Casa del Rio Melaka presents “Viva Cuba”

By Anthony Tan | VIRGIN Communications

Email: anthonykhtan@yahoo.co.uk

In 2007, the former Chief Minister Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Haji Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam offered a former senior government officer’s residence in Bukit Peringgit which was used during the British administration, to Cuba to established Casa Cuba.

 

The Cuban Embassy in Kuala Lumpur is put in-charge of Casa Cuba with an important role to play in introducing Cuban arts and culture housed in its gallery to Malaysians and tourists visiting Melaka. The gallery showcases various forms of art by Cuban artists, including paintings, lithographs and ceramic works.

Cuba has its unique culture with an amalgamation of African, Spanish and North American influences which one would find such elements in its food, music and art and the famed Cuban hand-rolled high quality cigars.

The management of Casa del Rio Melaka, a 5-Star boutique hotel decided to re-theme its bar to “Bar Rio” recently with Cuban atmosphere. To give a booster to the place, the management energised it with by a 2-piece Cuban band “Latin Girls” to kick-start the makeover.

To celebrate the opening of Bar Rio, the management organised a one night only “VIVA CUBA” with a spread of authentic Cuban food, music and dance with the collaboration of the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba and Tourism Malaysia.

Among the VIPs who were present for official opening of Bar Rio were the Chief Minister of Melaka YAB Datuk Seri Ir Hj Idris bin Hj Haron, HE Manuel Guzman, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela; HE Madam Lourdes Puma Puma, Ambassador of Ecuador and the Third Secretary; Political and Consular Affairs of the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba Madam Yanila Reyes Paret.

Bar Rio will continue to serve Cuban inspired tapas and drinks like Cuban Virgin Mojito or Virgin Mango Daiquiri. Cuban dishes such as lime cured red snapper, chicken salad on fried plantains (bananas), mussels and calamari in garlicky olive oil daily.