Savory pulled pork, traditional Cuban salad and refreshing mojitos.  That’s just part of the feast planned at Marc Bohland’s place this Friday, which is Havana Night.  Marc loves to feed crowds and got his first taste of serving the masses at home where he made meals for his dozen siblings and parents.  Now he combines his love of cuisine and Cuba to not only party, but raise money for needed medical supplies for children battling cancer and other diseases in Havana. Nearly ten years ago, Marc and Robert Cacicedo’s started First-Hand Aid, a non-profit, volunteer driven effort to bring expertise and aid to the people of Cuba. You can help their mission continue and celebrate the spirit and palate of the Cuban people at Marc’s home 356 Maryland NE in Grand Rapids on June 12.  Strap on your salsa shoes and be ready to move to the music of Michigan’s “Orquesta Ritmo”.  Tickets are available at Schuler Books and Music, on line, www.firsthandaid.com and at the door.  Here’s a couple of refreshing recipes from Marc for cool Cuban salads for hot summer nights:

Traditional Cuban Salad:

Sliced avocados
Sliced Tomatoes
Sliced Cucumbers

Lay all three sliced out on a bed on finely chopped cabbage and cobe with vinegar mixed with a little sugar and oil.

Tropical Fruit Salad

Sliced Mangos
Sliced Papayas
Sliced Pineapple

Diced fresh mint   – mix all ingredients together and it gives you a cooling flavor because of the mint.