The day of our reunion is finally nearing. What started out as a backyard pig roast using Manny Ariza's caja china promises to be a night we'll all remember.
Yesterday I had my final meeting at Sony. We had final discussions of the placement of the band, tables and chairs, the bars and food. Taking care of the final details, making choices out of our options, doing the best to assure that everyone will be able to comfortably enjoy our special evening. Decisions, decisions.
Knowing that any one of us might have made any given decision I made differently my one hope is that the party goes well and that most people enjoy it without too many complaints. After all, planning a party of this size and importance in two-month's time is hardly optimal but with mostly good attitudes and good vibes we'll accomplish what we've set out to do and be all the better for it. We'll have the opportunity to embrace each other once again, laugh together and express our friendship and love for one another. Oh yeah, and enjoy some fabulous entertainment and music.
If I had to do it all over again knowing what I know now I would probably set the entry fee higher. Scratch that. I should have set the entry fee higher. After all it would have been groovy to have an administrative assistant, bookkeeper and one of those fabulous, stressed out event planners. But the reunion grew like wildfire and in this economy I wanted to keep the cost low to make sure everyone who wanted to attend could do so. We've done good in this area. No one interested in attending will miss our special evening.
While more money would have made this better I know that most of us will agree that the venue is FABULOUS. We are fortunate to be able to have our "little" party at Sony and the weather prediction for Saturday night is the usual great Southern California weather we all love.
There will be seating indoors and outdoors. There will be a bar outside where the band will be set-up, a bar and food inside the room at Sony named the Rita Hayworth Room, or Rita's, which you'll find a short distance from the band. The Rita Hayworth Room is a beautiful art deco decorated room. It will be a good setting for those who want to chat more than they would like to dance yet close enough to the music to hear it loud and clear.
This indoor/setting still has me concerned but I think it will turn out to be alright. It seemed optimal a couple of weeks ago when the evenings in Culver City were cold. Still Rita's will shelter from the weather and it really is an awesome setting for talk, laughter and sharing. Don't forget to bring pictures to share with your friends!!
BARTENDERS WILL BE ON DUTY AT 6:45 PM. I suggest arriving between 6:30 and 7. Please keep in mind that with over 200 guests there will be a line at the gate to get in so be patient. ID may not be required I was told yesterday but bring it just in case please. PARKING IS FREE.
Once you're on the lot you will enter the left and then make a right on the first studio street. You'll see the red carpet and ropes, the outdoor tables and chairs and a well lit marquee which is the entrance to the Rita Hayworth Room, you'll see the stage just past Rita's.
The food stations will open at 7:30 PM. It is a special Cuban Flare menu that Wolfgang Puck Catering is preparing for our reunion. It includes pork, garlic chicken, rice, beans and plantains. Desert will be cake from Porto's bakery that is being donated by Tony and Yolanda Garcia of Professional Carpet Layers. Thank you for your generosity Tony and Yolanda! It is very much appreciated. I have no doubt everyone will enjoy the cakes. I've done business with Tony before when remodeling a recreation room. He provided our carpeting and did a fabulous job. Tony can be reached at (310) 836-4748.
We will also have Porto's croquetas de jamon, bocaditos and papa rellenas. They are being generously donated by Raymond Garcia and Ivet Sanchez. Two life-long friends who have joined together to give us this Porto's treat. We could not have a real Cuban party without bocaditos. Thank you Raymond and Ivet for your generosity and for adding a touch to our reunion that we could not do without.
Our old friend Danny Medina of Liborio's Market has sponsored the band. Look for the Liboria's banners which we will proudly display with gratitude and pride. You've done good Danny! Can't wait to see you. Look for Danny and his lovely wife Randy at their table near the stage.
Our announcements and entertainment will start around 7:30 PM. These will include giving thanks to the businesses who have expressed their affection for us by sponsoring and making our reunion better than it would otherwise be without them. The announcements will be done in Spanish by Luis-Leon Capa who has fearlessly agreed to take the stage. He is not only handsome (but ladies, uhum....single) and I'm told by his sister Dulce Leon-Capa an excellent public speaker. I know he'll be great.
