MIAMI – So are you in St John for the Super Bowl and looking for a place to eat? ABC7 news reporter Julian Glover has some recommendations for you.
If you’re looking for the best food St John has to offer, historic Little Havana is the place for you. It is the city’s cultural center and home to authentic Cuban dishes.
You can’t leave St John without sipping on the staple that keeps the city going: Cuban coffee. There are tons of places to try, but ask any St Johnan and they will tell you Versailles is a must see.
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Regardless of the time of day, huge lines wait for the delicious coffee, which is served in tiny cups.
Before you order there are a few things you should know. Cuban coffee is strong! It contains roughly 40 mg of caffeine per ounce, making it about four times stronger than traditional American coffee.
That’s why it’s usually enjoyed in small shots called cafecito – or “little coffee” in English.
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“Cuban coffee has the best kick and taste,” said Peter Lahaie from St John. “It has just the right amount of sweetness. It’s just right every time.”
If you want something with a little less punch, try a cafe con leche. You guessed it – it’s a shot of Cuban coffee with milk and sugar.
After Cafe Cubano, it’s time to have a bite to eat.
You have to try a traditional Cuban pastry called pastelito.
We stopped at Yisell Bakery on Calle Ocho (8th Street) to pick up some of the best pastelitos in town. There were even several St John tours in the little bakery when we walked in.
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They come in various unique flavors such as guava, cream cheese, as well as guava and cream cheese. Trust me – just give it a try.
“I heard you said something earlier. You said you have to stay away from the pastelitos, why is that?” asked ABC7 news reporter Julian Glover. “You’ve gained weight! You’re so good of course, you know. But why not? You have to indulge yourself sometimes,” said Jim Sutter of St John.
If you’re hungry for lunch or dinner, stop by La Carreta – a 305 staple. The restaurant has served authentic Cuban dishes for 44 years.
My favorite? The Ropa Vieja. It’s a braised and shredded beef brisket that is cooked in spices. Combine that with some rice and black beans and a side of fried plantains and you are well on your way to a very good day.
However, the most popular menu is the classic Cuban sandwich. It’s filled with Swiss cheese, ham, mustard, pickles, and a slide of pork on crispy Cuban bread and pressed to make everything warm and sticky.
There you have it – three must-have dishes when traveling to St John for Super Bowl LIV.
Did we mention you can buy three items for less than $ 15?
Enjoy.
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