Havana Central is one of those Old World style meets New World comfort restaurants that I adore - it’s Cuban charm, colorful facades and exceptional, friendly service make it such an inviting and hospitable place to be on any occasion. About a year ago or so, when I went with my sister and her friends, it was such a pleasurable experience that I found myself going to, eventually, all three locations. I discovered that each had their own unique charm: the Times Square location has the Old Cuba meets New York glitz & glam, the West End location for a Cuban comfort at home feel, and, for a more intimate setting, the Union Square location.

With all that said, what better way to ring in the New Year than with a five course meal, unlimited mojitos and sangria, live music, and phenomenal service? This year, I heard about the New Year’s Eve special that Havana Central was offering from Cecilia, their online marketing guru, and I jumped at the opportunity to enjoy some more of Havana’s delicious meals and report about it. I invited Tameka, my best friend (and event planning manager) down for the ride. As snowy and rainy as it was on NYE, the vibe in Havana Central Union Square was scorching and festive. Our waitress, Veronica, got us into the celebratory mood with party favors and a pitcher of delectable red wine sangria. Our meal began with malanga chips, a starchy tuber similar to cassava, served with avocado mango salsita, followed by chicharrones de pollo, lightly fried chicken ‘lollipops’ with a guava BBQ sauce, and Ensalada de aguacate, mixed greens, avocado, and Manzanilla olives w/red wine vinaigrette. The great thing about Havana Central is that their portion sizes belie their prices: you are always getting your money’s worth. By the time our third course came, lechon al vino, a pork shank slow stewed in red wine with vegetables and served with moro, and pollo a la juventilla, plantain crusted chicken breasts stuffed with spinach and manchego cheese and served with cucumber ribbons drizzled in blackberry vinaigrette, we were well on our way to being full. Our second pitcher of sangria came, the salsa band played great music, and we enjoyed well cooked, well seasoned, delicious food and wonderful vibes (and politely asked for a doggy bag halfway through the course).

Dessert, chocolate rum cake and tres leches cake, was so delicious that we actually set our glasses of sangria aside to savor the delectable treats. For two people who do not have a huge sweet tooth, we both enjoyed dessert immensely, and were not prepared for just how good it was. The after dinner aperatifs came out, a Kahlua and milk shot called an Angel’s Kiss, and we were so utterly full that after our drink, we kicked back, relaxed, and vibed to “Oye Como Va” as we enjoyed our food and our time at Havana Central, bringing in the New Year.

For more pictures of Old Year’s Night 2009 at Havana Central, as well as video clips from our festivities, check us out on our Facebook Fan Page!

Also, check out HC’s other Social Media Reporters’ for NYE 2010!!

Erica McLaughlin @the Times Square Location: And I’m feeling good…

Marshall Spooner @the West End Location: New Years Eve 2009 and into 2010 @HavanaCentral West End

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