LEFT: Café Habana’s grilled corn
CAFÉ HABANA
Environmentally conscious restaurateur Sean Meenan has partnered with his sister, Leslie, and nightlife impresario Rande Gerber to bring his beloved Soho restaurant, Café Habana, to the Left Coast—setting up shop at the Malibu Lumber Yard.
The menu boasts many of the same delicious ethnic flavors as the NYC locale, such as the Mexican-style grilled corn and the Cubano sandwich with pulled pork, smoked ham and Swiss cheese; but also look for dishes unique to the new location, including grilled mahimahi tacos and a selection of ceviche. As part of Meenan’s commitment to running an environmentally sound business, he employs green design elements, including using repurposed wood for a communal dining table and benches throughout the restaurant as well as having his staff wear eco-friendly outfits from local designers. And while Café Habana has roots in the East, an outdoor terrace enveloped by tropical plants and a large, splashy mural by LA artist Shepard Fairey make this a decidedly California establishment. If you don’t make it up the coast often, don’t worry: A Venice outpost is already in the works. Malibu Lumber Yard, 3939 Cross Creek Road, cafehabana.com—L.M.
