Dr . Shawn Robinson
Yvonne Yolie Capin
My Abuelo ’ s homecoming after many months at sea as a Merchant Seaman . He would come home with velvet sacks filled with coins for my sister and me . From the time I was four years old I remember my Abuelo ’ s arrival back home to Tampa as a festive time at my Abuela ’ s house .
He would take me to the Silver Ring Restaurant on 7 th Avenue in Ybor City , “ this is the place where the sandwich is a toasted perfection ” he would say and he was right . He ’ d place his order for several of the perfections and we would rush back home with sacks full of deliciousness . My Abuela Mercedes , my Sister , Mom ,
Dad , Uncles and Aunt were all waiting for me and Abuelo ’ s return carrying those perfectly toasted Tampa Cuban Sandwiches , YUM !
First and foremost the bread must be Tampa ’ s original loaf , you can put anything on that bread and it is heaven . The sandwich should be oven toasted where the flavors of the different meats are warm and the Swiss cheese is almost melted .
Michelle Faedo ’ s Food Truck , Columbia Restaurant , The 4 th of July Café .
Richard Gonzmart
Richard Gonzmart : When I was three years old , sitting in the Columbia Café with my grandparents , Casimiro and Carmen Hernandez , Jr ., watching the sandwich maker thinly slicing the caramelized whole ham , then arranging the meats , cheese , pickles , cheese , etc on a fresh piece of La Segunda Cuban bread . I have always felt that it was the best Cuban Sandwich I have ever tasted in the world .
Richard Gonzmart : The blend of the culture and flavors of different immigrants in Tampa ( Ybor City ) make the Tampa Original Cuban Sandwich stand out from the others ( pretenders ). Each bite makes me think of the families who left their native home in search of the American Dream .
Richard Gonzmart : The Columbia Cuban Sandwich is traditional in how it was first prepared back in 1905 by my great grandfather Casimiro Hernandez , Jr . Non-Traditional is up to those trying to create their own legacy . I am only the caretaker , trying to preserve and maintain the standards established now for over 108 years .
Richard Gonzmart : Sigifredo Rojas “ Tranquilo ” Calderon ( 31 Years ), Ada Gonzalez ( 6 Years ), Kim Bursey , ( 4 Years )
Dr . Shawn Robinson
Dr . Shawn Robinson : My first Cuban Sandwich was a recent experience when I joined HCC about 5 years ago .
Dr . Shawn Robinson : The texture and mix of flavors are quite exciting . I enjoy the history and culture that Is brought together every time one is made .
Dr . Shawn Robinson : Traditional , most of the time . That is the kind of guy I am .
Dr . Shawn Robinson : a . Carmine ’ s b . The Columbia
c . La Segunda d . Brocato ’ s
Michelle Faedo
Michelle Faedo : The earliest memory I have of a Cuban sandwich is watching my grandmother make them and sell them to the Centro Asturiano crowd . I was about six years old .
Michelle Faedo : I think what makes it special is that it ’ s tradition and that it ’ s my history and anyone born and raised in Tampa knows that eating a Cuban every other day is norm for us growing up and there ’ s nothing like the flavors of a Cuban sandwich – nothing else compares .
Michelle Faedo : It just depends on what kind of mood I ’ m in .
Michelle Faedo : a . Faedo ’ s On The Go ! b . La Segunda c . Gean Anthony ’ s d . The Floridian