“El Jardin del los Milagros” Paladar translates to The Garden of the Miracles and is an oasis in Havana. The family home was converted into a restaurant after they closed their construction company in 2011 when economic turmoil hit Cuba. Yamila, one of the daughters, who’s educated and worked as an engineer in their remodeling business, is one of the managers. Realizing there was a lack of agricultural products grown in Cuba, suggested that the rooftop become a garden for herbs used in their recipes.

Initially, the construction tools, scaffolding, and bathroom fixtures, became the shelves and pots to grow the vegetables they needed.  Wheel barrels became the flowerbeds and hard hats, the flowerpots. Today, the organic garden supplies the vegetables and herbs for the restaurant and markets. Their Meliponas sting-less bees, pollinate the garden and create honey. A true miracle!

Road Scholar tours arranged lunch for us to enjoy and it started with the official drink of Cuba, the Mojito. A refreshing cocktail made with real sugar cane, lime, mint and optional rum – is that optional? – was served as a welcome drink. I noticed the hot sauce on the table and since I love spicy food, something Cuban food normally lacks, was delighted to add the pepper blend to the food being served.

Appetizers started with Grandma’s Croquettes, Taro Fritters and Brushetta.

Also served family style were Entrees of Ropa Vieja de Res (beef cooked in a white wine and tomato sauce), Grilled Chicken Breast and Fried Pork for portions on our decorated plates with tropical fruit.

Getting back to the hot sauce: I couldn’t resist asking more about it since it had the right amount of heat and a tropical treat. By using Cachucha and Aji Guaguao peppers, grown in their garden and indigenous to the Caribbean, is not quite as hot as Scotch Bonnets. I asked if they sell it by the bottle. They did and I couldn’t ask for a better souvenir which was presented by this handsome server.

For a refreshing break from the Cuban heat, and delicious indigenous cuisine, head to El Jardin de los Milagros.

+53 5 2686237  email: guirovecu@gmail.com

Trip Advisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g147271-d4053450-Reviews-El_Jardin_de_Los_Milagros-Havana_Ciudad_de_la_Habana_Province_Cuba.html