I can’t quite explain ( what a surprise) why this piece feels like old Cuba to me. Vaguely romantic, shabby, spicy, and chic all come together for me. You may have another idea.

I’m good with that.

I’ve never been to Cuba, nor have I done a very comprehensive dive into Cuban food, but what I’ve seen and tasted has been wonderful and complex, a blending of Spanish, African, and Caribbean flavors cooked long and slow.

That’s kind of what I wanted here. Exotic, spicy, and unhurried, both woman and dog. A tangy mixture of identities.