My maternal abuelita and abuelito (grandmother and grandfather) came to the United States when they were very young. They met and married in Tampa, Florida. Abuelita had an especially hard life for having been so young and came to the United States on a boat by herself at the age of 12. Despite her hardships, she always maintained a positive attitude and had an immense sense of humor! She had a joie de vivre that had no peers. I loved spending time with them.
Abuelita was always ready to celebrate, party and adventure out. As kids, my cousins and I didn’t have to ask twice if she and abuelito would take us on a picnic. She was ready to go at any moment. We were fortunate that in Tampa, you could pretty much picnic year round.
But, when she thought picnic, she didn’t think hot dogs or simple sandwiches. She would make a pot of arroz con pollo (saffron rice and chicken) and bistec en cazuela (potted steak; check out the recipe for Bistec En Cazuela (Potted Steak) in the recipe page of this site), pack loaves of Cuban bread (the kind originated and still only made in Tampa) along with all kinds of snacks; not snacks like chips and nuts. She brought imported bonito, smoked mussels, sardines in escabeche, and crackers. The bistec en cazuela made great sandwiches on the Cuban bread. It was a feast to behold and all set in a beautiful park. Don’t get me wrong, there were times we did take hot dogs and hamburgers and the usual suspects, but for the most part, she loved to cook delicious food.
Most of the time we would picnic in Lowry Park.
If we didn’t have a lot of time we would do it in nearby DeSoto Park.
When there was enough time and planning we would sometimes meet my Great Uncle and Aunt, Joe and Aida Sanchez, in Silver Springs
and spend an entire day picnicking and riding on the glass bottom boats.
My cousin and I, left front, were thick as thieves and it was always a joy to be with my grandparents, especially in special places like Silver Springs.
My grandparents built unforgettable memories for us. And so many of those involved food and how much I learned from her. I have so many to tell!