Vol. 04, Issue 12, December 15th 2018 - January 15th 2019
® Your community. Your magazine. ™ Dedicated to a community passionate about where they live and the small businesses who serve them
This Independent Community News, Business & Dining Guide Is Directly Mailed Once Each Month To:
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La Tropicana
A Cuban Landmark in the Heart of Ybor City By Cerelina Rivera
Cuban culture infuses Ybor City’s dining scene, and located in the heart of all the action lies one of the city’s tastiest and oldest Cuban restaurants in town, La Tropicana Cafe.
The sprawling restaurant has been dishing up authentic Cuban food for more than 50 years and has earned its mark as the city’s iconic Cuban establishment. With so many places closing just as quickly as they open, La Tropicana Cafe renews the faith of foodies across town. The charming local landmark first opened its doors right across their current location, back in 1963. In the 60s, the restaurant was well known for hosting new immigrants and allowing guests to partake in illegal “Bolita” games. Bolita (Spanish for Little Ball), is a type of lottery which was popular in the latter 19th and early 20th centuries in Cuba and among Florida’s working class Hispanic, Italian and African-American population. It was in the early 1970s when La Tropicana moved locations, and they have not left since then.
Conveniently located at 1822 E. Seventh Ave. La Tropicana Cafe is a staple in the heart of Ybor City with a loyal clientele, some of which have been coming to satisfy their Cuban cravings for over five decades. “I have been coming to La Tropicana since I was a young child back in the mid-1980s. Their Cuban Sandwich and stuffed potato defines a level of excellence for me that few other Cuban restaurants have been able to match. One of Tampa’s best, you will not leave hungry or disappointed.” -Robert M. Some of the staff members at La Tropicana Cafe have been working there for many years; such is the case of the current manager, Bobby Caballero. “I came from Cuba when I was a teenager. I did not know any English and didn’t know much about the restaurant business,” says Bobby. “I was lucky to have landed a job bustling tables here at La Tropicana Cafe over 30 years ago… and then… I never left.” Bobby is now a Jack of all trades at La Tropicana. You can see him preparing meals, cleaning tables, greeting customers, and overall making sure that everyone’s See “La Tropicana” on page 4
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With the holidays comes the pure joy of spending quality time with family and friends, often those that live far away. For my husband Matthew and I, this will be our first time hosting a Christmas party at our new home. Christmas is my favorite time of the year, and I enjoy spending time with our relatives and close friends, so I jumped at the chance to have everyone over for this magical Holiday. Little did I know what I was getting myself into! I knew we would have to entertain a lot of people since my husband has a big, wonderful family, but I was not counting on having some of my own relatives fly all the way from Italy and others from Venezuela so they could come and spend the Holidays with us. What an unexpected, nerve wrecking blessing! Add my sister’s husband’s family that’s coming down from Maine and my sister in law’s husband’s Cuban family to the mix, and we have around 51 guests coming over and one big MULTICULTURAL CHRISTMAS PARTY in the making! My mother and I are coming up with a “multicultural” Christmas menu. There will be something for everyone to enjoy.
To avoid over spending on gifts, we decided to do a “White Elephant” gift exchange and limit the gift budget to $25. The White Elephant Exchange and Secret Santa are great ways to ensure everyone receives a little something without breaking the bank. If you have a lot of relatives or friends coming over as well, you should give it a try! It is more of an “adult” thing though, so you may still need to buy your nieces and nephews a little something. It’s been over a decade since I spent the Holidays with some of these relatives coming over, and it will be the very first time our families are meeting each other. A lot has changed in the past ten years... we’ve lost quite a few loved ones, but we’ve gained well over 50 amazing relatives and a multitude of amazing friends! I really look forward to Christmas day. Incredible people from different generations, backgrounds, nationalities, and ethnicities interacting with one another, telling stories, sharing laughs and making new, beautiful memories… that’s what the Holidays are all about. Christmas should not be about lavish gifts, the best gift of all is the presence
of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. Before I wrap up, I want to say Happy Early Birthday to my cousin Jose Francisco! Jose is turning 23 on Christmas day, so we’re having a cake to celebrate not only Jesus’ birthday but Jose’s as well. Jose Francisco has always been like a brother to me, he was the one who flew from Italy back in September 2017 to walk me down the aisle at Sacred Heart church, after my father unexpectedly passed away a couple of months before my wedding day. Jose I love you a lot, I hope you know how much you mean to me. To all of our readers with either big or small families, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you for your support in 2018, we look forward to a new year delivering the best local news in the Tampa Bay area. Remember...the memories you make with the ones you love is not just an important thing, it’s everything!
Carla Selby.