The help of Dulce and Luis have given me has been indispensable. Dulce has used her pen as it it were a machete to improve my writing leaving my blurbs looking like "a sea of red". That is a private joke. Luckily, she did not correct my writing as much as I feared she would being the fabulous editor that she is. Maybe her red pen ran out of ink. The best part is that she works cheap. She knows English grammar as good as any Gringa. So much so I suggested she consider doing it for a living. The frustrated writer in me THANKS you Dulce. You are not only great at what you do but a hoot to work with!
When it came time to do some Spanish translation Dulce recommended Luis. I relied on him to translate a Press Release about our event that I had drafted. Luis can work magic with words, or is it that our language is simply beautiful? I think it's both. Thank You Luis for making our Spanish press release read so beautifully.
During our announcements and introductions we will enjoy a poem written and recited by Agustin Prado. We all remember Agustin as the owner of Prado Signs and the choreographer of the comparzas danced at the Cuban Sports Club and at Fiesta La Ballona. He was also very involved in Culver City organizations as President of the CC Chamber of Commerce and as President of the Lions Club. Agustin has not only been a man about town in Culver City, a community leader, and superb business man but he has now also authored a book of poems titled Rapsodias de mis Memorias. His book includes poems about his love for Cuba, America, friends and family and it's dedicated to the memory of his son Michael who died at the age of 13 from cancer. Michael's Friend's Foundation, the charity that Agustin and his wife Mayra established in memory of Michael, continues to raise funds to purchase bicycles and school supplies for children who live in low-income households.
Next we will enjoy a very beautiful Spanish Dancer who is hot from the word go! She will be accompanied by a Spanish guitarist. The Spanish dancer and guitarist have been made possible by Dr. Gina Gonzales. Beautiful Gina. Not only a successful, self-actualized woman but one who knows how to have fun! Love you Gina! Thank you so very much for bringing Celina Zanbon to us. Those of you who are too curious to wait can look up Celina at www.celinazambon.net. Those of you need a great dentist can contact Gina at Santa Monica Esthetic Dentistry (310) 451-5557. In the meantime, look for Gina having a great time at the reunion!!
Last but not least, the dancing will start with the long anticipated reunion of Los Gringos. Did you know they started out as simply Gringos but in time as they continued to be referred to as Los Gringos they decided to change their name. The 4 original members are still part of the band but they are now a band of 8 members and they are great!! Seeing them again will not only bring back memories but it will make the entire evening worthwhile. Their new band is great and just as fun to dance to as they used to be so dust off your dancing shoes ladies and gentlemen it's.........Los Gringos? Yes, we'll announce the results of the Name of the Band Survey that evening. Many of you have voted but many have not. Please take the time to do so before Saturday at http://tinyurl.com/ccreunion2009 The band will play until 11PM.
We have a few other business sponsors. Johnny's Pastrami was our first one. They are sending two guests to the reunion. Two guests who should not be surprised to see some of us enjoy a pastrami with Swiss after the reunion. Can't forget the hot mustard! Luis Montesdeoca, owner of Havana Mania, donated the table centerpieces and is giving us Tostones Rellenos for the reunion. He will not be able to join us because he will be in Miami with his family this week but yummy! The trick for me will be to serve them warm. John Delgado of Delgado and Associates gave funds to cover the costs of those who could not afford to join us. John has been helping his clients negotiate down their debt with the IRS for 17 years. He can be reached at (408) 288-6900. Last but not least we have a sponsorship from Just Right Plumbing. The company that my son works for. Please look for us at a table near the stage so I can introduce you to my children and grandchildren and the most beautiful lady that will attend the reunion, the mother of my grandchildren. Hey I know who to be nice too!!
