There are few places that can boast being authentically 'Floridian' quite like Bib Gourmand Otto’s High Dive. “The idea was to pay homage to our family’s Café and Rum bar, La Barra Polar, that flourished in Manzanillo, Cuba during the 1950s and early 60s,” says co-owner Justin Levaughn, who along with Giovanni and Elise Fernandez, Sean Pagan, and Christopher Munro, make Otto's High Dive the hit that it is today. “It’s the embodiment of the aesthetic and heart of old Cuba, while looking forward to the future as Floridians.”
Embracing their environment, Levaughn alongside the culinary team headed by Jake Ettison, put the spotlight on the menu filled with a variety of Cuban classics (think: ropa vieja or mojo chicken) coupled with a selection of local Florida seafood. “We strive to bring a surprising, fresh take while maintaining the integrity of the dish,” Levaughn explains. “Finished with a comfortable selection of Latin desserts and pastries to pair with our coffee program, we aim for a complete and singular dining and drinking experience.” It's that masterful balance that's catapulted Otto's on the gastronomic scene in Orlando.
The dishes run the gamut with everything from chicharrones to Florida orange tres leches. However, one standout is the mojo pork sandwich with eggs. “We open roast and harvest the pigs out on our patio for guests to see us build the sandwich from scratch,” says Levaughn. “It’s dressed in our Otto’s sauce, mojo aioli, pickled red onion, fried egg, and fresh baked Cuban bread. It’s a hit all around.” Other highlights include the ropa vieja, where fattier cuts of short rib are marinated and stewed with olives, onions, garlic confit; and the shrimp cocktail, where Argentinian Red Shrimp is paired with zesty cocktail sauce and housemate ketchup. "It's often overlooked," says Levaughn, noting, "Argentinian Red Shrimp are one of the most flavor dense shrimp in the world due to their nutrient rich environment in which they are harvested." Beyond the plate, the sauce is good enough to drink, which Levaughn realized and expanded upon for the brunch Bloody Mary.
While the dishes on the menu may be mesmerizing, no Cuban meal is complete without rum. Boasting one of Orlando’s most extensive rum selections, the cocktail program places an emphasis on rum and education. “The cocktails individually retain ingredients and elements that tie the cocktail either back to Cuba and Cuban history, or to Florida terroir,” says Levaughn. “No brands are listed and cocktails instead are presented solely giving the style and region of the spirit," he explains. "This encourages dialogue between the staff and the guest about what goes into each spirit.”
Besides rum, Otto's High Dive also offers a wine program focused on Spanish grapes, and an all espresso-based coffee program where exclusively Cuban coffee drinks are on offer. "We have a custom roasted bean for us that is more of a crema, dark chocolate, and toffee noted aromas, yielding itself wonderfully to any Espresso, Cortadito, Colada, or even in our table side Mocha Pot service."
If you couldn’t tell already, everything here takes cues from Cuba. From the menu, to the decor, to the cocktails, each touchpoint has Latin flair. "Every aspect is given close attention to a total sensory engagement experience," says Levaughn. "The design is to look intentionally aged but with the bones having unique textiles and mason work such as Green Onyx, zebra marble, brass trimming, and sea foam leather." Inside, restored old photos and art from the family's bar in Manzanillo pepper the walls.
Amping up the vibe is the soundtrack, a balance between old Cuban and Latin classics sprinkled with some lively Calypso, Salsa, and Afro-Cuban jazz. "We mix up the old music with modern tropical toned indie music to help break up any sense of monotony and repetitiveness."
And while the vibe and food are equally compelling, for Levaughn, the company is what makes a meal memorable. “The best way to enjoy Cuban food is shared amongst family and friends,” says Levaughn adding, “a cool outdoor breeze and an abundance of cocktails before, during, and after your meal and fresh coffee sips of rum to settle the stomach to round out the night.” With everything Otto’s High Dive offers, it’s hard to disagree.
Hero image: Erin Miller/Otto's High Dive
