Our Reviews 4

By the

Evening Herald - "On The Box" Friday 1st of May 1998

'Why Bella is So Beautiful'

The Food at Bella Cuba is Better than anything I encountered on a week-long visit to Havana last Year. In the real Cuba Economic Chaos, Cash Shortages, and supply problems have left the population at large.

Tourist's don't starve, but , I found, they don't have much in the area of gourmet experiences either. The Flavors of original ethnic Cuban food seem to have been lost somewhere in the tough times since the Revolution.

At Bella Cuba, however, you have the best of all worlds:food that is genuine, beautifully flavored and interesting , and elegant surroundings. The Welcome is warm and courteous (there's a coat rack! They hang up your coat for you! other restaurants, please copy!) The room is small but the decor is quietly exotic -- warm tangerine walls, dark plush banquettes running around them.

The Music (not intrusive) is Cuban Jazz. There is a list of Cuban Cocktails from Cuba Libres to Frozen Daiquiri's to Mojitos; and they are not outrageously expensive.

The list is good value and because my companion (godson) was having Steak and I was having Pork, we decided on a sunny compromise-- a lively Rose from Provence, Les Calaques, a Flinty but fruity wine, served nicely chilled but not iced.

(to be completed)