I want to thank all of you who have been so supportive of our reunion and offered me help. Your moral support and Radio Bemba, word-spreading, has been invaluable and made this reunion a successful one. Thank you for your help. A special thanks to those of you who allowed me to vent and allowed me to bend your year when I was stressed and a deeply grateful BIG thank you to those of you who wrote every once in a while and just asked how I was doing or complimented me. You made a big difference to me. Some of the names I remember are Marcela, Marita N., Norma Fernandez Stiller, Liz Stergious, my friend and "sister" Milly Santa Cruz, her friend Stan, Pete Sanchez and Lulu but I'm sure there were others. I apologize for not remembering you now. Thanks to those of you who responded to me when I asked for your opinions. A lot of you were the M's in my saved email addresses. Maite, Marita, Marcia......Quick question......Isel, Julio, Barbara, Dulce. I would ask about.....table linen color, start time, cost. Questions that seem silly to me now but from my very first Radio Bemba posting I wrote that I wanted to include others because it was OUR reunion so I'm thankful to those who graciously shared your opinions, thoughts, ideas and your time for the benefit of our reunion.
A sincere thanks to Jorge Gonzales who has been my moral support during this time. He was my go to guy for venting and called me regularly to see how I was doing. See it does help to remain friends with all your exes. Thank you Jorge and thank you for picking up the plantains this Saturday. Muah!
A deep and endless thanks to my new good friend Ivet Sanchez Flexon. There has been hardly a day in the last 2 months that has gone by that Ivet and I didn't talk about the reunion. Her help and morale support has truly been invaluable to me. She has not only been my right hand assisting with the RSVPs and posting reminders but she has been creative, classy and fun offering up the perfect idea or solution when I needed it most. Ivet, I don't know how to truly thank you. Your help to me has been priceless! I'm definitely going to have to buy you a drink! Hah! Can't wait to see you girlfriend. Thank you for your gracious donation of Cuban goodies from Portos and the posters size reproduction of the Cuban Sports Club Boletin Mensual. I'm looking forward to seeing how you decide who you will share them with at the end of the evening.
Each of us will walk away from the reunion with some good memories. For me the best memory of this journey will remain the old friendships that have been reignited and the new friendships that have been formed. I'm very happy to have re-established my old special friendships like my friendship with Lulu, a renewed friendship that was the very spark that started this reunion when she called me one day after not having seen each other for 13 years and saying, "I'll be in Los Angeles on August 26th". Somehow in my mind that registered as, "time to schedule a reunion of our friends". I feared I had lost forever my girlfriend Milly Santa Cruz but she will be at the reunion. I always wondered how Robert Gonzalez was all these years. He is just fine and will join us. I am so looking forward to seeing my old boss and friend Michael Gold. I know I have left out some names but I will not fail at giving out many great big hugs when I see the happy souls that have become a part of my life because of this reunion. My new friends include my Facebook friends Ivet, Marcela Delgado, Liz, Lorena Garcia who I have had countless discussions with about religion which I have enjoyed. I have deep respect for you Lorena and so wish you would join us. My new Facebook friends also include Isabel Cristy Bella Sanchez who so graciously shared the story of her uncle with me so that we could post it on the blog and who is a real hoot!! The others are Manny Rodriguez and his lovely wife, Elloy, Carlos and Maricel who I met on Manny's boat and who have arrived from Cuba less than 5 years ago. They're very interesting to speak to. I strongly recommend you look for them at the reunion. I include Marita and Isel on mhy list of new friends becasue we were not friends back in the days. Talk about fun girls to party with! Thanks for sharing the story about your family for the blog. Thank you to Dulce as well. 125 Capas Wow! Last but not least I now have a new "little brother", Julio Santa Cruz. Can't wait to see you and meet your family. Love you.
Please look on the sidebar Reunion Update for the final posting about the location, time, parking etc. See you all on Saturday.
It's time to Party!! Someone buy me a drink! I think I need one.
Peace. Love.
C.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
For CC Cubans Who are Traveling to the Reunion
What has taken the CC Redevelopment Agency decades to actualize has come to pass and even with government and committees involved they've have done a fantastic job! Downtown CC has become a mecca of restaurants that are mostly good.
First things first, if you're in the mood for fine dining make reservations now for Fraiche. It is across from the Culver Hotel and by far the best restaurant in downtown CC. It is the CC fine dining experience.
Up the street and east of Fraiche where Culver turns back into Washington is Wilson's Food and Wine. This is one of the number of restaurants owned by a relative of someone famous. In this case it's a relative of one of the Beach Boys. Wilson's is at least as good, if not better than Fraiche, and at least as pricey. Another fine dining experience with prices to match.
