Huntington High School Spanish teacher Devin Wentt accompanied a group of her Spanish III class students to Huntington Station restaurant Rincon Criollo for a “little taste of Cuba.”
“The students were especially excited to dine there after learning that the authentic Cuban eatery was previously featured on the Food Network’s hit show ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,’” said Mrs. Wentt, who was joined on the field trip by Carineh Mendez, a Town of Huntington coordinator and community service worker.
“That’s one of my favorite shows; I love Guy Fieri” one student said she looked at the picture of the famed restauranteur hanging in the dining room.
Rincon Criollo owner Rudy Acosta treated the students to a three course feast, which featured a variety of authentic Cuban dishes, including croquetas de jamon, arroz con pollo, ropa vieja, two different kinds of rice and beans, tres leches cake and flan, just to name a few.
The students quickly learned all about Cuban hospitality while Mr. Acosta and his dear mother served them each course. “Not only did they serve the students, but they also provided a little piece of their home country by breaking down the key ingredients in each dish, as Rudy had learned from his grandfather,” Mrs. Wentt said.
While the students enjoyed the feast, Mr. Acosta also provided them with a firsthand account of what life was like for his family back in Cuba and the harsh political climate that they faced and which ultimately made them leave to pursue their dreams in the United States.
The students enjoyed the experience so much that they didn’t want to leave the restaurant located on Jericho Turnpike not far from the mall. “Can I just call my family and tell them to meet me here”? a student joked as she savored the last bite of flan.
“The students thoroughly enjoyed themselves and look forward to more cultural learning experiences,” Mrs. Wentt said.
