The CubaDupa festival - Cuba Street precinct’s lively celebration of its diverse and vibrant culture is back, with an exciting programme of events happening on 25 & 26 March. The theme for 2023, “Portal to a place”, is all about taking a “dive into another world”.
At Liberty, one of Wellington’s newest and already much-loved eateries located on Cuba Street, a slice of Spain is coming to CubaDupa. A distinctly Spanish tapas menu to bring the taste buds back to life, is paired with rare Spanish sherries and Sangria and of course special Spanish wines and beer. Not to be missed is a series of one off ‘unplugged’ sets from members of the NZSO, who will perform popular dances full of Latin flair and fizz at set times across the weekend. Or as they put it... "taking guests from Seville to Buenos Aires it's all fiesta, no siesta.”
Greq Squire, violinist for the NZSO says “We are very excited to be partnering with Liberty in one of the most colourful and creative corners of the capital. The mix of Spanish and Latin American music we have chosen encapsulates all that Liberty’s menu represents, spicy tongue tingling variety and flavour, flavour, flavour! Bring your castanets and flamenco dance shoes. Hagamos la fiesta! It’s going to be a blast!”
Liberty’s authentic tapas menu, created by Head chef Alex France, screams Spanish Osteria. Savoury options include Gilda (olives with chili peppers); Lomo Iberico de Bellota (dry cured pork loin) with Manchego toast, citrus and olive oil; Calamar Frito (fried calamari) with preserved lemon mayonnaise; Conejo Bomba (rabbit) with mojo picon; Ortez Anchovy with smoked tomato tostada; Queso Fresco (white cheese) with pimiento de plantano (yellow peppers) & rosemary; Jabali Chorizo with romesco and green olives; Grilled Pulpo (octopus) with mint salsa verde & white beans; Slow cooked Merino shoulder with apricot and salter thyme honey. Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy Basque cheesecake with plums & hazelnut; Crema Catalana (crème brûlée) with orange & rose.
Owners of Liberty and sister restaurant Logan Brown, Steve Logan and Shaun Clouston are looking forward to the festivities. Steve says, “CubaDupa is a wonderful celebration of our city and a great chance for people to enjoy a bit of escapism. Liberty wants to take people on a Spanish mini break to revive the spirits, without the packing and the jet lag!”
Guests are invited to stay a wee while or a long while. No need to book, drop ins are the way of CubaDupa.
NZSO performance times:
Saturday 25 March : 5.30 and 7.30pm
Sunday 26 March : 2.00pm
The Music:
Bizet; Act IV Entr’acte and Habanera from Carmen
Jacob do Bandolim; Noites Cariocas
Manuel de Falla; Nana from 7 popular Spanish songs
Angel Villodo; El Choclo
Trad from Mexico; La Bamba
Ends.