For not so fine dining Novecento on Main Street next to the old La Ballona Restaurant which is still there offers better than average Italian food at reasonable prices. Ugo's one block west is busier. It's smack dab in the middle of downtown CC. They have a popular outdoor eating area. Their "Italian" food is average but won't disappoint. They also have a wine bar where wine lovers can order a multitude of wines by the glass as does Bottle Rock next to La Ballona Restaurant on Main Street and I hear Bottle Rock has a good happy hour. Thanks for the hot tip Marcela.
Whip around to Tender Greens going west of Ugo's on Culver for a great salad. Tender Greens is very popular. They have great salads and pretty good cupcakes for desert. You can also find cupcakes at Hotcakes on Centinela at Washington near B&B and Pacos Restaurant.
Next door to Tender Greens is Ford's Filling Station owned by Harrison Ford's son. Ford's gets mixed reviews. I like it. The best plates are the flat bread pizza, their better than average fish and chips and for those who indulge their steak tartar.
Rush Street is a bar across the street on the south side of Culver is a few doors down from the new art deco movie and theater and the Culver Hotel. It's a good bar with average bar food. They have a lounge upstairs that is cozy and they play classic rock and roll. It's one of the new hot spots.
Father's Office another bar is up the street in the Old Helms Bakery Building. They have the best burger in town bar none albeit they serve it their way, and only their way, no exceptions, don't even ask, as it says on their menu. The only other great burger in town is made by my son Chris. Father's Office also has a good selection of beers.
Le Dejonaise also in the old Helm's Bakery building is great for breakfast as is S&W Country Diner back on Washington at the end of the block where Brotman Hospital can still be found. The first offers a lighter fare and Mimosas, the latter heartier food. At S&W's you can get biscuits with gravy and fried tomatoes. A French or country breakfast take your pick. They're both good as is Dolce Vita next to the Taco Bell on Culver and Braddock. They get creative with their French toast. They make it with croissants! Try it or consider making it that way at home one day. Yumm.
The best sushi in Culver City is Sushi Karen on Washington across from Culver Center and directly across CC's Best Buys. Yokahama in Culver Center is less pricey and will do well enough.
Exotic foods can be found on Fairfax where there are multiple Ethiopian Restaurants. Try them, you'll like 'em. Ethiopian food is eaten without silverware. While you're in the area be sure to visit The Grove. It's a fabulous new shopping center attached to the old Farmer's Market which is still there. Visiting both is a treat. You can walk between the two or take the very short trolley ride. There are plenty of good places to eat at either and a bit of shopping including a Nordstrom's.
Reyhan Persian Grill in CC on Jefferson just west of Slauson is a good Persian restaurant but they serve no alcohol. The best Indian food is in Santa Monica at Gate of India.
Last but certainly not least, there are 3 Starbucks in CC. One one Washington and Overland where the Ships Restaurant once was, one in downtown CC on Culver just east of Duquesne, and one in the Pavillion's supermarket on Jefferson at Sawtelle - and of course there is still Tito's and Johnnie's Pastrami. A Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf can be found on National at Sepulveda just north of Charnock Road Elementary School.
Points of Interest:
The old Meralta theater is now an office plaza, the old Culver theater is now the Kirk Douglas Theater and playhouse as is the Ivy Substation where Culver meets Venice. The best new building is CC's new City Hall. It's still on the corner of Duquesne and Culver but the only thing remaining from the last City Hall is the arch in front of the building.
Those of you who recall the old Toppers in Santa Monica in the Huntley Hotel can still see their great view but now it's called the Penthouse and it is as they bill it, a chic ultra lounge. It's chi-chi and the best place for a view of the coastline north and south.
I hope those of you who are visiting from near and not so far take a stroll through downtown CC. If you're interested in something I haven't mentioned just whistle. I know LA, and our restaurants, all too well.
First things first, if you're in the mood for fine dining make reservations now for Fraiche. It is across from the Culver Hotel and by far the best restaurant in downtown CC. It is the CC fine dining experience.
