“I NEVER HAD BARBECUE BEFORE.”
In Cuba, they do not have barbecue like we know it. It was only after Alfredo Rosales literally won the immigration lottery and was able to come to America that he was able to enjoy barbecue (and freedom).
“I had some ribs at Tony Roma’s (a chain) and thought this was the most wonderful thing I’ve ever had. Then a friend brought me here. I’ve been coming back every day since.” (Image 36)
Image 36
In Cuba, Alfredo had the title of Animal System Engineer, a very responsible position for meat distribution on the island. Then, on August 3, 1995, he came to this country with his wife, Lissett, and daughter, Ana Isabel. They settled in the Little Havana district of Miami, where he went to work for an uncle who owned a Mr. Food convenience store.
Alfredo worked hard and saved his money. And spent his free time at Uncle Tom’s Barbecue, his new home away from home in his new homeland.
Since 1948, Uncle Tom’s has been the one constant in Little Havana, even before it was called Little Havana. Uncle Tom’s has not abandoned its barbecue heritage, but has added a Cuban twist. You can get some ’cue with a side order of fried plantains, or cassava with garlic sauce.
“The barbecue has not changed one bit,” a woman at the next table assured me as she enjoyed a big plate of ribs. “I’ve been coming here since I was a little girl in the late 1950s.” (Image 37 and Image 38)
Image 37: Uncle Tom’s Barbecue 3988 SW 8th Street • Coral Gables, FL 33174 • (305)445-0844
Image 38
Alfredo tells me, “I found out the owners wanted to sell the place. I could not let this opportunity pass. So with money I had saved from working for my uncle and a loan from the Terra Bank [The Commercial Bank of Nicaragua], I was able to get this place.
“This is the greatest country in the world. I am so happy to be here. You have the freedom to do anything you want,” Alfredo says with pride.
“My daughter is in high school and she wants to be an artist or a graphic designer. That is okay with me. I think she should be able to do whatever she wants. She is 100 percent American.”
Alfredo is generously sharing his good fortune and hard work with others. The latest is his cousin Eudaldo. Just four months ago, he too migrated from Cuba. He is seeing first-hand the bounty that this land has to offer (and the barbecue).
ALFREDO ROSALES’ UNCLE TOM’S CASSAVA WITH GARLIC SAUCE
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Multiply ingredients by number of people to be served.
Boil water in a pot big enough to accommodate however many cassavas (yucas) you will be preparing. Let them boil for a good 20 minutes, until soft.
Garlic Sauce: In a small frying pan on moderate heat, mix appropriate portions of olive oil, garlic and lemon juice. Mix together.