Re: Thoughts re: All Inclusive in Varadero

[MCB]

Just received an e-mail this week from friends in Varadero.
 They indicated that with the currency situation..most tourists were staying in their resorts and not using Varadero's restaurants,etc.
 Rather a shame to hear this as I imagine some of the small businesses will close down if this is the case.
 We've always enjoyed getting away from the resort for several meals in the restaurants or a drink at some of the small bars in town.
 Can't really blame the tourists ,however,coming into this part of Cuba ..noticed last year the price of drinks almost doubled at a small bar in the park since the year before.
 I did partake in a survey conducted by a Cuban government tourist consultant in Varadero the other year and commented on the fact that the "government run businesses (which most are) are killing The Golden Goose" by being over zealous with price gouging.Guess no one is listening.
 Just my thoughts on this topic this evening.

[Milli]

:t:   Well, MCB, you have experience to draw upon when you come to these conclusions.  I do hope to get to at least one restaurant and a bar off the resort when we are in Varadero in April.  I have often heard the comment on the travel boards of vacationers who stay within walking distance of "the Varadero action" that their resort food was terrible but no problem, as they would go to a restaurant in town for a good and cheap meal and do it often!  I imagine that business will take a hit if prices continue to rise and of course the bars if the drinks become more expensive.  Do you have any favorite restaurants or bars in Varadero that you would recommend?

[MCB]

Hello Milli,
 I have found the best restaurants are "recommended" by the taxi drivers (mind you they do get a "kick back") since establishments change chefs so readily in Varadero.
 Saying that however, if you like Italian food, Dante in Parque Josone has had great "cannelloni" made with home made pasta for the past few years.
 For lobster..we like a restaurant almost direct across the street form the Parque (has a thatched roof) ..decent lobster and fries.
 Then there's a restaurant with unbelievable prices (very low) that is located at the Varadero Marina (our friends live there on a sailboat)...with great Italian food (the nest lasagna)..not frequented by tourists that often (out of the way..a $7 dollar cab ride from town)..neat place.
 There are a few "private restaurants" (operating out of people's homes) that a cab driver may recommend.
 Have fun and bon appetite.

[Milli]

Thank you for those recommendations MCB.  I am really looking forward to exploring some more of Varadero this year.  I will definitely keep those restaurants in mind. Nothing like   :cubadreamin:  as the snow continues to fall!