Up the street and east of Fraiche where Culver turns back into Washington is Wilson's Food and Wine. This is one of the number of restaurants owned by a relative of someone famous. In this case it's a relative of one of the Beach Boys. Wilson's is at least as good, if not better than Fraiche, and at least as pricey. Another fine dining experience with prices to match.
For not so fine dining Novecento on Main Street next to the old La Ballona Restaurant which is still there offers better than average Italian food at reasonable prices. Ugo's one block west is busier. It's smack dab in the middle of downtown CC. They have a popular outdoor eating area. Their "Italian" food is average but won't disappoint. They also have a wine bar where wine lovers can order a multitude of wines by the glass as does Bottle Rock next to La Ballona Restaurant on Main Street and I hear Bottle Rock has a good happy hour. Thanks for the hot tip Marcela.
Whip around to Tender Greens going west of Ugo's on Culver for a great salad. Tender Greens is very popular. They have great salads and pretty good cupcakes for desert. You can also find cupcakes at Hotcakes on Centinela at Washington near B&B and Pacos Restaurant.
Next door to Tender Greens is Ford's Filling Station owned by Harrison Ford's son. Ford's gets mixed reviews. I like it. The best plates are the flat bread pizza, their better than average fish and chips and for those who indulge their steak tartar.
Rush Street is a bar across the street on the south side of Culver is a few doors down from the new art deco movie and theater and the Culver Hotel. It's a good bar with average bar food. They have a lounge upstairs that is cozy and they play classic rock and roll. It's one of the new hot spots.
Father's Office another bar is up the street in the Old Helms Bakery Building. They have the best burger in town bar none albeit they serve it their way, and only their way, no exceptions, don't even ask, as it says on their menu. The only other great burger in town is made by my son Chris. Father's Office also has a good selection of beers.
Le Dejonaise also in the old Helm's Bakery building is great for breakfast as is S&W Country Diner back on Washington at the end of the block where Brotman Hospital can still be found. The first offers a lighter fare and Mimosas, the latter heartier food. At S&W's you can get biscuits with gravy and fried tomatoes. A French or country breakfast take your pick. They're both good as is Dolce Vita next to the Taco Bell on Culver and Braddock. They get creative with their French toast. They make it with croissants! Try it or consider making it that way at home one day. Yumm.
The best sushi in Culver City is Sushi Karen on Washington across from Culver Center and directly across CC's Best Buys. Yokahama in Culver Center is less pricey and will do well enough.
Exotic foods can be found on Fairfax where there are multiple Ethiopian Restaurants. Try them, you'll like 'em. Ethiopian food is eaten without silverware. While you're in the area be sure to visit The Grove. It's a fabulous new shopping center attached to the old Farmer's Market which is still there. Visiting both is a treat. You can walk between the two or take the very short trolley ride. There are plenty of good places to eat at either and a bit of shopping including a Nordstrom's.
Reyhan Persian Grill in CC on Jefferson just west of Slauson is a good Persian restaurant but they serve no alcohol. The best Indian food is in Santa Monica at Gate of India.
Last but certainly not least, there are 3 Starbucks in CC. One one Washington and Overland where the Ships Restaurant once was, one in downtown CC on Culver just east of Duquesne, and one in the Pavillion's supermarket on Jefferson at Sawtelle - and of course there is still Tito's and Johnnie's Pastrami. A Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf can be found on National at Sepulveda just north of Charnock Road Elementary School.
Points of Interest:
The old Meralta theater is now an office plaza, the old Culver theater is now the Kirk Douglas Theater and playhouse as is the Ivy Substation where Culver meets Venice. The best new building is CC's new City Hall. It's still on the corner of Duquesne and Culver but the only thing remaining from the last City Hall is the arch in front of the building.
Those of you who recall the old Toppers in Santa Monica in the Huntley Hotel can still see their great view but now it's called the Penthouse and it is as they bill it, a chic ultra lounge. It's chi-chi and the best place for a view of the coastline north and south.
I hope those of you who are visiting from near and not so far take a stroll through downtown CC. If you're interested in something I haven't mentioned just whistle. I know LA, and our restaurants, all too well.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
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