Street Party

Alameda’s annual street party, The Park Street Art and Wine Fair” is part block party, part shopping, part high school reunion (for those who went to HS in Alameda) but most of all a whole lot of fun.

For the past six years, I worked the event for my former employer and this year was the first time that I got to enjoy all of the festivities. Many of the bars and restaurants on Park Street set up special deals for the event. Linguini’s had their pizza window and shots of Jägermeister, boy that has the the 20-something crowd written all over it. Cera Una Volta and the new Wine Bar had tastings for those who love the grape.

Because there is so much to write about I will give only highlights.

The Beer: four types were available through the fair, Lagunitas, Fat Tire, Heineken and Pyramid Hefeweizen. None are my favorites, but I tried all four in the spirit of the event. I settled into the Fat Tire.

The Alameda Fire Department Pancake Breakfast was just the right thing for a Sunday morning. The crew was efficient getting the crowd their breakfast and it was cool to see the old fire trucks. The kid in everyone still likes fire trucks.

The music was great. The bands selected gave the entire fair a great vibe. I like the Hitmen they had a great party vibe. The Sun Kings are an Alameda favorite performing covers of Beatles tunes. The great thing about the Sun Kings is the audiences from 20-50 all know the words to the songs. We saw a lot of people rocking and dancing. My favorite was a tottler named Henry who was taking his rocking to the music very seriously.

Big Congrats to Rob Ratto and the volunteer crew who made this event as special as it is every year. Rob only 363 days until the beer starts flowing again for this event.

Viva Havana Restaurant

Viva Havana Restaurant

For the past six months, as I walked by the corner of Webb and Park Street, a giant menu pasted in the window had been announcing the coming of a new restaurant in this space that housed former Vietnamese noodle diner. After extensive renovations to this corner space, Alameda has a newest restaurant offer Cuban dining. Havana launched with a soft opening last Monday and promises a variety of Cuban cuisine and an expansive Mojito menu.

So when I saw the door open and people dining on Tuesday Night, I called to set a reservation for six for Saturday night. I quickly learned that Havana only takes reservations for parties of eight or more, but my group and I were not deterred and venture out to see what Havana had to offer.

The entry, waiting area and bar tables are a bit sterile, but the Cuban music gave the place warmth, besides we were hungry and excited for this new place. I put our name in for a table and I was told that it would be a 15-20 minute wait. It was now a perfect time to begin sampling the mojito menu. You can order mojitos by the glass ($6-$7) or by the pitcher ($30-$35). The group decided on a pitcher of the Traditional Mojito: Bacardi Light Rum, Mint, Sugar, Lime Juice, Splash of Soda. Very good and the pitcher was large enough to serve all six with a little left over.

After a 10 minute wait, our table was ready. Entering the dining room you could sense the change in mood from bright and sterile to a warm and inviting. The dining area had the lights lowered, music filled the space, spices lingered in the air, and the tables were well spaced so you could enjoy talking to the people you were dining with. I was now fully anticipating what Havana had to offer for food. Our party wanted to try a variety dishes so we ordered tapas for the table to get a sampling.

Here is what we ordered off the tapas menu: Boniato Garlic Fries with Guava Chipotle Sauce & Chimichurri $6; Twice Fried Plantains with Pineapple Salsa $7; Plantain Maduros with Manzana Glaze $7; Halibut Ceviche Cured Halibut, Mango, Black Beans, Onions, Peppers and Cilantro with Plantain Chips $9. The Ceviche and Plantain Mauros were my favorites; others at the table enjoyed the twice fried plantains.

More Mojitos, this time the 10 Cane Mojito: 10 Cane Rum, Mint, Sugar, Lime Juice, Splash of Soda. A well balanced drink but bit on the sweet side for me.

Our group focused on entrees we ordered: Cane Glazed Pork Chops, Chicken Adobo (way different than Pilipino version), Plantain crusted Halibut and the Ropa Vieja. The Ropa Vieja is Spanish for "Old Clothes," and is a popular Caribbean dish consisting of shredded beef (often skirt or flank steak), vegetables, and a sauce. The Ropa Vieja was the winner at the table. Very tender steak served with black beans and rice. A well balanced meal, which had a comfort element. This will be a staple for me when I go back.

I need to mention the photographs in that are place throughout the restaurant.

They are very large print from a young local photographer that went to Cuba on a Cultural exchange visit. The detail and color of his photos are fantastic. I forgot his URL this morning but will update later.

I have to give Havana a Muy Bueno rating. It is a good dining experience, good food, full bar and a helpful staff.

Salud.

Best quote ever on Food and Cuba:

[Spicoli has had a pizza delivered to class]
Mr. Hand: Am I hallucinating here? Just what in the hell do you think you're doing?
Jeff Spicoli: Learning aboutCuba, and having some food.

Havana Restaurant
510.521.0130
518 Park Street
Alameda CA 94501

http://www.havanarestaurant.net/home.html