"In a culture where meals revolve heavily around meat, it’s hard to find vegan or vegetarian Cuban food. La Semilla has menu items like a vegetarian Cubano that looks identical to the real thing, a “bistec” de palomilla made of mushrooms, and seitan “ham” croquetas with vegan mayo ketchup. Sophia Marchese, the restaurant’s owner, is Cuban on her mother’s side, and says many of La Semilla’s dishes are “abuelita-approved.” Her grandmother, who resides in Atlanta, is Marchese’s last living relative from Cuba and avidly supports the business. Cuban-style drinks on the menu include the Semilla mojito, the non-alcoholic Pearl Island iced tea, and other rum- and sugarcane-based cocktails." - Allison Ramirez