Havana Café Continues to Combine Culinary Excellence with Education

Photo: AzLatinos.com

By: Jessica Danielle Ramirez

There is a tropical-themed Cuban restaurant in Scottsdale where costumers gather to experience their favorite meals and even take a class or two by the very owner, BJ Hernandez.

The eatery is a familiar gem to Arizonans, and it continues to provide top-notch cuisine to the Valley. The two locations — Phoenix and Scottsdale — each have a hint of individuality and both radiate culture.

Hermandez found her love for love for cooking at the age of five. Her fascination for not only cooking, but also learning each of the traditional plates on the menu is one of the many reasons why Havana Café continues to satisfy customers from all walks of life.

“Cuban cuisine is to the Caribbean what the French cuisine is to the continent of Europe,” she said.

From the soft pastry pies known as the Empanaditas that come in beef, pork or chicken, to the Tamal Cubano — which is not your typical Tamal — each dish is a piece of Cuban culture.

“The food is very well seasoned and there is no vegetables on the plate per se. But everything is cooked inside of it,” she said.

The Pollo Cubano is one of the most requested menu items. It is citrus marinated boneless chicken breast with onions, rice and beans. And of course, you can’t call it a Cuban restaurant without “Ropa Vieja” in the menu.

“[Ropa Vieja] was first used to make a good soup and the meat would cook so long and would fall apart, which is why it’s called ropa vieja, because when clothes get old they shred,” Hernandez explained. “And then it’s sautéed with bell peppers, onions, tomato and a little bit of red wine.”

Photo: AzLatinos.com

But if there is anything customers need to try it’s the mini caramel flan that Hernandez prepares herself. The heavenly dessert is smooth and the caramel drizzled on top can send your taste buds on an adventure.

The tasty cuisine mirrors its tropical atmosphere. The restaurant showcases the culture in every direction with green pom trees on the walls and table cloths as salsa plays in the background.

Not only does Havana Café offer excellent food but they also offer classes taught by the cook herself, BJ Hernandez. Cooking and Mojito classes are offered monthly and a wine dinner is coming soon.

“We have four wine makers that will be coming from Chile and we have a wonderful menu planned for the six course dinner and five different wines,” Hernandez said.

The wine dinner is just one of various culinary events that Hernandez enjoys putting together for customers to enjoy.

So the next time you’re looking for a place to experience rich culture while staying in the city, Havana Café is the way to go.

Havana Café