A Cuban Breakfast.
The palm, of course, is the key note for decoration, as it is the characteristic plant of the tropics. But in order to be true to the scheme in mind, that is, to make your surroundings appear truly southern and create a local atmosphere, a marked difference should be made between the arrangement of our usual American interior and the room which aims at the imitation of a Cuban home. Light and air are most important, the factors sine qua non, and the scene of the Almuerzo (breakfast) should not recall the hot house, the conservatory, nor the dimly lighted, heavily curtained apartment of our northern dwellings. There should be space, plenty of windows, the fewest possible hangings, and these light in weight and color.
For the mantel and table decorations dwarf palms are very effective, while larger ones of many varieties are appropriate for corners and other available places. Very pretty souvenirs can be made of small palm leaf fans. A Cuban landscape and the name of a guest are painted thereon, and tiny Cuban and American flags tied on the handle make a neat finish.
As most of the dishes served will be new to the guests, it is advisable to have at each place a menu card where they may see how the dishes are called, that they may not only relish them knowingly but remember their excellence.
The hour for breakfast is noon, although it may be taken as late as one o'clock.
Here is a typical breakfast which can be easily reproduced with the material at our command.
Almuerzo
Olives
Aeles Sausage
Eggs in Revoltillo
Boiled Rice
Fried Plantains
Fish in Escabeche
New Potatoes
Tenderloin Steak
Lettuce Salad
Guava Paste and Fresh Cheese
Cocoanut Desert
Fruit
Coffee
The olives should be served with cracked ice; the Aeles sausage (imported) in very thin slices.