May 06, 2009, 01:37 AM
Several years ago I visited a paladar called the Huron Azul. It's a couple of blocks south of the Hotel Nacional in Havana.
Recently my attention was called to an internet website documenting the criminal prosecution of the Huron Azul's owners. Apparently, their little paladar was so successful that with the profits, they were able to buy 7 homes, half interest in a restaurant in Italy and they had enough money left over to become patrons of the arts, making large donations to museums and art galleries throughout Havana. They also helped local artists by displaying their paintings for sale in the restaurants and accepted paintings in trade for meals when the artists were broke. Apparently such entrepreneurial success and generosity is a major felony in a Communist country where everyone is supposed to remain poor, starving and dependent on the government for meager handouts.
Someone has obtained a summary of the Cuban police report, translated it to English and posted it on the internet as a slide show, along with "evidence photos" of the restaurant, which simply document a well stocked restaurant (which again, seems to be a crime). Reading it would be hilarious if it weren't for the fact that they are dead serious about prosecuting this guy simply for being a successful businessman. For your reading amusement, check out http://www.slideshare.net/pomairino/huro...powerpoint
Recently my attention was called to an internet website documenting the criminal prosecution of the Huron Azul's owners. Apparently, their little paladar was so successful that with the profits, they were able to buy 7 homes, half interest in a restaurant in Italy and they had enough money left over to become patrons of the arts, making large donations to museums and art galleries throughout Havana. They also helped local artists by displaying their paintings for sale in the restaurants and accepted paintings in trade for meals when the artists were broke. Apparently such entrepreneurial success and generosity is a major felony in a Communist country where everyone is supposed to remain poor, starving and dependent on the government for meager handouts.
Someone has obtained a summary of the Cuban police report, translated it to English and posted it on the internet as a slide show, along with "evidence photos" of the restaurant, which simply document a well stocked restaurant (which again, seems to be a crime). Reading it would be hilarious if it weren't for the fact that they are dead serious about prosecuting this guy simply for being a successful businessman. For your reading amusement, check out http://www.slideshare.net/pomairino/huro...powerpoint