The 14th Varadero Gourmet International Festival continues in Cuba's premier beach resort, showcasing a facade of luxury and sophistication that starkly contrasts with the harsh reality faced by the Cuban people. On Thursday, a local version of the espresso martini was presented as part of the event.
The company Cuba Café proudly announced on Facebook its collaboration with the Cuba Ron corporation to create this unique espresso martini. The drink combines the gourmet coffee "Guantanamera Algo Diferente," the rum "Perla del Norte," and a touch of cocoa liqueur.
The entity described the gourmet product as a "coffee made from blends of the Arabica variety, with a subtle, clean flavor, good body, and medium acidity in the cup." This ostentatious display stands in stark contrast to the reality of the Cuban population, who struggle with food shortages and an economic crisis that keeps them far from enjoying such luxuries.
A Showcase of Cuban Gastronomic Culture
"Expression of Cuban gastronomic culture," declared Cuba Café about their local twist on the espresso martini. The statement seems ironic, given that most Cubans currently can barely access decent coffee.
The 14th Varadero Gourmet International Festival will run until Friday at the Plaza América Convention Center in the resort city of Matanzas. This event takes place amid one of the worst economic crises the country has faced in decades.
While the Cuban people struggle with food scarcity and inflation caused by the failed economic policies of the ruling regime under Miguel Díaz-Canel, participants in the event will discuss "The Evolution of Cuban Gastronomy," according to the Excelencias Gourmet website.
The festival gathers experts from the professional field through various conferences and also includes cooking, gastronomy, and cocktail competitions, as well as specialized exhibitions. This media and political construction is far removed from the reality of the average Cuban, who suffers from acute food shortages.
The realization of the Varadero Gourmet has sparked numerous reactions from people criticizing the Cuban government for hosting an international gastronomic festival at a time when the populace faces one of the worst food crises in its history.
"With the hunger most Cubans are experiencing, seeing these things fills us with indignation. They do it on purpose; there is no respect for my people, most of whom are elderly and sick," commented one netizen on the CiberCuba Facebook post.
Questions and Answers about Varadero Gourmet Festival
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the Varadero Gourmet Festival and its implications for the Cuban population.
What is the Varadero Gourmet International Festival?
The Varadero Gourmet International Festival is an event held in Cuba's premier beach resort, showcasing luxury and sophistication in the culinary arts, including cooking, gastronomy, and cocktail competitions.
What was the local twist on the espresso martini presented at the festival?
The local twist on the espresso martini presented at the festival combines the gourmet coffee "Guantanamera Algo Diferente," the rum "Perla del Norte," and a touch of cocoa liqueur.
Why is the festival controversial?
The festival is controversial because it showcases luxury and sophistication at a time when the Cuban population is facing severe food shortages and an economic crisis, leading to criticism of the government's priorities.