was born in Washington DC and many of his childhood memories are from sitting at the table in his grandparents house for hours with friends and family, coming together over good food and conversation. Lucky for Greensboro, Nick moved here as a kid and has remained in GSO offering a unique spin on Mexican, Asian and American food.
Bandito Bodega offers a few small tables, a handful of bar seats and outdoor seating as well. Bandito Bodega is located at 1609 West Friendly Ave. If you like a twist on your Mexican, Asian or American food don’t fail to stop in Bandito Bodega or meet the chef at Community Table 2019!
Community Table 2019 takes place on Sunday, September 29 at Cadillac Service Garage in downtown Greensboro. Cocktails and appetizers, live music, cigar bar and more 4-6 pm ticket $45.00
4 course sit-down dinner 4-9 pm – ticket $125.00 SOLD OUT
Meet the chefs of Machete. Have you heard of Machete in Greensboro? Currently Machete is a supper club hosting monthly dinners, focusing on modern flavors and techniques. The concepts that Machete is working with unreservedly tie them into Community Table 2019 with our Modern-Southern focus. Pop-up restaurants and underground dinner parties are trending in the Triad, yet in other parts of the country they’ve been around for a while. We can thank the chefs of Machete, Kevin Cottrell and Lydia Rae Greene for helping usher these unique ways of dining into Greensboro.
Kevin Cottrell is the Executive Chef and Co Founder of Machete in Greensboro, North Carolina. A Greensboro native with 10+ years in the restaurant industry, he looks forward to bringing something new and exciting to his home city. We are looking forward to what he will bring to the dinner table at Community Table 2019. Kevin is developing a special dish for the second course of the four course dinner.
For an upclose view of Kevin in the kitchen click on this link and watch his magic happen on this WFMY News 2 segment about Community Table.
Also in the industry for 10+ years, Lydia Rae Greene’s expertise is derived from formal training at Alamance Community College (ACC) for culinary arts with a knack for breads and pastries. Greene and Cottrell have been working side by side for the last several years with a focus on approachable, modern plates that are both pleasing to the eye and to the taste.
Machete is currently working on a brick and mortar restaurant. We see success in this endeavor with their pride in high-quality ingredients, purposeful portions, and bringing together the community.
Meet the chefs! You are invited to experience the best of the Triad at this years table. Food prepared by 8 of the Triad’s finest chefs, including Kevin and Lydia. Cocktails provided by GIA and Fainting Goat Spirits, Little Brother brews, Raffaldini wines, cigars by Havana Phil’s – order your tickets today!
Sunday, September 29 at Cadillac Service Garage. Tickets are available for Community Table @ Triad Local First.
Harmony Ridge Farms will be providing their fresh, local, and seasonal vegetables to our chefs for the four-course dinner at Community Table this year. On a recent visit to the farm the tables inside the barn were loaded with colorful vegetables and fruits. Green and red apples, the last of the summer peaches, peppers, squashes, freshly dug potatoes, plums, yellow and red cherry tomatoes, corn on the cob, multi color carrots and more. Below, meet Isaac of Harmony Ridge Farms.
I was able to visit with Isaac as he tended the farm store on his family owned farm. Issac and his Dad, Kevin started the farm 10 years ago this fall. They first started with a CSA as they were “green” in the farming business. Issac explained that, “around year four and five we began to find how to grow stuff right”. He followed up with, “always biting off more than we could chew”.
Expanding the CSA and adding a nonprofit program called Farm Fresh Healthy Living (providing weekly CSA shares to low income families with children in Forsyth County), in addition to serving restaurants and local farmer’s markets became the new norm.
The life of a farmer is not easy. Isaac’s day consists of planning out the day’s/week’s tasks, logistics, record keeping, planning and executing all produce crops, inventory, filling orders, sales, sourcing and communications. His Dad, Kevin along with one other, manage the field crew, all husbandry, tractor work, maintenence, fencing and pastures, and help with most everything else. Father and son still like each other and try to lead semi-normal lives outside of farming.
When asked what his favorite crops to grow are Isaac said, “I most enjoy growing root crops especially beets, turnips, radishes, and potatoes because they are hearty, relatively easy to grow and store well. Carrots fall into the mix as well but they are challenging and some days I can’t stand the throught of pulling another weed crowding them out. However they are the most rewarding when done right. ”
If you want to experience some of Harmony Ridge Farms fresh food don’t forget to order your tickets for Community Table 2019, Modern-Southern. It takes place on Sunday, September 29 at Cadillac Service Garage. We have a few tickets left – secure yours today to enjoy local food prepared by the Triad’s finest! Tickets are available at Triad Local First.
