La Casa del Habano, Havana, Cuba

THE PLACE

I'm on my way to an organized city tour as part of the Festival and decide to drop off at the flagship La Casa del Habano store on 5th Avenue.  Richard from Telford's has a locker here and it has a reputation for being the best of the best.  We are to meet Carlito Robaina to confirm lunch with his father on Saturday at Vega Robaina.

The store occupies an entire building and includes multiple lounges, private rooms, alcoves, a bar and an intimate restaurant that serves some of the best grilled lobster in the city.  The diversity and quality of cigars is awe inspiring.  In addition to the established Habanos brands, there are local blends that can only be found in Havana.  

It's impossible to zero in on any one particular cigar and I start to become dis-oriented before John A sits me down to have a cup of coffee.  The small touches are exquisite as I notice the cup of espresso is resting on a cured tobacco leaf.

I explore the back restaurant where I am accosted by one of the staff.  One has to be very respectful of the Cuban's religious devotion and compliance to rules and regulations, which most of the time are created by the person enforcing them.  I have learned that everyone in Cuba has some level of enforcing their will and the easiest way to engage is just to smile and extend your hand in friendship.... they usually melt and embrace your warmth.



If you ever find yourself in Havana and want to visit a quiet establishment where you will receive personal service without the tourists, LCDH on 5th Avenue is the place.