British chef Gordon Ramsay visited Havana in search of authentic Cuban cuisine, and the news has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media.
"Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted" will feature an episode dedicated to Cuba. Although the scenes have already been filmed, Cubans want to ensure that the chef experiences the true essence of the local culinary culture.
We are pleased to share a list of recommendations that Cubans have offered to Gordon Ramsay for his upcoming visit:
"Bring everything, even the apron." The suggestion is clear: one must be prepared for any eventuality. In a country where improvisation is the norm due to food scarcity, a chef must bring all the ingredients, utensils, and even fuel if they want to cook.
"Come to the homes, so you can see the true Cuban culinary invention." They invite the chef to visit families to witness how the lack of food forces them to reinvent and create dishes without basic products like eggs, milk, fats, wheat flour, meat, or fish.
"Come with 3,500 CUP for a month." The economic challenge involves preparing meals for several diners every day. Many Cubans requested that the chef undertake a "complete immersion," daring to live on the basic salary so he can understand the limitations and challenges of finding food in Cuba.
“Let him come to Miami. Authentic Cuban food has emigrated.” Several users emphasize the phenomenon of emigration, through which traditional flavors and dishes have found new life in the diaspora, in cities like Miami. The chef has already launched a show in the Florida Keys.
5. "He should go cook at Raúl Castro's house." Cubans are sarcastically commenting on the political and economic situation, suggesting that Ramsay would need to visit the homes of political figures to find ingredients.
6. "Make a nice dish using moringa and marabú charcoal." This request carries a sense of humor but also reflects a very realistic situation. Thousands of Cuban families, without access to milk or bread, only have a moringa infusion for breakfast before heading to work.
7. "Visit Miguel Díaz-Canel so he can enjoy the food." This advice includes that during his stay in Cuba, the chef should drink lemonade to discover "the essence of it all."
"18. 'Let them learn to fry without oil, make meat without meat, rice without rice, and beans without beans.' In Cuba, they will need to truly demonstrate their culinary skills, as there will be times when they won't have even a pinch of salt."
9. You must look beyond what the government allows you. "You came to the wrong place to experience it, although people like you aren’t allowed to see the true dishes from today’s Cuban kitchens,” said a reader.
The comment subtly highlights the government's control over the image of Cuba as it is projected in international media, the strict management of visits by prominent figures, and the media manipulation surrounding these issues that reflect the quality of life in Cuba.
In this regard, many people have expressed skepticism about whether Ramsay will be able to recognize the lack, scarcity, and precariousness of contemporary Cuban cuisine and reflect that in his show.
"It's so disappointing to see an internationally renowned chef searching for 'authentic Cuban food' in a country that is suffering from hunger and misery!" lamented a user.
Several people expressed their discontent and concern regarding the visit of a figure with the communication power of Ramsay, as instead of sending a message to the world about the hardships faced by the people, he might convey a misleading narrative aligned with the interests of the regime.
The recommendations and requests from Cubans to chef Gordon Ramsay highlight the resilience, creativity, and daily challenges faced by Cuban cuisine.
While the visit from the British chef promises a culinary adventure on screen, most people agree that he missed the opportunity to portray the harsh reality of life on the island and contrast it with the ingenuity of its people.
For now, we must give Ramsay the benefit of the doubt, as the show recorded in Havana will air on June 16. The teaser offers intriguing glimpses, featuring the chef "showing off the food," engaging in underwater fishing, all under supervision.
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