Eating Cuban in the Twin Cities

The Minnesota Orchestra is playing two concerts in Cuba next week as part of the International Cubadisco Festival, making them the first U.S. orchestra to perform in the country since the travel ban to the communist country was lifted. The concerts will be broadcast live on MPR, but just because you have to listen from home doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the flavors of Cuba. On this week’s episode of Moveable Feast, John and Rachel talk about the their favorite place in the Twin Cities to get a taste of Cuba before the orchestra’s big trip.

Victor’s 1959 Café on Grand Ave. in South Minneapolis was opened by Victor Valens, a native of Cuba, after he found no other Cuban restaurants in the Twin Cities. The restaurant serves up authentic fare including ropa vieja, Cuban sandwiches, plantains, yucca, and a knockout breakfast including John’s favorite, the Cuban hash.

The atmosphere at Victor’s is fun and cozy, with lots of colorful art, signage, and graffiti on the walls. Seating is limited, but the warmer summer months mean the possibility of snagging a spot on their patio!

Listen to the full episode of Moveable Feast.