La Guarida, Havana, Cuba

After a week of processing hundreds of photographs from our Havana trip from Christmas through New Year's day, here are some first edits. Our second day in Havana, Margaret had made reservations for lunch at La Guarida, arguably Havana's best restaurant. It was our third visit to this wonderful paladar but our first for lunch. It's located in a non-descript neighborhood outside of Old Havana (Habana Vieja). A small sign on the street announces its presence. The restaurant is located on the third floor of a crumbling former mansion which is now crowded with dozens of families. The kitchen has expanded to other rooms on the third floor. A winding staircase leads you to the door. The two lower floors are very interesting, with the roomy and airy second floor used to dry table linens. Our group is seated for lunch in the last photograph, and it was well worth the wait on a packed Sunday when only lunch is served. There are four dining rooms with about  four tables to a room, all decorated with artwork and photographs. If you ever go, try to book a table.