Versailles restaurant facts for kids
Versailles restaurant is a famous place to eat in Miami, Florida. It's located on a well-known street called Calle Ocho (8th St) in an area called Little Havana. This large restaurant can seat 370 people. It has beautiful etched glass and statues. Versailles also has a bakery, a place to get food to go, and a counter where you can order. It can even host big parties!
Felipe A. Valls Sr. from Santiago de Cuba started Versailles in 1971. It's a very popular spot for both local Cuban families and tourists. People love its Cuban food and its special connection to the Cuban community in Miami.
Delicious Cuban Food at Versailles
Versailles is a favorite spot for enjoying Cuban food and meeting up with friends in Miami. You can get quick treats at their walk-up window. These include "cafecito" (a strong Cuban coffee) and "cortadito" (a small coffee with milk). They also serve tasty Cuban pastries, like ones filled with beef or guava, and crispy "croquetas".
Inside the main dining room, the restaurant offers many delicious dishes. Some popular choices are Moros (rice and black beans mixed together) and palomilla steaks (thin Cuban steaks). You can also try "maduros" (sweet fried plantains) and tasajo (dried beef). Other favorites include croquetas made from yuca and tamal en cazuela (a corn dish). There's also milanesa, which is breaded meat. Next to the restaurant, you'll find a bakery and a counter for take-out orders. There's also plenty of space for meetings and events.
A Special Gathering Place
For many years, Versailles has been a very important place for the Cuban-American community in South Florida. It has become a central spot where people gather to talk about important events. News reporters often come here to hear what the community thinks about different topics.
For example, when Fidel Castro was in the hospital in August 2006, news teams set up tents outside the restaurant. They waited there in case any big news came out. Cuban-American politicians, even those from other states like New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez, often hold meetings and events at Versailles. They come to talk with the community.
When Fidel Castro's death was announced in November 2016, many people gathered in front of Versailles. They celebrated for hours, showing how important this place is to the community.
See also
In Spanish: Versailles (restaurante) para niños
