Kristy Socarras Bigelow, who opened Cuba Cuba in the heart of the Golden Triangle in 2001, is a poster child for the American Dream. A Cuban-American from Miami whose family didn’t allow her to go to college and who had little restaurant experience, she decided to create a Cuban-influenced eatery in two little conjoined Victorian houses. Socarras Bigelow has since opened several fast-casual spinoffs, but the original still charms with its tiny but friendly bar that specializes in mojitos and a fabulous shaded patio. ($$$)