With temperatures recently hovering below freezing, the notion of sunnier climes is a pretty constant thought. And with such inclement and miserable conditions, this season is all about nesting and diving into comfort food while trying to get through the blustery days of January and February. For some people, that might come in the form of meat, potatoes and tomato soup. But for me, rice and beans, pastelles and maduros with flan serving as an exemplary dessert is what hits the spot. And while there are numerous places where you can find any combination of these and other Latin dishes, my newest discovery is Havana Central, the latest restaurant to plant roots in Garden City. With a décor that’s a throwback to pre-Castro Cuba and a menu that’s stocked with all kinds of dishes just like abuela used to make, it’s a culinary oasis guaranteed to get you through those dark days of winter
– Dave Gil de Rubio
