"cuba" news and stories

It seems cigars aren't the only luxury Cuban product that have been all but unavailable in the States. Until recently one couldn't get Havana Club rum in the U.S. Now Bacardi is relaunching the storied spirit as a premium brand.

Havana Club got its start in the thirties and was exported to the U.S. and elsewhere until Castro took over Cuba in 1960. At that time, the government took possession of the plant and began to manufacture the spirit. But Castro lacked the recipe to produce the true Havana Club.

Ramon Arechabala, whose family first created the rum, is quoted in The Miami Herald as calling the government's version "undrinkable." It was widely exported elsewhere, but unavailable in the U.S.

While I'm fascinated with the international trademark case that cleared the path for Bacardi, I can't stop thinking of mojitos for some reason.

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This past week I hooked up with some friends at an izakaya to watch the final game of the World Baseball Classic, Japan vs.Cuba. More on the results later. I first met these folks at the same pub. We bonded over the historic Yanks–Red Sox Game, cheering for Matsui.

Fast forward to the food. As we anxiously awaited the game's start, I noticed  hot dog, Japanese style, $2, on the handwritten specials board. At that price I knew I had to try it. What better snack for a ball game than hot dogs? Beneath that read: $5.50  –  dressing: squid sashimi, natto and seaweed. We ordered up two dogs; one with the squiddy, squishy works, and one plain.