Book excerpt: A lush journey through Cuba, its paladars, and its flavorful cuisine For Cubans, food is a complex story—a tapestry of love and loss woven so deeply into their culture that it goes well beyond that of history or sustenance. Gershman, who’s love affair with Cuba began long before her first visit, takes you along on a photojournalistic journey through the streets of Cuba and its paladares through her stunning photographs of the country’s glorious sights, the lively people, and, of course, the amazing variety of food. Much more than a cookbook, Cuban Flavor is an introduction to a revolutionary era of Cuban cuisine: a new frontier. Growth and transition foster the seed of invention and innovation, and these shifts often begin with food. From the succulent spiced meat of the national Ropa Viejo, simmered in a tomato-based criollo sauce, to the sweet and sticky Arroz Con Leche or the local favorite, Flan served in a soda can, Cuban cuisine has something for every palate. Pair these delights with a warm, sultry night, an old convertible, and a jazz band, and sit back as you fall deeply in love again . . . or for the very first time. This visually arresting volume features more than fifty Cuban recipes, from appetizers to main courses and drinks to desserts. Along with color photographs of the dishes, you’ll also get to meet the people who create them. This remarkable volume offers a taste of the little-known culture to a public that has long been deprived of its intoxicating flavors.