Cuba

[Maggiemuggs]

In 11 days I will be going to an all inclusive resort in Cuba for 8 days, and I am a little worried about the food aspect. (But excited to get away from this cold, -27 C and with windchill -35 C) From reviews I've read on line, people say to stick to the Italian restaurants as the pasta is usually safe(as in tastes good) Most resorts there are not know for their food. Has anyone else gone, and if so, what did you eat?

[mission to lose]

Re: Cuba

Sounds like a great trip, But you won't get too many Americans answering you who have actually traveled there. Americans are prohibited to travel to Cuba for tourism, and only allowed under very strict circumstances and only when approved by the US government. Some do go there if they travel there via some other country. I would love to visit Cuba to enjoy their traditional music and dancing.

Have a wonderful time. I hope you get some good helpful answers about the food and more specifics.

[Maggiemuggs]

Re: Cuba

Thanks. I know that. There are a lot of Canucks on here that I have noticed, and when I did a search, I saw that a lot of people were trying to lose weight before they went there, so I was hoping they could let me know what they saw once they were there. Also, I know that Obama has lifted travel restrictions for cuban-americans that want to go back to visit family as well.

[Suzanne_H]

Re: Cuba

Picadillo is a ground meat dish with vegetables. Ask if it contains "papas"... potatoes. Sometimes it does, sometimes not.
Ropa vieja is shredded beef dish and may be ok, depending.
Boliche is a roast stuffed with sausage and hard boiled eggs.
Cuban caldos and sopas (soups) are wonderful, but most contain legumes. Many contain potatoes, may want to look carefully and ask questions.
Cuban sandwiches are a thing of beauty... if they're made right you can just remove the bread and enjoy.
And the seafood... ah the seafood! Be careful of breadings.

If you're not familiar with Spanish language and haven't done so already, pick up a paperback dictionary. It will be helpful when browsing menus. If I were going I would be open to higher rungs on OWL in order to avoid going off Atkins. I know myself, and if I allow a little cheat, a bigger cheat is only footsteps behind. At least on the upper rungs of OWL I can eat very well without feeling the least bit deprived. Just my two cents...

Happy New Year and do enjoy your vacation!!!

[Maggiemuggs]

Re: Cuba

Thanks, that is really helpful. I was planning on getting a dictionary. My husband has taught himself how to ask for two beers. Our second language here is French, and the only Spanish I was exposed to was Sesame Street when I was a kid! I'm just concerned that they will try to cater to what they think is a North American diet. I had that happen when I was in Poland. It was the weirdest "pizza" I had ever seen!

[stephbob]

Re: Cuba

I have to say, Ropa Vieja is my favorite dish EVER! Atkins or no Atkins, everytime I went to the Cuban restaurant where I used to live in Florida, I'd have to order it! Best thing ever