Three Guys from Miami:Little Havana Page 4

Raúl and one of the "third generation," Madison Musibay, talk to a customer in the Little Havana to Go store.

Jorge: the Little Havana to Go store is one of our favorite places in Little Havana.

Glenn: The store is part of the renaissance of Calle Ocho that is helping revitalize the area.

Raúl: It's a great place to pick up some Cuban-themed souvenirs of your trip to Miami.

Jorge: With the closing of her own store, it's one of only a few places where you can purchase the artwork of Cookie Etxebarrieta.

Jorge models one of several hats available in the store.

Nephew Onel and Jorge pick up several items. The Little Havana to Go store sells domino sets with the Cuban flag on them.

Jorge: Little Havana has many small shops where you can pick up souvenirs, Cuban memorabilia, crafts, artwork, and Latin music.

Glenn: One of the best places for Latin music of all types is Lily's Records. Owner Lilia Reyes has a large and very comprehensive collection of Latin American CDs.

Jorge: She's been in the music business since 1968.

Raúl: If they don't have it at Lily's, they can get it for you!

Lily's has a HUGE selection of Latin music representing many cultures and music styles: Cuba, Venezuela, Mexico, Bachata, Santo Domingo, Vallenatos, Latin Rock, Salsa -- you name it! They also have videos.

Glenn: Another long-time Little Havana favorite is El Bisel, an art and frames shop that features many local artists. A great place to pick up original artwork and fine prints.

Jorge: When we want to get a really great bottle of wine from a place with a knowledgeable sales staff, there is only one place -- El Gato Tuerto.

Raúl: Even if you know nothing about wine, these people are going to help educate you.

Glenn: A great selection of wine from Spain to complement that paella you're making for this evening.

Glenn: El Sol de Miami is a combination cafeteria and market. They are especially known for their great variety of tropical fruits.

Jorge: A great place to sample some of the fruits you just can't get back home in Des Moines!

Jorge: Whenever we travel, we like to check out the grocery stores, especially the ethnic ones.

Glenn: We've had more fun checking out a grocery in Chinatown, or Little Italy, Germantown -- whatever.

Jorge: It's fun to see what people from other cultures are eating.

Glenn: It's even more fun to discover new foods.

Raúl: Sometimes we discover some things we really don't like.

Glenn: But that's all part of the fun!

Jorge: One of the most authentic Cuban groceries can be found right on Calle Ocho.

Glenn: The Tropical Supermarket harks back to the early days of Sedanos -- before they went "Hollywood."

Jorge: No, it's not fancy but in an era of big corporate supermarket chains, it is a little piece of history.

Raúl: They have all of the Latin foods.

Glenn: Stop in to pick up something for a snack, a quick lunch, or enough food to prepare a complete Cuban meal.

Jorge: Just have fun, come in and browse. I guarantee you will find something that will tempt you.

Glenn: We don't know about you, but we can't go to any city anywhere without checking out the bakeries.

Jorge: In the 1940s and 1950s, Cuban bakers took cake baking (a direct import form the United States) to new heights.

Glenn: One bakery that has deep roots in Cuba is the La Gran Via Super Cake.

Jorge: They make beautiful cakes for all occasions.

Glenn: Stop by and pick up some "walking around" Cuban pastries for a delicious breakfast or snack.

Raúl: You can find another great Cuban bakery down between 5th and 6th Avenues: the Tosca Bakery.

Glenn: Believe me, the Tosca Bakery is worth the trip. It has to be one of the best Cuban bakeries in Miami!

Jorge: They have everything here -- all of the classic Cuban pastries, pastelitos, brazo gitano, nata cake, capuchinos, torrejas -- with so many great things, you're going to have a hard time making up your mind.

Glenn: That's why I always start with a large bag or box! In a few minutes I have a huge load of treats to bring home and share with family and friends.

Raúl: When you have a box of fresh Cuban pastries, it's just amazing how many friends you suddenly have.