DAVID ARDELEAN
David Ardelean works with his husband at the HavAnna Cafe (havannacafe.com) restaurant in Chokoloskee, Florida that features fresh, authentic Cuban and cracker cuisine. Heโs been the Executive Chef there for over a year now. Before that, he worked at the craft cocktail lounge in Wilton Manors named Drynk Bar and Lounge. When asked about the challenges of living and working together he says: we are growing more and
more in love [every day].
David Ardelean, Executive Chef at HavAnna Cafe (Photo by Rachel Covello)
Who are some of your culinary role models?
Definitely love me some boss mode Gordon Ramsey, but I know he’s more of a TV personality than a real world person. Real world culinary inspiration comes from Chef Sami Rodriguez, who is the HBIC at Love and Spice in Miami. He’s a passionate Puerto Rican who makes love with food.
What is your motto or philosophy when it comes to food?
Food heals and sustains. So when it is lovingly prepared and paid attention to, that in turn influences the people enjoying the meal. I go as old school as possible making everything from scratch, plus I’m lucky to work in a restaurant on an island in the Everglades surrounded by millions of acres of wilderness, so the natural beauty and serenity relaxes folks. Early on in my culinary training I remember the saying โGood Food ain’t Fast, and Fast Food Ain’t Good,โ so I take a deep breath and enjoy the culinary journey.
What is one of your proudest signature creations in the kitchen?
So, I’ve got this signature Criollo sauce I make that’s FIRE with any seafood, though we usually serve it up with shrimp and seasonal Stone Crabs. Imagine a Creole sauce but under Latin Caribbean influences. I mean Criollo translates to savage in English, and I think it comes from Puerto Rico, but that’s what makes it so good and popular out here in the Everglades. On the flat top I char equal parts tomatoes, onions, red peppers and serranos. Then it’s blended with melted butter and oyster base and marinated on the stovetop for 20 minutes, and it’s good to go. When I just need an in-between snack, I’ll pour a ladle of Criollo over Rice and just go to town.
Which celebrity or well-known person would you most love to see come in and enjoy your food?
If Gloria Estefan would come to our restaurant and enjoy peel โn eat shrimp, a Cuban sandwich, pastelito or cafecito, I’d be a somebody on the South Florida Cuban food scene.
What are some of your favorite local restaurants?
In Naples I love eating out at Bistro 821 on 5th Ave. Here in the Everglades, I love eating at Camilia Street Grill, but that’s also because that’s where my husband and I exchanged nuptials, so it has a significant meaning to me.
What are some local food or beverage products that visitors should bring back home with them?
Definitely Cuban croquettas, pastelitos, or our home-made empanadas. They heat well for later, and make amazing late night snacks.
Why is Naples such a great place for people who love food?
It’s beautiful down here. The natural wonders of the 10,000 islands, Florida Everglades, and those epic SW Gulf sunsets will create unforgettable memories that you’ll go to on those dreary gloomy days. The fish and seafood are amazing, especially the stone crab which is endemic to and a local favorite down here!
