Pictured, left to right, are Alexandra Jimenes, owner Joaquin Martinez, Patricia Peralta, Evelyn Peralta and state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez at the ribbon cutting ceremony on June 18.
Photo credit: Lisandra Rosario
SPRINGFIELD — There’s a place in town that’s known for its unique blend of Latin American, Caribbean, Puerto Rican, Mexican and Dominican flavors.
Cana & Café Bar & Restaurant, located at 141 State St., specializes in steak churrasco, seafood paellas and different varieties of Latino community food. With its authentic & traditional dishes, cocktails and entertainment, Cana & Café has become a destination place to visit in downtown Springfield. People are greeted with a smile and salsa music playing in the background which makes them want to dance.
This has always been a passion of owner Joaquin Martinez since he was 18 years old. He came to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 2005. Martinez started working in the restaurant industry in Puerto Rico as a waiter and kitchen helper and later moved to New York where he worked as a bartender in high clientele restaurants and bars.
In 2021 after visiting friends in Springfield, he decided to move to the town and opened Cana & Café. Martinez chose the name because cana is the dried up palm trees that they use to use in the Dominican Republic to create a roof for the people of low income who could not afford it and the meaning behind cafe was although they didn’t have sufficient funds, it was very nice to have coffee in their humble home. Because he worked in the New York restaurant area, Martinez saw the different varieties of Latino food created, so he implemented that in the restaurant.
“I implemented dishes from the Dominican Republic,” Martinez said. “A little bit of Cuban, Puerto Rican and Mexican food as well. I implemented mofongo which is a Puerto Rican dish made with crispy green plantains mashed with garlic, broth olive oil.”
He continued, “I wanted to introduce these dishes here to the Springfield, Massachusetts area because I saw that they did not have that type of variety and that is what makes Cana & Café unique.”
The go-to popular dishes are grilled octopus with baby potatoes, churrasco, linguine pasta,and tacos. Cana & Cafe does a lot of specialties. Sometimes they do Chofan, a Dominican style Chinese fried rice with chicken, shrimp, diced carrots, celery and onions.
On June 18, Cana & Café had a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating its third year in existence and received a citation from state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez (D-Springfield) on behalf of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Some of his favorite dishes at Cana & Café include the stuffed lobster, lamb chops, tasty ribs, Arroz con Pollo, a chicken and rice dish, and the tostones, which are crispy fried plantains.
“Having Cana & Café Restaurant in Springfield is important because it brings a taste of Latin American and Caribbean cuisine and adds to the rich diversity of food establishments in our community,” said Gonzalez. “It provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to experience the vibrant flavors and cultural diversity of Springfield. The restaurant also creates job opportunities for the local community and contributes to the local economy.” He went on to say, “Overall, Cana & Café enriches the Springfield community by offering a unique dining experience, promoting cultural diversity, and contributing to the local economy. Attracting visitors from all over New England.”
Martinez wants to continue introducing Latin cuisine to a variety of people especially to the Americans. He said a lot of Latinos already know his dishes and that’s one of his goals right now to introduce it to everyone and every culture. “It’s rewarding to have people compliment the dishes and having a great time at the restaurant bring me happiness,” Martinez said.
Cana & Café Bar & Restaurant is open Mondays, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Tuesdays to Fridays, 12 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturdays, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Sundays, 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. You can follow the business on Facebook and Instagram or call 413-301-8253.
