A Fixture in Union Square Is Closing at the End of April

Photo Credit:  www.havanacentral.com

Havana Central in Union Square is where my now-husband and I went on our first date back in May 2006.  It was a classic Cuban restaurant complete with a tropical ambiance that aimed to match what has been fixed in our minds as Old Havana.

On our first date, I ordered Arroz con Pollo (chicken and rice) with a side order of tostones (green plantains)  and a glass of Sangria.  He ordered the Picadillo, a ground beef dish that resembles a stew.  We spent a couple of hours talking and learning about each other's past.  He was from Brooklyn and I was from New Jersey.  He used to be in a band for 10 years, and is now working in sales after realizing that he needs to get his life together, and I told him that I was a fundraiser working for a Catholic University.  We were both volunteers at the annual Asian Pacific Heritage Festival, which takes place on the first Sunday of every May in Union Square Park.

At the end of the night, he took the bill and he walked me back to the PATH Station (I was living in Jersey City at the time).  We went on a few more dates, and after several outings to museums, parks and gardens in New York City, we became a couple.

A few years later, we have recently gotten married and while I am happy that Havana Central has become more successful than ever in opening new venues that can accommodate larger groups of people, I am also saddened to hear that the Union Square Location is closing.  Over the years, I've brought friends to Union Square for "Sangria Sundays" to catch up with old friends and occasionally, I would go to Havana Central alone whenever I needed to appease a craving for Cuban food.

In learning of the closure, I am literally scrambling to find time in my calendar to eat there one last time or two, or three times.  I've found 3 possible days and I hope to bring my husband there one last time, and have my last "Sunday Gathering" with friends.

Thank you so much Havana Central Union Square.  We look forward to eating at the new venue.

To visit the Union Square Havana Central location, visit 22 East 17th Street, between 5th Avenue and Broadway or call 212-414-4999. You may also find them online at www.havanacentral.com.

Havana Central Union Square will close on Monday, April 25.

Help the New York City Economy by Helping the Japanese Earthquake Victims

What's a good way to help New York City while donating to the Japanese Relief Fund?  Try shopping.

Several Japanese establishments are donating a portion of their proceeds to the Japanese earthquake victims through special sales and events.  A listing of these establishments are listed below and will be updated as I get additional information:

Cadaques Tapas Bar: 188 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NY, http://www.cadaquesny.com/. 30% of proceeds go to Japanese Red Cross.

Japan Society:  333 East 47th Street, NYC,  (212) 832-1155. http://www.japansociety.org/.  The Japan Society will donate 50% of its ticket and admission sales towards the earthquake victims from March 14-June 30. Also, check out its newest exhibition, "Bye Bye Kitty!!! Between Heaven and Hell in Japanese Conteporary Art."

Megu: 62 Thomas Street and 845 United Nations Plaza at 47th Street, 212-964-7777, www.megurestaurants.com will donate 5% of all beverage sales through March 20 to the Japanese Red Cross to help with relief efforts.

Nobu:  105 Hudson Street, 212-219-0500. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the earthquake fund with their special omakase menu.  www.noburestaurants.com.

Havana Central:  Multiple locations in New York  City:  http://www.havanacentral.com/.  From March23-March 30, this Cuban restaurant will donate a portion of its proceeds to the Relief Efforts.

Brooklyn Brewery:    March 28 at 7PM.  79 N. 11th Street~ Brooklyn, NY 11211~ Brewers for Brewers: Japan benefit.  New York brewers- Sixpoint, Brooklyn, Heartland, Kelso, and Empire along with Lagunitas, The Good Beer Seal, and the NY State Brewers Association are hosting a beer and food event. 6 breweries, food from the meat hook, local Japanese restaurants , more. All proceeds will be directly deposited into a special account " kiuchi brewery earthquake fund" set up by the us importer of Hitachino, B United Imports.  Visit:  https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/166978 for more information.

Terroir:  www.wineisterroir.com All proceeds from its $6 YFC Yoshi Fried Chicken will be donated to the Fund. 

Muji USA: 3 Locations in NYC:   620 8th Ave, NYC (212) 382-2300 and 250 W 39th St # 605, NYC (646) 366-0515; 16 West 19th Street, New York - (212) 414-9024.

$10 of your purchase of a DIY child chair will benefit the earthquake relief fund. www.muji.us

Philip Lim:  At the showroom, 260 W. 39th Street, 17th floor (between 7th and 8th Avenue)

Sample sale will benefit the red cross (March 24-March 25) 10AM-6:00PM

 

If you are having an event or fundraiser, please let me know.