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“La Tropicana”-
continued from page 1
experience at La Tropicana Cafe is one to be remembered. So what can you expect from one of Tampa’s longestrunning restaurants? A timeless design and a delicious menu concept that’s built to last, a roster of famous clientele (often including former presidents, mob members, and celebrities), and a history that includes several different owners with
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similar goals and dreams. “Let me give you the straight scoop on this place,” says frequent customer Eric L. “The food is excellent, authentic and priced very reasonably. The staff is amicable, courteous and prompt. The place is historic and mobsters used to hang out here, per TV documentaries. When you walk in, you almost
feel you are going back in time...pretty cool. I’ve been coming here for over 20 years and when I want authentic Hispanic food or Cafe con leche with toasted, buttered Cuban bread, I make the 20-minute drive without a second thought. This place is so good that previous presidents of the United States have made a point to come here when in town...just ask Bobby Caballero to see the pics when you come in…try it
and you will be hooked.” Eric is right about a lot of things. But more than these quantitative characteristics, La Tropicana has lasted this long due to unique qualities that are much harder to define. It is not just the food, but the nostalgia and tradition that keeps people coming back for more. Stop by La Tropicana Cafe early in the morning to see a fun, diverse crowd sipping
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cortaditos and enjoying a serving of Cuban toast loaded with butter. If you’re stopping by for breakfast, Bobby says “You have to get some toasty ‘Pan Con Mantequilla’ (Cuban Toast with butter) and a Cafe Con Leche. They have been the most famous breakfast items since the place first opened.” You can enjoy traditional breakfast items such as eggs, hash browns, bacon, and some delicious omelets. If you have a big appetite in the mornings, make sure you get yourself a Cuban breakfast sandwich. This sandwich is made with three eggs on toasty Cuban bread, with your choice of bacon, sausage, chorizo or ham, and topped with melted Swiss or American cheese. As the lunch hours approach, La Tropicana whips up a nice selection of Cuban-style sandwiches including their famous classic Cubano, the Media Noche, the Roast Pork Sandwich (thinly sliced with mojo sauce) or the Breaded Fried Fish amongst others. Other lunch options include their famous deviled crabs, black bean soup, Spanish bean soup, roast pork, palomilla steak, ropa vieja and many
more Cuban traditional dishes. Some of the House specialties include Pork Tamales, stuffed potatoes (perfect match between picadillo and mashed potato) and the “Cuco Special,” a bowl of black beans and white rice or Spanish bean soup and a small “Bebe Special Cuban.” “I absolutely love this place! My boyfriend introduced me to the manager, Bobby Caballero; he makes the best coffee ever, it is absolutely the best in Ybor City. The food is really good and affordable. Whenever we are in the mood for a fantastic Cuban Sandwich, a delicious deviled crab, or a stuffed potato, we always visit this cozy, no-frills restaurant. Service is friendly and they treat you like family! What else can you ask for?” Meg R. The current owner, Gio Pena, suggests you stop by for the most amazing Cuban sandwich you’ll ever have. “We are proud of our Cuban Sandwich. It is one of the most popular lunch options and the reason why so many people come to visit us,” Gio says. The Cuban bread comes fresh daily from “La Segunda Bakery,” and
it is loaded with baked ham, roasted pork, Genoa salami and Swiss cheese. You could have it the traditional way, or add a twist by ordering it with lettuce and tomatoes. “Make sure you start with a deviled crab,” Gio added. “They are the talk of the town!” “In my opinion hands down the best deviled crabs and stuffed potatoes in Tampa!!! There is no other than the ‘Trop’ for deviled crab. Their Spanish bean soup is also so delectable it will leave you craving a second bowl.” Richard R. For dessert, you can indulge in some delicious guava pastries or more traditional options like flan or a homemade bread pudding.
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Gio, Bobby and the entire staff at La Tropicana Cafe would like to thank everyone who has supported the establishment throughout the years. “We feel incredibly lucky to have the community’s support. We couldn’t do this without you, so thank you, from the bottom of our hearts,” says Gio. “We hope to see you soon. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!” La Tropicana Cafe is located at 1822 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605. For more information and hours of operation visit https:// la-tropicana-cuban-cafe. business.site/ or call (813) 247-4040.
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Brazils Waxing Center, Professional Waxing in a Judgment-Free, Body-Positive Zone At Brazils Waxing Center Tampa, they believe everyone deserves to feel good about themselves, especially during the Holiday season. They welcome clients of all ages and body types regardless of gender, and focus solely on waxing services. This enables them to concentrate their passion of helping you get the silky smooth skin you have always wanted. “I am so excited to finally have Brazils Waxing Center here in Tampa! My technician did an amazing job! There was no pain and I love how smooth and glowing my skin looks and feels afterwards! I will most definitely go every month - The facility is very clean and conveniently located, they offer amazing deals and package pricing for their services.” - Michelle M. Brazils Waxing Center’s six-step hair removal process was designed for maximum effectiveness with minimal discomfort. The exclusive process starts with the use of an antiseptic cleanser with lavender essential oil. The technician will apply a pre-wax oil to act as a hydrating barrier on your skin that won’t clog pores. Their specially formulated Elate Skincare hard wax is then applied. This hard wax sits above your skin, adhering only to the hair shaft, not to you. This creates less discomfort than traditional waxing methods. Brazils Wax is antiinflammatory and anti-bacterial, so is perfect even for those with sensitive skin. Post-wax
oil is applied next to rehydrate the skin and clear your pores. You will also be given a warm washcloth to soothe your skin and remove any residual wax. The final step is Elates repair, which relieves discomfort and calms the skin. Brazils Waxing Center’s trained technicians are experienced, understanding, non-judgmental and will help you remove unwanted hair from any area in your face or body. All staff members are down-toearth and approachable, so you can feel comfortable, even if you’ve never had a professional wax before. They will help you with any questions or concerns and explain the entire process, so you can be more at ease. “It was my first time getting waxed so I was very nervous going in. I don’t know a lot of men that wax, so I was fearful of judgment as I wanted many body parts waxed. My tech was very professional and made me feel very comfortable with her cheerful personality. I have very sensitive skin but my technician did a great job without irritating my skin and leaving it silky smooth. I think I can get used to this, so I will be back soon!” John F.
