The upscale restaurant Numa Pompilio, nestled in the exclusive Salamanca district of Madrid, was the chosen dining spot for Cuban-Spanish actress Ana de Armas and her new boyfriend, Manuel Anido Cuesta. Anido Cuesta, the son of Lis Cuesta and an advisor to Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, joined Armas for an evening at this renowned establishment.
Numa Pompilio is owned by Brazilian Sandro Silva and Asturian Marta Seco, founders of the esteemed Grupo Paraguas and proprietors of eight celebrated restaurants in Madrid. The venue is celebrated for its culinary offerings that blend traditional Italian fare with global influences.
A Culinary Retreat in the Heart of Madrid
This restaurant is a favored haunt for influential figures and entertainment celebrities, boasting a clientele that includes luminaries such as British architect Norman Foster, who visited recently. Described as an oasis amid Madrid's hustle and bustle, Numa Pompilio is distinguished by its unique ambiance and meticulously curated decor, featuring elements imported from Italy, New York, and London. It is a sought-after destination for those seeking a luxurious dining experience without breaking the bank.
The menu at Numa Pompilio features dishes that evoke the cuisine of the Amalfi Coast, such as calamarata with drunken octopus, tagliatelle with lobster, and burrata salad with Ángel tomato. Prices range from 60 to 90 euros per person, depending on the meal choices and the selected wines.
An Exclusive Experience Beyond Reach for Many
With a wine cellar boasting over 150 Italian labels, complemented by international selections from France, the United States, South Africa, and beyond, the restaurant caters to a selective clientele. While Spanish workers might afford such an experience on special occasions, a Cuban worker, under the current wages offered by the government of Miguel Díaz-Canel, cannot.
As the couple and their friends relished this culinary experience, the average worker in Cuba subsists on a monthly salary barely exceeding 10 euros, amidst a severe economic crisis that has intensified the scarcity of basic goods and food.
In this light, it is striking to see Manuel Anido Cuesta, connected to the Cuban government as a political advisor, enjoying a night out with his girlfriend in Madrid's exclusive locales, though perhaps Ana de Armas might cover all expenses.
The stark contrast between the Cuban regime's official rhetoric, which preaches austerity and sacrifice, and the lavish lifestyle of those connected to power, becomes glaringly apparent. Images of Manuel Anido Cuesta and Ana de Armas strolling after their dinner at this exclusive restaurant further highlight the hypocrisy of the regime, whose leaders and their families indulge in luxuries that remain unattainable for the average citizen.