Local restaurateurs Nick and Alison Schaffer, along with decorated Tucson chef Janet Balderas and sous chef and native Cuban Patricia Espinosa, are gearing up for the Mojo Cuban Kitchen & Rum Bar’s debut.
The tastes, sounds, and atmosphere of Havana will be on full display and open to the public beginning on Sunday, October 30.
Over the past few months, the restaurant located at 1929 E. Grant Rd. has been renovating the former Viva El Caribe Restaurant & Lounge spot near Campbell Avenue. The corner is becoming a hot spot for delicious bites with the long-standing Upper Crust Pizza and the newly reopened Karuna’s Thai Plate.
Mojo, which is pronounced mo-ho and means “Caribbean garlic sauce” in Spanish, will be serving up a menu that’s a nod to Cuban culinary traditions, but expect to get a taste of some modern expressions on your plate, too.
The official menu has yet to be released but you can bet on finding a line-up of Cuban comforts like ropa vieja, empanadas, fried yuca, mojo chicken, and the quintessential Cubano sandwich.
“With my family’s background, our love of Cuban food, culture, and traditions, and the opportunity to respectfully build this concept in one of Southern Arizona’s treasured historic neighborhoods, we felt that this was the perfect time and place to launch our new business, one that will transport our guests from midtown Tucson to the heart of Havana,” said Nick Schaffer, co-owner of Mojo Cuban Kitchen.
At the full-service bar, prepare yourself for a collection of rums designed both for sipping and mixing up traditional cocktails. Mojitos, Cuba Libres, Piña Coladas, and Daquiris — all drinks Ernest Hemingway would’ve enjoyed while living near Havana.
The hours of operation have yet to be determined but expect an announcement soon.
Mojo Cuban Kitchen & Rum Bar is located at 1929 E. Grant Rd. For more information, visit mojocuban.com and Follow Mojo Cuban Kitch on Instagram and Facebook.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
