A Night to Remember: My First Sobremesa Dinner

There’s something special about gathering around a table with the people you love, sharing food, laughter, and stories. On March 8, I hosted my very first sobremesa dinner, a test run for my closest friends, and it turned out to be a really enjoyable evening. For those unfamiliar, sobremesa is the Spanish tradition of lingering at the table long after the meal is over, savoring the company and conversation. It’s a celebration of connection, and I wanted to create an experience that honored my Cuban roots while bringing my friends together for a fun and memorable night.

The Prep

I spent two full days in the kitchen preparing for this dinner, and it was worth the effort. The star of the show? The frijoles negros—slow-simmered black beans that are not my recipe, but rather the iconic recipe by Nitza Villapol. I was introduced to Nitza’s beans by my stepmom, who makes them often at home. For those who don’t know, Nitza Villapol was a legendary Cuban chef and television personality, often referred to as the "Julia Child of Cuba." Her cookbook, Cocina al Minuto, is a staple in Cuban households, and her black bean recipe is considered the gold standard.

All the other recipes, however, were my own. I made croquetas de jamón, crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, served with a tangy mojo aioli that had everyone reaching for seconds. For my vegetarian guests, I set out mariquitas (plantain chips) to enjoy with the aioli.

To welcome my guests, my cousin prepared the mojitos, and my friend brought the rum to make them extra special. It was a great way to kick off the evening, and as everyone arrived, the energy in the room was lively and fun.

The Main Event: A Taste of Home

For the main course, I wanted to offer something that felt familiar and comforting—a traditional weeknight meal I grew up eating in my own home. Nothing fancy, just the kind of food that feels like family. I made picadillo, a savory ground beef dish with olives, raisins, and spices, but I also prepared a vegan version using Impossible Beef to accommodate dietary preferences. Alongside the picadillo, I served arroz y frijoles (rice and beans) and sweet, caramelized maduros (fried sweet plantains). The combination was simple, nostalgic, and satisfying.

My cousin, who hasn’t had Cuban food in years, was really happy with the meal. She said the black beans reminded her of the ones her dad used to make when she was a kid. It was nice to hear that the food brought back good memories for her.

Sweet Endings and Sobremesa

Dessert was a pair of homemade pastelitos—flaky pastries filled with guayaba (guava) and queso (cheese). We paired them with cafecito, the strong, sweet Cuban coffee that’s practically a requirement after any meal. As we sipped our coffee and nibbled on the pastries, we enjoyed conversation, and the night flew by.

Later, we opened a bottle of wine and kept the conversation going. The night was filled with stories and laughter, and it was a relaxed and enjoyable way to spend an evening.

Sharing the Love (and the Leftovers)

I made so much food that I had plenty of leftovers to share with my neighbors. One of them, a Cuban woman, was especially thrilled. She loved the meal so much that she asked for extra to share with her American boyfriend. I’d like to think we converted him into a Cuban converted him to a Cuban food fan.

The Details: A Nod to Nostalgia

While I’ll save the full breakdown of the tablescape and decor for a separate post, I have to mention that the vibe was inspired by the old Cuban diners I used to visit with my grandparents in Miami. Specifically, I channeled the retro charm of Latin American on Coral Way—or as we called it, Pepe’s (iykyk). I ordered vintage diner decor, designed custom menus and placemats, and set the table with a mix of nostalgia and personal touches. My guests loved the immersive experience.

Reflections and What’s Next

Hosting this dinner was a reminder of how food can bring people together and create a sense of connection. My friends’ feedback was really positive, and it was rewarding to see everyone enjoy the meal and the experience.

I’m already thinking about the next sobremesa dinner. It will be the same theme—Cuban food and retro diner vibes—but with different dishes. I’m looking forward to sharing more of my culture and creating more good memories around the table.

Thank you to everyone who came, ate, and shared in this fun evening. Here’s to many more sobremesas to come!

Hasta luego (Until next time)

Emily

P.S. Stay tuned for the next blog post, where I’ll dive into the details of the tablescape and decor that brought this dinner to life!