Stop fighting with your razor and get glowing, silky smooth skin for the Holidays! Call Brazils Waxing Center Tampa, at 813-425-1621.
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Chris DeBari of CDB Injury Law - Your Trusted, Neighborhood Attorney
Chris DeBari is a true professional and an invaluable member of our network. Mr. DeBari is a wealth of information and is one of those guys whose knowledge and impeccable reputation proceed him when he walks into a room. With over 15 years of knowledge and experience as an advocate for the injured in the Tampa Bay Area and their families, Mr. DeBari has you and your loved ones covered. Chris DeBari’s takes great care and pride in educating the members of our community on subjects that will protect them and their families. He is truly there for his clients and constantly offers helpful advice and genuinely enjoys keeping our community in the know when it comes to their rights, actively blogging on social media about subjects that impact us all.
“I’m an attorney who fights for the rights of the injured. I’m aggressive, experienced and above all, I do what’s best for my client. It may sound cliche or overused but I truly believe in treating all my clients like family,” says Chris. When you hire CDB Injury Law, Mr. DeBari is YOUR attorney. So many people make their decision on hiring a lawyer based on big buildings, billboards or other slick advertisements, only to be disappointed to find out that the lawyer they think they hired has handed off the case to someone who typically has much less experience. This will never happen to you when you entrust your case to CDB. His law practice’s motto is “It’s personal to me because it’s personal to you.” I genuinely understand what
you’re going through and as my client, you will never be treated like as a number. It’s my mission to give each and every one of my clients the individual and personalized attention they deserve.” Mr. DeBari wants to make sure you’re protected, especially during the holiday season. He asked to have some valuable information about the myths surrounding full coverage insurance be included in this article. That’s just who he is, and speaks volumes to his character. This article is supposed to be all about him and his firm, but in true CDB fashion, Chris would like to provide you with the great information below. Enjoy!
THE MYTH OF FULL COVERAGE
As a personal injury lawyer, I speak to people every day about insurance coverage and the best way to protect themselves and their families in case of an accident. Many of them are fooled by disreputable insurance agents who promise them full coverage and only sell them a policy which covers $ 10,000 in PIP, or No-Fault benefits and $10,000 dollars in property damage liability. While legally this constitutes sufficient coverage to operate an automobile in the state of Florida, it is by no means “full” or even adequate coverage. So what types of coverage should you carry to protect your family? 1st - Make sure you carry adequate bodily injury Insurance. This is the type of
PERSONAL INJURY CRIMINAL DEFENSE DUI
"It's personal to me, because it's personal to you!" The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.
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Chris Debari & Wife, Deri Debari insurance you carry in case you cause a motor vehicle accident where others are injured. This type of coverage can be purchased in increments of 10,000/20,000, 25,000/50,000 etc. all the way up to the limits allowable by your insurance company. 2nd - Consider adding medical payment coverage or Med Pay to your policy in order to supplement your no-fault benefits. This is a contractual coverage which allows you to have, say an extra 5,000.00 to 10,000.00 to cover additional medical expenses. 3rd - But perhaps most importantly, carry adequate UM/UIM Coverage. This means uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This is the type of coverage you must have on your policy and will help you in the event you were injured by someone who does not have bodily injury insurance or adequate bodily injury insurance to address your medical needs or the medical needs of your loved
ones or friends. You must carry bodily injury insurance in order to carry uninsured motorist so make sure that you do. If you’re carrying bodily injury insurance the only way you would not be sold uninsured motorist coverage is if you waive it in a separate document called an uninsured motorist coverage waiver. When you see this document, never, and I mean never, apt to have no uninsured motorist coverage limits. Always opt for uninsured motorist coverage anytime you take out an automobile insurance policy. You have the option of purchasing individual uninsured motorist limits or stacking them times the number of vehicles you own. This is the best way to make sure that you are always covered in the event something bad happens to you or someone you care about. Call the Law Offices of Chris DeBari for more information on how to best protect your family at (727) 656-7852 today.
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