Canadian cuisine is heavily influenced by the multiculturalism this country upholds as one of its most characteristic values. Dishes from Mexico, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, India, and Argentina (among various others) can be easily found throughout Canada. Of course, London (Ontario) is no exception and Juan Ramirez set a great example as a representative for the Cuban community with his restaurant Casa Cubana.
441 Hamilton Road, London.
XFM News went to this establishment with the aim of having a breakdown of this food spot that portrays a piece of the Cuban culture with the comfort of a Restaurant. Or at least, that´s what Juan strives for.
Juan Ramirez is a cuban community member (Canadian citizen) who has been living in London for 8 years and says he likes to make Latino communities feel closer to their countries. Before the beginning of the interview, he asked if It was possible to begin the interview in Spanish because he wanted to feel more comfortable. After a few minutes and while he was cooking, he mentions he escaped Cuba after building a broad academic profile (he is a chemist and doctor) and Canada offered the chance to reinvent himself on a different scenario.
Cuban dish named Ropa Vieja. One of the most characteristic of the Cuban culture.
During XFM News coverage, Juan establishes small chats with almost every customer that approaches the restaurant. He says the business has proven to be more profitable when the customers feel at home, some of them were allowed to enter the kitchen due to the confidence they developed through time with the owner. Likewise, Londoners can have an ample taste of Latino delicatessen in order to bring this comfort to every possible customer.
For the years to come, two regular habitués of the house (Carmen and Lorena) are clear examples of the strategy Juan settles. At the end of the interview, he invited them for few margaritas and they uttered a few words that captures his success. They said: “See you next week”.
Comments