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Cafe Habana, NYC

I can't remember the first time I ate here, but I remember how the food tastes. A friend of mine who used to live on the upper east side would come down specifically to have the corn. Usually it was near impossible to convince him to approach areas where the streets were named, not numbered. For a while I was working nearby and started to go with greater frequency. These days, I'm back to going mainly when I crave it.

This photo was taken at the annex next to the restaurant proper. It's a smaller takeaway, with a counter along one side, and a few tables dotting a tiny dining area. A counter is set against the window, with stools set up so you can watch the daily drama on the street while you enjoy your torta.

Something about this place calls the summer to mind; meeting friends for corn and tortas and trying to balance the plates on your knees while you sit on an outside bench. At lunchtimes, the lines can be long, the dining room crowded with people waiting to order or waiting on their orders. Just writing about it makes me think about heading over there now.

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Posted 18 Aug 2008   |   Photography + design © Eugene Kuo // 226.