Cafe Havana, Smithtown: Closed, for now

Cafe Havana, the Latin Smithtown spot with faux palms and a rousing salsa-driven nightlife, has gone quiet. A message online reads: “Due to a temporary renovation, our restaurant will be closed until further notice .?.?. We look forward to seeing you all again!”

Five months ago, last time I visited the place, it had just started serving breakfast. And back in 2008, when the restaurant first opened, I recall being especially taken with its vibrant seviche and Caribbean mofongo — mashed, spiced garlicky fried green plantain topped with juicy skirt steak.

Cafe Havana is on the stretch of West Jericho Turnpike that's east of the Sunken Meadow Parkway but west of downtown Smithtown.