Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15, honoring the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Enacted 33 years ago, the observation begins on Sept. 15th because it’s the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, and Día de la Raza is Oct. 12.
Now there’s another date to add to the list: National Mofongo Day on Sept. 24. Thanks to the efforts of James Beard Award semifinalist chef Jose Mendin and Julián Gil, co-founder of Miami’s La Placita, the National Day Archives has added this iconic Puerto Rican dish made with plantains.
On the first-ever Mofongo Day, La Placita is serving a special menu highlighting six kinds of mofongo, including ensalada de carrucho, carne frita witha Don Q añejo glaze, ropa vieja and more. The kick-off party runs from 5-10pm at La Placita, 6789 Biscayne Blvd. (You can’t miss it – it’s the building with the huge mural of the Puerto Rican flag.)
In Fort Lauderdale, Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar in Fort Lauderdale unveilied the rendering of Esperanza (Hope), a Cuban-inspired mural by celebrated artist Emi Vales. The month-long celebration of hope will feature an “Esperanza Sparkling Mojito” and from October 1 to 15, a special prix-fixe “Esperanza” menu. At $39, the three-course meal includes numerous traditional dishes from the restaurant’s regular menu, as well as a limited-time reintroduction of the classic Cuban entrée, vaca frita.
