Javier Molinares
AL DÍA TODAY
MELBOURNE – From the lively streets of Cienfuegos, Cuba, to downtown Melbourne, Ahmed Rodríguez brings Cuban heritage to every dish at El Mojito Cuban Restaurant. The restaurant has been open for more than a year and is a local favorite, known for its Cuban food and lively atmosphere.
Ahmed Rodríguez, the owner, grew up with strong cooking traditions from Cuba. Born and raised in Cienfuegos, Ahmed learned to cook from his grandmother, María Victoria Díaz Suárez, known as Maro, who taught him Cuban cooking at the state-run restaurant Sueño Juventud.
“I studied at the School of Art Instructors in Cuba, but I’ve always been passionate about restaurants because of my grandmother, who was a chef since I was born,” recalls Ahmed.
He began his career in the arts, but his passion for gastronomy, influenced from a young age by his grandmother, led him into the restaurant world. His first experience in the field was at 18 at La Laguna del Cura in Cienfuegos, where he started as a kitchen assistant. He learned everything he could until he had the chance to work with his grandmother and deepen his culinary knowledge.
Later, he moved to the United States in search of a better future for his family, encouraged by his father, who had already settled in the country and claimed him as an immediate relative.
“I started working in garden maintenance, then I moved to cleaning floors and eventually became a kitchen installer at Home Depot,” said Ahmed.
A friend told Ahmed about a space available in the city center, giving him the chance to open El Mojito and start his journey as a restaurant owner.
El Mojito is more than just a restaurant; it’s a place to experience Cuban culture. During the day, it serves traditional Cuban dishes like churrasco and black beans, recipes from his grandmother. At night, it turns into a lively bar and nightclub, with Latin nights on Fridays and Saturdays, offering great food in a fun setting.
The mix of dining and dancing reflects Ahmed’s vision to share Cuban culture. His dedication to quality and authenticity has earned him five-star reviews on Google.
“Every dish we serve honors my grandmother and Cuban culinary traditions. Ahmed’s journey from a kitchen assistant in Cienfuegos to owning a restaurant in the U.S. shows his hard work and passion. El Mojito not only offers a taste of Cuba but also reflects his dream of sharing his heritage and building a community through food and dance.
Contact Information:
El Mojito Cuban Restaurant is located at 903 E New Haven Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901. They can be reached at (321) 327-7692. Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11 AM – 2 PM and 5 PM – 10 PM; Friday to Sunday, 11 AM – 11 PM.
As El Mojito continues to thrive, Ahmed hopes for ongoing support from both the local and Hispanic communities to keep the spirit of Cuban culture alive and vibrant. With each dish served and every night of dancing held, El Mojito invites everyone to join in a celebration of life, family, and the enduring bonds of a shared heritage.