On March 9, a lunch connoisseurs was held at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. It was hosted by Dale and Terri Satterlee.
From what I heard from those who attended, the food was delicious, and they had several dishes to choose from. The menu was varied with quite a bit of Cuban influence. Before people placed their order, Cuban bread, plus butter, was served to each individual table. Salads were out of this world, as they are known for their house salads.
From what Terri mentioned to me, the fact was that 51 residents and friends attended this lunch connoisseur.
The restaurant was set up in a way where there were 10 or 12 people at a table, and there were several tables. Terri went on to say that there were Spanish tiles on the outside of the restaurant and partially inside. She also said that there was a huge chandelier when you first walked in the restaurant, and she also mentioned that the waiters were dressed formally. This restaurant was established in 1903 and has the same family running it.
A few days later, on March 11, a volunteer lunch was held at the community center and hosted by Chuck Carlson. Close to 80 people attended.
Everyone was greeted with “thank you” signs posted throughout the community center and cute “thank you” cards, with a table number, on each individual table.
Before table numbers were called, Jim Leitzke said grace, while the people attending observed a moment of silence. There were several helpers in the kitchen, and everyone had a specific job, so everything ran smoothly and efficiently.
These helpers included Ron and Joyce Bell, Chuck and Shirley Carlson, Ron and Rachel Gamache, and Mim and Terry Gardner.
In addition to the delicious hamburgers with buns, they had tomatoes, lettuce, onions, baked beans, potato salad, Cole slaw, cake and ice cream, plus coffee and lemonade.
There was much conversation among all of the people who attended, and some people played dominoes after the meal.
A great time was had by all. Thanks go out to all who participated in this lunch.
By Helen Rubenstein, Grand Horizons
