You’re Invited To Cuban Heritage Event Tonight May 5th

When you think of comfort food, close family ties, and a colorful atmosphere, Cuban cultures, rule! That's why  Society at 229 at the Brooklyn Collective CLT, is proud to partner with the Arts & Science Counsel in bringing Charlotte 9 experiences that give a "Shout Out!" to various cultures in our community. During Shout Out events Society at 229 will be showcasing beautifully curated events, and Cuban Heritage is one of them. RSVP here to experience the Cuban Heritage event at Society at 229. Each experience will amplify locals who specialize in cuisine and the arts. Speaking of cuisine, the most popular Cuban dish is; Ropa Vieja which is considered the national dish of Cuba. The name Ropa Vieja translates to “old clothes,” because it's prepared with tough cuts of meat.

More choices are Chicharrones. You might refer to them as pork cracklings back in the day that grandma made. Drinks like Mariquitas are a hit, as well as Cuban coffee. Cuban traditions are traced back to the Caribbean culture and celebrations. When you think of Cuban heritage imagine the most elaborate festivals, with dancing, lively music, and hand-rolled cigars. Yes, smoking Cuban cigars is highly favored and considered a ritual. RSVP here for the Cuban Heritage event.

The beauty of having this Cuban Heritage event at Society at 229 is because of the history of the building it's held in. Society at 229 sits at the corner of 229 South Blvd. where Black Wall Street once sat. The history of that particular building is rich because it was the hub of African-American businesses and important meetings and financial services in Charlotte, North Carolina. Black Wall Street in Charlotte, North Carolina sits on the corner of 3rd Street and South Brevard. Also known as the Mecklenburg Investment Company. What is so amazing is that the building was financed, architecturally designed, and occupied by Black people because of segregation so Black entrepreneurs and innovators created their own space to grow Black-owned businesses inside the Mecklenburg Investment Company.

I just left Cancun, Mexico visiting the Dreams Natura Resort & Spa. A part of my experience included a five-hour Taco Tour to restaurants that served some of the best tacos in Cancun. It's something I've never done and really didn't know what to expect.

It was fabulous, thanks in part to our transportation provider, Amstar. They are the 'go-to' at Dreams Resorts when it comes to getting you to and from the airport and when you want to venture out. They took our group to four fabulous Mexican restaurants in the and around the city. Most locals agree they make some of the best authentic Mexican tacos around.

All were uniquely designed and with their own spin on a taco. However, what they all had in common was the authenticity in preparation and taste of the taco. There were some with added flare in the sauce, while others were accented by a unique beverage like rice water.

No matter your fancy, I learned there's nothing quite like an 'authentically-made' taco from the people who know it best. Once you indulge, the American way of tacos will never be good enough.

I don't think I ever 'dipped' a taco, but this one was worth it. In fact, this taco -- called the Carna Quesabirria -- was made for dipping. It's brisket in a taco. And what's more incredible, the sauce has a different flavor when you dip it using the taco versus eating it with a spoon. The 'taco' expert at this spot, says using metal to drink the juice actually gives it an entirely different taste.

These tacos called Cochinita pibil are made using a unique technique. In fact, it's name means "on the ground."

This number contains beef marinated in Coca-Cola for three - five hours.  It's called 'Coapenito'  taco. And if you can stomach the combination, it was served with a rice water drink.

This was our final stop for authentic Mexican cuisine. And the 'Taco Al pastor' is considered to be the most popular of tacos in the city.