Turns out that Babalú Ayé is the name of a West African deity that came along with the thousands of people who were enslaved by Europeans anb brought to the Americas to labor. Ricky Ricardo, played by the-rather-caucasian Dezi (Desiderio) Arnaz brought it to this country from his native Cuba, but, alas, only for its entertainment value. Later, encouraged by the Castro regime, thousands of Cuban believers brought Babalú, Changó, Yemayá and many other African deities in their worship.

In Cuba and the Caribbean, as well as Brazil and other parts of America, the Africans managed to keep their religion and deities alive by mascarading them as Catholic Christian saints and icons. For example, Africans made La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre (the Virgen of Charity, the matron saint of Cuba), a proxy for Oshún. Changó became Santa Bárbara. And Babalú Ayé, San Lázaro (Saint Lazarus).

The Spaniards either didn’t catch on, or looked the other way, and the practice continued and was passed on as oral tradition. These days Cubans of all shades and colors know these deities and religion and they’ve been incorporated in popular song and culture. Many still worship them, too (and, no, it’s not voodoo, OK?).

So, where is the restaurant?

In any case, the restaurant was at 2030 Lombard, near Fillmore. They’ve closed for a while now.

Babaloo turned out to be a wonderful place. They describe it as “Cuban-style tapas,” but it is not like any Cuban food I’ve ever eaten. Nevertheless, all the dishes taste great and the presentation is very, very cool. Even the way the menu is introduced is very clever and fun. I highly recommend it.

The Reviews

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The Menu