Versailles Restaurant
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
Please help improve this article or section by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page or at requests for expansion. (May 2008) |
Versailles Restaurant (commonly referred to as simply Versailles), cafeteria and restaurant, is a landmark eating establishment located on Calle Ocho in Little Havana, Miami. The large restaurant has ornate etched glass and statuettes and features a bakery, a takeout area, a counter window and the ability to host banquets and parties.[1] Versailles is a popular restaurant among locals and tourists for its high quality and reasonably priced Cuban cuisine.
[edit] Political significance
For decades, Versailles has been ground zero for the Cuban-American exile community in South Florida. The restaurant has been a gathering point for anti-Castro protesters and the press wanting to cover their opinions.[2][3]
During Fidel Castro's hospitalization in August 2006, the news media set up a small tent city outside the restaurant in case news would break from the location[4] Cuban-American politicians, including those from out-of-state like New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez, often hold fundraisers and rallies at the restaurant.[5]
[edit] References
- ^ Eric Asimov, CHOICE TABLES; A Fresh Breeze Sweeps Miami's Restaurant Scene, The New York Times, January 16, 2000.
- ^ Kirk Semple, For Cubans in U.S., Views Have Evolved, The New York Times, February 20, 2008.
- ^ Versailles in Frommers Guide.
- ^ David Gonzales, From Miami, News Agency Fields Reports From Cuba, The New York Times, August 4, 2006.
- ^ David W. Chen, Menendez Plays to His Base, in South Florida, The New York Times, September 28, 2006.
