What Cuba has done for me. Part 1

When I graduated The Culinary Institute of America, in 1984, all I wanted to do, was to get into a great kitchen and cook!

My parents had an alternative idea. They told me that I needed to get a business education, so I could understand more than just food.

I was pissed, at first, but their suggestion was perfect.

I headed to Miami, to go to Florida International University.

It was an incredible experience. It taught me to look at food, not only as an art, but also as a business.

While I was working at The Grand Bay Hotel, in Coconut grove, and hanging out in different areas of Miami, I immersed myself into The Latin Culture.

I frequented, Calle Ocho (otherwise known as 8^th street) for the delicious, "inexpensive" food, to get my shirts from, Ramon Puig Guayaberas and of course, to check out the Latinas and listen to the incredible music of Cuba.

I graduated in 1986 and my mom came down to see me.

We went to http://lacarreta.com/ on 8^th street and when the bill came, I paid.

It was such a great feeling  to pay for me and my mom.

This was the beginning of how Cuba altered my life.

Stay tuned for part 2 of what Cuba has done for me.