RECENT READING
Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton
I purchased this novel since I had recently visited Cuba and figured I would like the setting. Cleeton has written several contemporary romances, but this book and her newest, When We Left Cuba, take place in Havana and were inspired by stories of her own family. Adopting the popular trend of parallel plotlines, the book focuses on Elisa, a young woman in Havana in 1959, and on Marisol, her 30ish granddaughter who visits Havana in 2017, ostensibly to scatter her grandmother’s ashes. Each woman meets and is attracted to an unconventional man, either not of the right class and/or involved in politics she doesn’t fully comprehend.
I recognized many of the Havana streets and monuments and enjoyed reading about them and the city’s natural beauty. I also appreciated the author’s weaving in detail about the current state of Cuban society. The plot is somewhat predictable, but overall, it’s a good read, perfect for the beach or a long flight. So much so, that I’m ready to read the new novel too! And for those who might care, this title is one of Reese Witherspoon’s picks for her book club. (~JWFarrington).
SOPHISTICATED DINING
Indigenous in downtown Sarasota has been on our list for several years and, in celebration of my birthday, we dined there this week. The gray wooden building is somewhat rustic in appearance with a welcoming wraparound veranda for outdoor dining. Not knowing what to expect, we had requested inside and were taken to a small adjacent structure called the wine cottage. It had a small bar in the back and just a few tables. One wall was attractively paneled with sides from wooden wine cases showcasing a variety of different vineyards. Chad, our waiter, was both experienced and very knowledgeable about the menu. It’s built around seafood and is both innovative and sophisticated. But for diehard meat eaters, there’s also an elaborate burger.
We sampled the pickled peppers to start and then the Chief Penguin enjoyed the wild mushroom bisque (robust and rich), Thai green curry fish dip with crackers and veggies (nice tang to the dip!) and the pork belly kimchi (he’s a devotee of kimchi). I ordered the ocean crudo appetizer which had cobia as the base and elements of vanilla, some crunch, and a bit of hot pepper. It was interesting, but I thought there were too many flavors competing which made the overall effect a bit muddy.
For my entrée, I tried one of the fish choices of the day, delicate red snapper on a bed of peapod risotto with some tiny cherry tomatoes and micro greens. It was exquisite! Other entrees include baked scallops and a shrimp dish. For dessert, we indulged in a dish of their milk chocolate ice cream, smooth and soothing to the palate—the perfect finish.
Note: Photos ©JWFarrington.
