The Havana a hidden gem of fine-dining in Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor, ME, attracts millions of visitors each year. Primarily to visit Acadia National Park, but there is so much to do and see, including whale watching. They will close after Valentine's Day, so if you want to eat there, make your reservations now.

The Havana is a Cuban-style restaurant in Bar Harbor, ME.Photo bythe owner on their website.

A Day in Bar Harbor, Maine: So much to see and do!

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A Presidential Visit

President Obama enjoyed visiting quiet national parks with his family. In 2010, The President of the United States (POTUS) and his family vacationed for three days on Mount Desert Island, part of Acadia National Park, enjoying the scenic views of the Northeast part of the United States.

The Obama First Family stayed at the local Holiday Inn Bar Harbor Regency Hotel, hiked the 1,532-foot Cadillac Mountain, and enjoyed local restaurants' fine foods, including the famous Havana.

The staff with the Obamas.Photo bythe Havana website.

The Havana fine dining restaurant

The Havana is a fine dining restaurant owned by Michael Boland and his wife, Deirdre Swords, who remember the visit with the Obamas quite well. Mr. Boland remembers the staff chatting with the POTUS and First Lady during their meal and feeling genuine. They chatted about yoga, their daughters, and restaurant ownership. President Obama had Seafood Paella, and the First Lady had Lobster Thermidor.

The Havana has been operating for over twenty years and runs the Havana Parilla Tapas Bar & Grill. Havana allows you to choose from fine dining, a quick burger, or a steak from the grill. Start your day off with a cocktail, appetizer, soup, and salad before indulging in the entrée.

Seafood Paella with lots of seafood, and of course, the Socarrat.Photo byFeda Wong – Wikicommons.

Seafood Paella

Get your seafood fix with the Seafood Paella that has lobster, mussels, shrimp, scallops, tomatoes, peppers, and smoked chicken on saffron rice, with a traditional Socarrat. If you’re unaware, a socarrat is the delicious crust, perfectly cooked on the bottom of a paella. It is how most paella is judged, like a perfect crust on a pizza.

Lobster Moqueca.Photo byRoman Odintsov - Pexels

Grab a Maine Lobster with Latin flair, the Lobster Moqueca, which is actually a Brazilian dish served with fresh-caught lobster simmered in coconut broth with haddock, red peppers, and onions. This delicious meal is served over jasmine rice and includes grilled pineapple.

End your fine dining experience with some dessert and dessert cocktails. The Latin Flair Tres Leches is a traditional vanilla-infused tres leches cake with three kinds of milk, whipped crème, and toasted coconut frosting with lemon zest. Grab a glass of blueberry Moscato to enhance the flavor of the dessert.

The Havana Parilla Tapas Bar & Grill in Bar Harbor, ME.Photo byby the owners from the website.

The Havana Parilla Tapas Bar & Grill

The Parrilla Tapas Bar & Grill has a fresh, vibrant menu with a long list of drinks. The Parrilla Tapas Bar & Grill has a separate menu from Havana. With various plates to choose from, such as cold plates, hot places, and sweet plates, there is something for everyone.

You can enjoy grilled scallops with mushroom/ginger sauce and a side farm salad. If you’re in the mood for a larger plate, try the Allagash (a native Craft beer that is a dry IPA) marinated duck breast seared and served with fried Arborio rice, peppers, onions, and carrots.

For dessert, satisfy that sweet tooth with the Chocolate Torte, which includes rich dark chocolate torte topped with orange mascarpone and toasted almonds. Or try this Layered Chocolate Whoopie Pie Cake.

Havana - Bar Harbor

John Andreau visited Havana, had this delicacy, pronounced it the “Picasso of Cakes,” and uploaded this video to YouTube.

Parting thoughts

The Havana and Parilla Tapas Bar & Grill in Bar Harbor, Maine, has been in business for over twenty years. There's an amazing history surrounding this luxury restaurant. Enjoy their fine food that even the Obamas have tried before heading out to Acadia National Park.

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About the author

Stephen Dalton is a native of Old Town, ME, and a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland. He is a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. Top Writer in Travel, Food, Fiction, Transportation, VR, NFL, Design, Creativity, Short Story, and a NewsBreak Community Voice Pro.