services. The Havana U.S. Embassy
garnered considerable acclaim upon
completion, receiving high praise in the
architectural press, and it was proudly
displayed at New York’s Museum of
Modern Art in a 1953 exhibition
showcasing new U.S. diplomatic archi-
tecture. The Camara de Comercio de
Cuba (Cuban Chamber of Commerce)
is located in an affluent area of Cuba
and it is not affiliated with the govern-
ment officially. It is an organization that
provides assistance for entrepreneurs
who wish to do business with Cuba,
invest in Cuba and open businesses in
Cuba. They assist with the proper doc-
uments, licenses, fees, visas, and other
paperwork required. They are also able
to provide introductions and advice.
Any visit to Havana is incomplete
without seeing the show at the Tropi-
cana, a world class legend since the late
30’s. Once called the most magnificent
cabaret in the world, the Tropicana got
its name in 1940 and immediately be-
came the retreat for the rich and fa-
mous. From its inception, it has head-
lined the best of the best of Cuban and
international musicians and dancers in
a lush tropical setting that has always
created a dreamworld for the audiences
who come from all over the world to
see the original mythical Tropicana.
large crowds, many of them families
from all over the world there to experi-
ence Latin Jazz. We chose to see “La
Flauta Magica” by Orlando Valle “Ma-
raca” with his guest Nestor Torres at the
Teatro Nacional that evening and they
were amazing. The Teatro Nacional is
quite a complex for entertainment lo-
cated near La Plaza de la Revolucion. It
has many concert halls and an outdoor
eatery that is quite lovely.
There are so many people around the
world who love Cuba and its people.
Many Cubans who had successful busi-
nesses in Europe have returned to create
businesses and educate the young peo-
ple of Cuba. Kids on the Ball supported
by Cafe Song and EL Divino’s Little Da
Vincis Project and White Rose Project
are just a few examples of the work be-
ing done by the people who love Cuba.
The young founder and owner of Ha-
vana Tour Company went the extra
mile to get us passes to the Jazz Festival
for one night. He moved from Europe
with a young family to promote tour-
ism in Cuba because of a love for Cuba.
On our way to the airport on Sunday
we had lunch at El Divino restaurant
winner of 4 awards, Award for Excel-
lence from Tripadvisor, Fourth Crown
for Excellence in Urban Agriculture
and the Agroecological Seal. Also, the
It’s time to add the Havana Jazz Festival estate was declared Provincial Botani-
to your list of must attend Jazz Festivals. cal Garden for its extensive variety of
I have. This annual festival has taken fruit trees, more than 120. The restau-
place since 1978, and it continues to get rant and environment offered diners
better. A small group of Jazz enthusiasts peaceful open spaces for their complete
in our group got to attend one evening enjoyment, Ranch la Yoandra, a place
of the 9 day festival, Saturday the 19th where diners experience all the tastes
of January. It was wonderful to see the of Cuba in a sylvan environment. They
have many beautiful spots where differ-
ent size parties, concerts, or educational
events can be held.
The menu had an excellent variety of
national and international dishes, and
the service was excellent. The restau-
rant also offers a selection of dining
areas, the Columns Salon, the bar, the
Plaza Luna, Square Moon, and a private
lounge that can be reserved. Their wine
cellar contains a large variety of fine
wines preserved in optimum tempera-
ture and humidity. The selection also
includes collectibles.
20 iF Magazine |February 2019