In the old Las Brisas neighborhood, now part of the town of Buenaventura*, the protagonist of "Today's Interview" was born to peasant parents who instilled in him the main values of society, including respect, love for one's neighbor, simplicity, honesty, and above all, hard work—principles that make him beloved in his hometown and that have helped him raise his lovely family. He is Adel Torres Carralero, whom I visited one of the cool mornings in February at his home on Enramada Street in the Centro Escolar neighborhood. He kindly agreed to an interview, arranged some time ago, as this native of Calixto García has dedicated 53 of his 74 years to the culinary arts, mostly as a bartender.
Donald: Adel, thank you for your kindness in agreeing to the interview. I wanted you to tell us about your beginnings in this wonderful world of drinks and cocktails.
Adel: I started at El Trópico Bar, which was near the gas station here in Buenaventura. The first thing I did was vacuum the bar and clean the bathrooms. When I finished, I'd sneak into the bar to help out with whatever was needed, and that's how I learned the trade. They kicked me out of there several times because I was underage, but I kept coming back. When I turned 18, and because of my persistence, they finally gave me a job earning 3 pesos. Then they raised my pay to 6 and then 12 until I was drafted into the military.
[Master of the art of mixology] Master of the art of mixology
Donald: Once you returned from military service, which restaurant did you start working at?
Adel: After I was discharged from the service, it just so happened that they needed a clerk at the Social Club, which operated in what is now the House of Culture. I joined them in the canteen, mainly selling soft drinks and sweets because they didn't sell many beverages. I remember Rigo Vera working there, serving the staff who came, and there was a Pim Pom table for the younger people. People went there to relax because there was a television and comfortable seating. It was a welcoming place and very popular with the residents of Buenaventura.
