College often brings a plethora of confusing friendships, budding relationships, and strange encounters. I needed to debrief my first two weeks back at school with one of my close friends, Nadia, who I met during my undergrad years. We landed at a small, though vibrant, sandwich shop on a street corner. The two of us sat down and were greeted by staff, who all seemed to have genuine rapport with one another. It didn’t take long for us to decide our brunch entrees. Cafe Habana, located just around the corner from New York University, offers a menu made up of unique Central and South American cuisine and classics for the old-school customers.
Throughout our morning, Nadia quickly drank her iced hibiscus tea, as I slowly sipped my lime-lemonade.
“The hibiscus drink was decadent and cooling. Perfect for a hot day,” she noted.
I told her about the new friends I made at my university, while explaining the challenges of trying to fit into a group, when my peers had vastly different areas of interests and expertise. The guacamole and chips arrived as I reflected on my first networking event. The seasoned elote came shortly after. The grilled corn on the cob, mayonnaise, cojita cheese, chili powder, and fresh lime, was unforgettable.
“Chips and guacamole are crunchy and creamy,” Nadia reviewed. “The tomatoes mixed in with the onions adds so much more flavor and texture that I really enjoyed. For the elote, I enjoyed the chili powered that added a bit of spice.”
Our main courses were served on hot ceramic dishes, showcasing a plantain taco, a shrimp taco, and the Cubano sandwich. The shrimp was throughly marinated with thyme, oregano, garlic, adobo, & citrus zest, guacamole, chipotle mayo, and salsa verde, while the plantain had feta, black beans, pickled red onion, and salsa verde. The Cubano, their signature item, was made up of slow roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, chipotle mayo, and pickles.
“The shrimp taco was savory and filling. I enjoyed how fresh it tasted from the guacamole and citrus zest,” Nadia reflected. “The plantain taco was my favorite. It was sweet and the red onion and salsa verde adds a very unique flavor.”
The meal overall was delicious and flavorful, a necessary combination after eating ramen noodles and cereal in a small dorm. For students craving to try the Cubano or other dishes served at Cafe Habana, the Campus Clipper is offering students a discount when they present the digital coupon below with their valid student ID.
