The architecture of the walk-up window
Decoding the Cuban espresso menu
The history of exile and adaptation
The pairing game: pastelitos and croquetas
What is the most iconic sweet fruit filling found in a traditional Cuban pastelito pastry?
alicecooks Match iconic ventanita treats to discover the delicious history of Miami's Cuban coffee culture.
alicecooks Deep-fried croquetas offer a salty, savory bite to balance the sweet coffee.
What natural item is traditionally placed on top of Cuban bread dough during the baking process?
What is the customary way to eat a warm tostada when drinking a café con leche at a ventanita?
Pastelito shapes: Bakeries shape sweet pastelitos differently—triangles for cheese, rectangles for guava—so baristas identify them instantly.
What special ingredient gives Cuban bread its unique, soft interior and crispy crust?
Why do Cuban bakeries shape their pastelitos into different geometric forms like triangles and rectangles?
A small, breaded and deep-fried roll filled with minced meat, seafood, or vegetables. Miamians traditionally pair these savory fried rolls with sweet guava pastries at walk-up windows like Versailles.