On Friday, Judy Woodruff’s PBS News Hour features two journalists’ expressing their opinions about the political and social scene. Jonathan Capehart is an attractive, handsome, assured Black man who works for the Washington Post. Articulate, witty, and very serious, he made me more aware once again how hard it is to be Black in the U. S. A. Mr. Capehart referred to the recent Black killings by police. He talked about Blacks wanting the justice that’s granted to Whites. He said he was afraid to leave his apartment. Driving is dangerous for Blacks. They are questioned by cops without reason. This reminded me of a Black family that lived in my building. Whenever the father and son entered the elevator, the Black father always went in front of his big Black teenager son to shield him from White eyes.

Coppelia is open! It’s a hot Cuban diner on 14th Street and Seventh Avenue. You can sit outside in the tiny enclosed porch or inside in the colorful, Cuban decor. The wait staff is efficient, friendly but not too, and the food is great.

Years ago, I made a brief trip to Cuba. Flying from Miami to Havana was like crossing a pond. Havana is a magical name and I was going there. It reminded me of Venice before it was surrounded by cruise ships and inundated with tourists and touristy paraphernalia. BUT the food was deeply disappointing. Maybe all the good Cuban cooks have moved to 14th Street and Seventh Ave. 

Back to Coppelia’s menu. I have a dear crazy friend who maintains a diet of kale, fries and two ice teas. At Cappelia her detailed instructions are followed without a murmur. I go for deeply fried chicken coated in buttermilk and a Modelo.