Havana Central, Times Square…A Mojito and A Smile

After a long day at home and working outside of it, hubby and I were in the rare and fortunate position of being near the Times Square area on a beautiful NYC night, without the kids.

We walked around for a bit, which we can do for hours and hours when it’s just the two of us.  We made wedding plans (we plan to renew our vows in a few years), we talked about our future, like two kids in love that we are.

“Let’s go for a drink, somewhere fun”, he said with excitement, the kind of excitement we often feel when we don’t have our kids with us.

“I know the perfect place!” I replied….because I did. Located right in Times Square, only a block or two from The Great White Way, is Havana Central, one of my favorite places to go for Cuban food, and sometimes even dance and music, when I am in the Times Square area.

I’ve been here a few times, but not my husband.

“Very cool!” was his first reaction. He really loved the decor which has an Old School Cuban flair.

There are a few dishes here that I really enjoy, but not really knowing which one to introduce my hubby to, we chose to try a bit of everything, so we ordered the sampler, an appetizer dish which includes chicharron de pollo (small pieces of fried chicken), salchicha (sausages), tostones (fried green plantains), maduros (fried ripe plantains), and one empanada of your choice (we ordered shrimp), and two small pieces of corn on the cob. OK, that last one, corn on the cob, is not just that. It is a magical concoction I’ve only ever had at Havana Central. It’s corn on the cob, with a buttery, bacon-y, parmigiana cheesy, piece of heaven served warm and ready to eat.  A bit messy, so you might not want to try on a first date, but since I was with my husband of 7 years, I figured getting messy while we enjoyed was definitely acceptable.

We complimented our treat with another, a classic mojito, and laughed and talked as we sat back and forgot about the world around us. The list of mojitos seems endless there, and we really weren’t planning to be out too long, so we promised to try the others upon our next visit.

It was tempting to order something more, though honestly we couldn’t have another bite. I like their Upper West Side location as well, especially for brunch, and it’s definitely worth a try. They also have a location in Union Square, though I have never been to this one.

This is such a great place to come with your family or friends, though I rather enjoyed being without my kids on that particular night. I have had a great time each time I go there, and love their Ropa Vieja and their Churrasco dishes.

Also check out their website to see when they have a live band scheduled to play.  It is on these nights especially that I really enjoy coming here.  The crowd and music are awesome, and you’re welcome to dance or watch the dancers, as you kick back, enjoy a drink or two, and take in a taste of Cuba.  It was the prefect way to end a long, busy, tiring day: with a Mojito in my hand, a smiling husband seated in front of me, surrounded by wonderful ambiance,and tasting great food. What else could be better?

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Tags: Times Square
Posted in Date Night, Good Eats | 5 Comments »